SYCF Community Grants
Applications to this grant are now open via our new system.
Deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026. Panels will be held at the end of April 2026 with decisions and monies distributed throughout May. Projects should not start before 1st June 2026.
Please visit our Apply here page for Teams drop-in session links if you have any queries or problems using the new system.
Introduction
The SYCF Community Grants Programme is made up of several funds provided by generous local donors. It is intended to support community groups and organisations across South Yorkshire, especially smaller, developing or less well-resourced organisations and grass-roots groups, where small amounts of funding can make a real difference.
How much can I apply for?
Up to £5,000, to be spent within one year of grant award.
What do we want to fund?
We want to fund organisations which will make a difference in their local neighbourhood, focusing on the following priorities:
- Education and learning
- Poverty deprivation
- Work and the local economy
- Health & well-being, including physical and mental health
- Homelessness
- Social isolation
- Supporting people with disabilities
Decisions on this grant will be made in April & May 2026. Please do not apply for activity that would take place before 1st May. Please contact us if you have any queries and please read the Guidance notes before applying.
What can I spend the money on?
- Capital work (e.g., equipment, building works or repairs, provided you own or lease the building/land being built on or repaired)
- Revenue, including room hire, volunteer expenses, sessional staff or salaries (e.g., extra hours for an existing staff member, or a short-term contract)
- Service provision, including e.g., materials, practical and specialist support for groups and activities.
Application Support
Please read our guidance notes below, answering questions you may have about this programme.
You can contact South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau for help or to fine tune your application with their 'Making A Good Application' leaflet
Community Grants Guidance Notes and Eligibility Criteria
Please read these before submitting an application.
(PDF, 206 KB)
South Yorkshire Community Foundation - Top 10 tips
Ten tips from South Yorkshire Community Foundation to help with your funding application
(PDF, 29.4 KB)
Contact Us
For queries relating to our Community Grants, please contact us on the details below or via our group inbox grants@sycf.org.uk.
Ummeed Group
The Ummeed group have been able to purchase appropriate reading books, cover the cost of a tutor and room hire costs for sessions that help women to break down the barriers in their lives.
Rotherham
Exodus
A grant of £1,500 allowed Exodus to run regular weekend camps for families, teaching family values and running family orientated activities. This also helped children and young people away from destructive activities.
Barnsley
Meet Jess
Jess is responsible for leading the team which delivers SYCF's Grants Programmes, focusing on improved ways of working and streamlining. Jess is the lead officer for managing our volunteer recruitment and training for panels - providing on-going support and an annual panel members event. Her working days are Tuesday to Friday.
Jess O'Neill
Grants and Partnerships Manager
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