Call for Applications: Corra Racial Equity Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Corra Racial Equity Fund provides unrestricted, multi-year funding to Scotland-based charities and not-for-profit organisations led by Black and racially minoritised people. Eligible organisations can apply for up to £10,000 annually for a maximum of five years, providing total support of up to £50,000.

About the Corra Racial Equity Fund

The Corra Racial Equity Fund addresses the historic under-resourcing of organisations led by Black and racially minoritised communities in Scotland. The fund seeks to strengthen the voice, power, sustainability, and impact of organisations that understand community needs through lived experience. It forms part of the Corra Foundation’s ten-year strategy to advance racial equity and justice. The initiative has been shaped by ongoing engagement and learning with Black and racially minoritised communities across Scotland. Purpose of the Fund

The fund aims to:

- Address racial inequity in access to funding. - Strengthen Black-led and racially minoritised-led organisations. - Increase organisational stability and sustainability. - Support community leadership and power. - Amplify the voices of racially minoritised communities. - Invest in organisations shaped by lived experience. - Support flexible responses to community priorities. - Strengthen services, advocacy, and community action. - Enable organisations to plan over a longer period. - Advance racial equity and justice across Scotland. Funding Information

The fund offers:

- Maximum annual grant: £10,000.

- Maximum funding period: Five years.

- Maximum total grant: £50,000.

- Total fund value: £500,000.

- Expected number of grant recipients: Approximately 10 organisations.

- Funding type: Unrestricted funding.

Multi-year funding can give organisations greater stability, allowing them to plan strategically and respond flexibly to emerging community needs. What Is Unrestricted Funding? Unrestricted funding can be used flexibly across an organisation rather than being limited to one project or activity. Eligible organisations may use the grant for: - Core operating costs. - Staff salaries. - Rent and utilities. - Travel. - Equipment and supplies. - Organisational overheads. - Existing projects. - New activities. - Community engagement. - Training and professional development. - Governance and operational improvements. - Communications and outreach. - Strategic planning. - Other costs that advance the organisation’s charitable or community purpose. Applicants should explain how flexible funding will strengthen their organisation and improve its impact within the community. Why Unrestricted Funding Matters Community organisations often receive grants tied to specific activities, leaving limited resources for staff, rent, administration, governance, planning, and organisational development. Unrestricted funding enables organisations to: - Direct resources where they are most needed. - Respond to changing community priorities. - Retain experienced staff. - Strengthen internal systems. - Meet essential operating costs. - Test new approaches. - Plan beyond short funding cycles. - Build long-term resilience. - Reduce administrative pressure. - Increase the quality and consistency of their work. This flexibility is particularly important for organisations that have historically experienced unequal access to institutional funding. Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must be:

- Based in Scotland. - A charity or registered not-for-profit organisation. - Registered with OSCR or Companies House, as applicable. - Led by Black and racially minoritised people. - Supporting Black or racially minoritised communities. - Operating for at least 12 months. - Meaningfully involving the community in their work. - Reporting annual income of £250,000 or less in each of the last three financial years. - Properly constituted with appropriate asset-lock and dissolution provisions. - Able to meet the fund’s rules concerning existing Corra grants. Applicants must satisfy every relevant eligibility requirement. Leadership Requirements To qualify as an organisation led by Black and racially minoritised people: - At least 75% of the Board or Management Committee must be from Black and racially minoritised backgrounds. - At least 50% of senior staff must be from Black and racially minoritised backgrounds where the organisation employs staff. These requirements ensure that decision-making power remains primarily with people from the communities the fund seeks to support. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate information about their governance body, leadership team, and staff structure. Organisational Income Limit An applicant’s annual income must have been £250,000 or less in each of its last three financial years.

Applicants should review their:

- Annual accounts. - Independent examinations or audits. - Annual reports. - Income and expenditure statements. - Relevant regulatory filings. An organisation may be ineligible if its income exceeded £250,000 in any of the three applicable financial years. Newer organisations without three complete financial years should consult the official guidance to determine how the income requirement applies. Community Experience Requirement Applicants must have supported their community for at least 12 months. This requirement may be demonstrated through: - Community programs or services. - Advocacy and campaigning. - Advice and support. - Cultural activities. - Research or community consultation. - Mutual-aid initiatives. - Training and skills development. - Health and wellbeing services. - Anti-racism work. - Youth or family support. - Community organising. Applicants should clearly explain when their work began, whom they support, and what they have achieved. Meaningful Community Involvement Eligible organisations must demonstrate that their communities meaningfully shape their work.

Community involvement may include:

- Community members serving on the Board or Management Commit