SYCF Small Grants Programme
The Small Grants Programme has now reopened on our new Grants Portal. Applications submitted (in full) before the 5th of January will be reviewed for a decision at the end of January. If your application is missing key information or submitted after the 5th, your application will be reviewed for a decision at the end of March.
New and existing groups will need to register on the grants portal. Please contact apreston@sycf.org.uk if you have any problems. Please also find out about drop-in support clinics on our website by clicking the "apply" tab.
These grants are intended for small, developing and less well-resourced groups and organisations from across South Yorkshire, where small amounts of funding can make a real difference. Groups applying for the programme should not have an annual income of more than £10,000.
Organisations / groups do not have to be a registered charity and the majority of grants are one-off payments of up to a £1,000.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations that can demonstrate how they will address some of the following needs to pay a for one-off event or equipment. If your group or activity will not meet these priorities listed below, you can still apply but it is less likely that you will receive funding from us.
We are interested in hearing from:
- Groups that respond to their communities’ needs.
- Activities or projects that will support people whose needs can be clearly demonstrated.
- Groups whose main activities focus upon the advancement of education, promotion of good health or the relief of poverty and sickness.
- Groups that work in collaboration with other local community groups.
- Activities or projects that will engage people who face discrimination or disadvantage.
- Activities or projects that will produce a wide range of benefits and provide good value for money.
How much?
Groups can apply for up to £1,000.
When can I apply?
The Small Grants Programme is rolling, but has set panel review dates at the end of January, March, June, September and December in 2026. These are the approximate times you can expect decisions to be sent to your organisation.
Please do keep a close eye on your emails in case the Programme Manager needs further information regarding your application or the attached documents.
When can we expect to find out if our application has been successful?
Once we have received your complete and eligible application, we aim to come back to you within 8-10 weeks.
How do I apply?
Read the guidance information and complete an application form online.
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
SYCF Due Diligence
You may find it useful to read through this document to find out more about how we assess your application and some of the reasons your application or organisation can meet the eligibility criteria for grant funding.
(PDF, 269 KB)
How we assess CICs or social enterprises
Advice for organisations incorporated on Companies House or those operating as a social enterprise.
(PDF, 234 KB)
South Yorkshire Community Foundation - Top 10 tips
(PDF, 29.4 KB)
Referee Form (General)
(DOC, 459 KB)
Contact Us
For any queries relating to this programme, you can contact the Team on grants@sycf.org.uk
Meet Adam
Adam provides insight and assistance relating to a variety of different projects including Salesforce and Microsoft 365 implementation, alongside climate related grants programmes. He also supports the grants team to deliver front-line support to help groups apply for funding. His working days are Monday to Friday.
Adam Preston
Grants and Projects Officer
Adam Preston's LinkedIn page