GRANT ELIGIBILITY

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be a not-for-profit organisation, community group, or unincorporated association with a clear social purpose

  • Have a UK-based bank account in the organisation’s name

  • Be able to demonstrate community benefit, especially for marginalised or underrepresented groups

  • Align with at least one of PhilanthroPunks’ charitable aims:

    • Social inclusion and equality

    • Creative self-expression and cultural access

    • Environmental protection and sustainability

    • Grassroots education or activism

  • Be able to provide basic governance documents (e.g. constitution, safeguarding policy if working with vulnerable people)

  • Be willing to submit a short report on how the funds were used

Who Cannot Apply

We’re unable to fund:

  • Individuals

  • For-profit businesses or commercial ventures

  • Organisations without a UK bank account

  • Political parties or groups engaging in party-political campaigning

  • Organisations that promote discrimination or exclusion

  • Groups that cannot demonstrate public benefit

What You Can Spend the Grant On

We fund things that help you deliver your mission and create impact, including:

  • Equipment, materials, or venue hire

  • Artist or facilitator fees

  • Accessibility costs (e.g. BSL interpreters, transport)

  • Outreach, printing, or community engagement

  • Environmental or sustainability tools

  • Training or capacity-building for your group

What You Can’t Spend the Grant On

To stay compliant with charity law, grants cannot be used for:

  • Salaries for permanent staff (unless clearly project-based and time-limited)

  • Political campaigning or lobbying

  • Alcohol, parties, or personal gifts

  • Repaying debts or covering fines

  • Anything that benefits private individuals without clear public impact

Other Considerations

Duration of Project Delivery

  • We will need to know the duration of your project, and it must be completed within one year of receiving the grant.

Safeguarding (if applicable)

  • You will need to have a safeguarding policy in place if working with young people or vulnerable adults.

Insurance and Risk (if applicable)

  • You will need to hold appropriate insurance (e.g. public liability) if the project involves events or public interaction.

Partnership Declarations

  • If partnering with others, we would need confirmation that all collaborators are not-for-profit and aligned with our aims to ensure the grants are not indirectly funding ineligible or commercial entities.

Repeat Applications

  • Previous grant recipients must have submitted their end-of-project report before reapplying. While we welcome applications from previous recipients, we may prioritise other organisations who have never received funding from Philanthropunks.

Eligibility Checklist

Organisation Basics

  • [ ] We are a not-for-profit organisation, collective, or informal community group

  • [ ] We have a UK-based bank account in the organisation’s name

  • [ ] We are based in Newham, London UK, or our work will directly benefit Newham, London UK communities

  • [ ] We are not a commercial business or political party

Values and Purpose

  • [ ] Our project aligns with at least one of PhilanthroPunks’ charitable aims:

    • Social inclusion & equality

    • Creative expression & access to culture

    • Environmental action & sustainability

    • Grassroots education or activism

  • [ ] We can show that our work benefits the public, not private individuals

  • [ ] We do not promote discrimination, hate, or exclusion

Grant Management

  • [ ] We will use the funds for eligible costs (e.g. materials, access support, artist/facilitator fees)

  • [ ] We will not use funds for alcohol, private gifts, debts, political campaigning, or personal gain

  • [ ] We have a realistic timeline to deliver the project within (a maximum of one year) of receiving the grant

Accountability and Documentation

  • [ ] We have basic governance documents (e.g. constitution, project plan, safeguarding policy if relevant)

  • [ ] We can provide receipts or proof of spending

  • [ ] We will submit a short end-of-project report and budget summary

  • [ ] If partnering with others, all collaborators are not-for-profit and values-aligned

  • [ ] Previous grant recipients: we’ve submitted our final report before applying again

Risk and Safeguarding

  • [ ] We have a safeguarding policy in place (if working with children or vulnerable adults)

  • [ ] We hold or will obtain relevant insurance (e.g. public liability for events or physical spaces)