Apply now for Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund 2026 (UK)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund supports small charities and community groups in Tower Hamlets working to improve the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged individuals and communities. A total of £50,000 is available, with grants of up to £5,000 for projects lasting up to one year.

About the Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund

The Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund supports high-quality charitable and voluntary work that improves the wellbeing of people and communities across the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The fund places particular emphasis on grassroots and community-level initiatives that understand and respond to the needs of people who are marginalised or disadvantaged. By providing targeted funding to smaller organisations, the programme aims to strengthen local capacity and encourage inclusive community engagement. What Does the Fund Support? The fund supports projects and activities that improve the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities in Tower Hamlets.

Priority is given to initiatives that:

- Support marginalised or disadvantaged individuals. - Address local community needs. - Improve community wellbeing. - Strengthen grassroots organisations. - Encourage inclusive community participation. - Provide charitable or voluntary support at the local level. Funding Available A total of £50,000 is available through the fund. Individual organisations can receive grants of up to £5,000. The grants can support projects and activities lasting for up to one year. Grants are expected to be awarded by December 2026. Priority for Small Charities and Community Groups The fund is particularly focused on small charities and community groups because these organisations often work directly with local residents and have a strong understanding of community needs. Priority will be given to organisations with annual incomes of up to £100,000. However, organisations with annual incomes of up to £250,000 can be eligible to apply, with lower-income organisations prioritised for funding. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be organisations working directly within Tower Hamlets.

Applicants must:

- Be a registered charity or community group. - Be based in Tower Hamlets. - Operate within Tower Hamlets. - Have an annual income of £250,000 or less. - Deliver work that benefits local people and communities. Organisations with lower annual incomes will receive priority. Focus on Marginalised and Disadvantaged Communities A central focus of the fund is supporting people and communities who experience disadvantage or marginalisation. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed activities respond to the needs of these communities and how the project will improve people’s lives or wellbeing. Grassroots projects that are closely connected to local residents are particularly relevant to the fund’s objectives. Community-Level Impact The fund aims to ensure that resources reach organisations working closest to the community. Small charities and community groups can use the funding to strengthen their ability to deliver targeted activities, engage residents, and respond to local needs. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and positive outcomes for people in Tower Hamlets. Project Duration Funded projects can run for up to 12 months. Applicants should therefore develop realistic activities and outcomes that can be delivered within a one-year period. The project plan should clearly explain how the grant will contribute to the proposed activities and community benefits. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly demonstrate the local need for the proposed project and the organisation’s ability to respond effectively.

Applicants should:

- Clearly identify the community need being addressed. - Explain how the project will benefit marginalised or disadvantaged people. - Demonstrate a strong connection with Tower Hamlets communities. - Explain the activities that will be delivered. - Provide realistic and achievable outcomes. - Show how the funding will strengthen local community work. - Demonstrate the organisation’s grassroots experience where relevant. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund? It is a small grants programme supporting charities and community groups in Tower Hamlets that work to improve the lives and wellbeing of marginalised or disadvantaged individuals and communities. How much funding is available? A total of £50,000 is available, with individual grants of up to £5,000. How long can funded projects last? Projects can last for up to one year. When will grants be awarded? Grants are expected to be awarded by December 2026. Who can apply? Registered charities and community groups based in and operating within Tower Hamlets can apply, provided their annual income is £250,000 or less. Are small organisations prioritised? Yes. Priority is given to organisations with annual incomes of up to £100,000. Organisations with lower incomes will be prioritised. What type of work does the fund support? The fund supports high-quality charitable and voluntary activities that improve wellbeing and address the needs of marginalised or disadvantaged people and communities. Can an organisation with an income above £100,000 apply? Yes. Organisations with annual incomes of up to £250,000 are eligible, although organisations with lower incomes will receive priority. Where must applicants be based? Eligible organisations must be based in Tower Hamlets and operate within the borough. What is the main aim of the fund? The fund aims to strengthen local capacity, support grassroots organisations, improve community wellbeing, and promote inclusive engagement among people and communities in Tower Hamlets. Conclusion The Wakefield Tetley Small Grants Fund provides up to £5,000 to charities and community groups in Tower Hamlets delivering projects that improve the lives of mar