Call for Applications: Clare Milne Trust Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 28-Sep-26

The Clare Milne Trust provides grants to registered charities and eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that benefit people with disabilities in Devon and Cornwall. Funding starts at £5,000, with no upper limit for registered charities, while Community Interest Companies and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to £14,999. What Is the Clare Milne Trust? The Clare Milne Trust supports organisations working to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Devon and Cornwall, England. The Trust funds a broad range of initiatives addressing different types of disability, including: - Physical disabilities. - Learning disabilities. - Mental health-related disabilities. - Sensory disabilities. The central consideration is the direct and tangible benefit to people with disabilities living in Devon or Cornwall. What Projects Does the Trust Support? The Trust accepts applications for a wide range of activities and organisational needs.

Potentially supported costs include:

- Community and social activities. - Advice and support services. - Disability support programmes. - Capital projects. - New equipment. - Building and improvement works. - Core organisational costs. - Staff salaries. - Training and development. - Other costs associated with delivering services for people with disabilities. Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed expenditure will improve outcomes for people with disabilities. How Much Funding Is Available? The minimum grant available is £5,000.

For registered charities:

- Grants start at £5,000. - There is no stated upper funding limit. For Community Interest Companies and other eligible not-for-profit organisations: - Grants can be requested up to £14,999. The Trust generally does not fund the entire cost of a project. Applicants should therefore demonstrate how they will meet the remaining costs through other funding, contributions, or fundraising. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants may include:

- Registered charities. - Community Interest Companies. - Other not-for-profit organisations, in some circumstances. The organisation’s proposed work must directly benefit people with disabilities in Devon or Cornwall. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear connection between their organisation, the proposed activities, and the communities they intend to support. Who Is Not Eligible? The Trust does not provide grants to: - Individuals. - Organisations proposing projects outside Devon or Cornwall. - Applicants whose proposed activities do not directly benefit people with disabilities. Applicants should carefully check their organisational and geographic eligibility before beginning a full application. What Does “Direct Benefit” Mean? A key consideration is whether the proposed project produces a meaningful benefit for people with disabilities in Devon or Cornwall.

Applicants should explain:

- Who will benefit. - What disability-related needs the project addresses. - How many people are expected to benefit. - What services or activities will be provided. - What improvements the project is expected to create. A strong application should make this connection clear rather than simply describing the organisation’s general work. Can the Grant Fund Capital Projects? Yes. The Clare Milne Trust can support capital projects, including new equipment and building work. For capital funding requests, applicants should provide relevant supporting information, including: - Quotes. - Project plans. - Details of the proposed work. - A clear explanation of how the investment will benefit people with disabilities. Capital expenditure should be directly connected to the project’s disability-related objectives. Can the Grant Pay for Salaries and Core Costs? Yes. The Trust can consider applications that include salaries and core costs, in addition to project activities and support services. Applicants should demonstrate why these costs are necessary and how they contribute to delivering services or activities that benefit people with disabilities. How Often Are Applications Reviewed? Applications are reviewed quarterly. Deadlines are generally approximately four weeks before each trustee meeting. Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time to complete the eligibility process and prepare supporting documents before the relevant deadline. How to Apply The Clare Milne Trust uses a staged application process.

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire

Applicants first complete an online eligibility questionnaire. This determines whether the organisation and proposed project meet the Trust’s basic requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Full Application

Applicants who pass the initial eligibility stage are invited to complete the application form.

The application should clearly explain:

- The organisation. - The people it supports. - The proposed project. - The disability-related need. - The expected outcomes. - The total project cost. - The amount requested. - Other sources of funding.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare the required supporting documentation.

This can include:

- Cover letter. - Project or organisational budget. - Cash flow forecast. - Annual accounts. - Quotes for capital expenditure. - Relevant plans or supporting information.

Step 4: Explain the Funding Gap

Because the Trust generally does not cover the entire project cost, applicants should explain how they will finance the remaining amount.

Potential sources may include:

- Other charitable grants. - Fundraising. - Community contributions. - Other external funding. - Organisational resources.

Step 5: Submit Before the Relevant Deadline

Applications should be submitted in time for the quarterly review cycle. Applicants should avoid waiting until the deadline because the process begins with the eligibility questionnaire and may require additional information. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals