We know support with running costs is always needed, so for the next 5 years we’ll continue to support groups with core costs grants. This funding is for groups that deliver a vital service for local residents and need urgent support to continue its existing delivery of improving wider community wellbeing, especially supporting those most vulnerable.
This funding is only for not-for-profit organisations within the Severn Trent catchment region. If you’re unsure whether your organisation is within our region, you can check our map or your postcode.
Eligible charities and organisations can apply to be considered for a restricted core funding grant of between £5,000 - £20,000 for 1 year. We expect to be able to support around 55 organisations each year through two funding windows; May and November. Each window will be open for 1 month.
To give you an idea of the types of organisations we’ve supported so far, take a look at our annual reviews and awardee map. The types of organisations we’re able to support will likely be emergency relief services (e.g. foodbanks), health and medical support, housing and homelessness support, support for vulnerable populations and organisations that give employment and income assistance.
What are core costs?
Core costs are essential costs your organisation has to keep running. This might include management and administration, general office costs (rent and utilities), accountancy and audit, fundraising, communications and governance/compliance costs. You can apply to us to cover any of these costs.
Our core costs grants are awarded as restricted funding. They must be used to cover your organisation’s essential running expenses which you detail in your application.
What we can’t fund:
Check your organisation is eligible and fits our aims
Does your organisation run a vital service for the local community, especially supporting those most vulnerable?
Do you have a real and measurable impact on improving wider community wellbeing in our region?
Are you finding it hard to maintain your organisation's current activities and need urgent financial help to cover your running costs?
Existing applicants of Severn Trent Community Fund
If you are in your current grant period for new project funding, you can also apply for core funding support!
If you are in your current grant period for core funding, we’re sorry you cannot apply again while the grant period is still active. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is unlikely we will be able to support organisations twice with core funding.
Once you have checked your organisation and request is eligible, and read all our guidance, you are ready to get started. These are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Once you have submitted your application, your application will be assessed and prioritised by taking the following points into consideration:
If your application is ineligible or is not a strong fit for our criteria, we will let you know that your application has unfortunately not been successful.
Unfortunately, due to the high levels of applications we’re anticipating, if your application is not successful, the decision cannot be appealed and you won’t be able to apply to be considered for core funding support again this year.
Apply for funding
Each year we’ll have two funding windows; May and November. Each window will be open for 1 month.
We’ll update this webpage with the link ready for our first funding window in May 2025! If you would like to be notified when its open, please email communityfund@severntrent.co.uk.
Contact us
Our dedicated Fund Officers are here if you would like to discuss your funding request, chat through the application process and answer any questions you have.
We know how much work goes into applications and we want this to be worthwhile for you.