RFPs: Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme (UK)

Deadline: 12-Oct-2026

The Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme is inviting applications from registered charities, community groups, and individuals in Northamptonshire, the East Midlands, and East Anglia to address unfulfilled needs and support the purchase of essential equipment. The programme provides grants of up to £1,000 for groups and may also support individuals at the Trustees’ discretion where a clear unfulfilled need can be demonstrated.

About the Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme

The Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme aims to support organizations and individuals facing genuine unmet needs. Funding can be used to support projects that address these needs and may also contribute toward the purchase of equipment. The Trust also considers equipment donations, including vehicles, for eligible groups. Where possible, it has a preference for equipment manufactured in the United Kingdom. Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

- Registered charities. - Community groups. - Individuals, where Trustees determine that a clear unfulfilled need exists. Applicants must be based in or come from the eligible areas of: - Northamptonshire. - East Midlands. - East Anglia. Grant Amount Eligible groups can apply for up to £1,000 toward their project. The programme also has discretion to support individuals where a clear unfulfilled need can be demonstrated. Applicants should ensure that their requested funding is directly connected to the need or equipment requirement they are seeking to address. Support for Equipment and Vehicles The Trust can provide support for the purchase of equipment, including vehicles. Equipment may be purchased for donation to eligible groups. The Trust has a preference for equipment that is manufactured in the United Kingdom. This aspect of the programme can help community organizations obtain practical resources that may otherwise be difficult to purchase through their existing funding. Organizational Income Requirement Organizations applying for support must have an annual income of £1.5 million or less. This requirement is intended to focus the programme’s support on organizations operating within the specified income threshold. Applicants should consider their annual income when determining whether their organization meets the eligibility requirements. Written Rules or Constitution Requirement Groups applying for funding must have a set of written rules or a constitution. The governing document must include a dissolution clause. Applicants should ensure that their constitution or written rules are current and clearly establish the organization’s governance arrangements. Child Protection and Vulnerable People Policy Groups working with young people or vulnerable people must have an appropriate child protection or vulnerable people policy. This requirement helps demonstrate that organizations have suitable safeguarding arrangements when delivering activities involving children or vulnerable individuals. Groups should ensure that the relevant policy is in place before submitting an application. Equalities Policy Applicants must also have an equalities policy. This demonstrates the group’s commitment to appropriate equality considerations in its activities and organizational practices. Unfulfilled Needs A central focus of the programme is addressing unfulfilled needs. For groups, applications should clearly explain the need the proposed project or equipment will address. Individuals may also receive support at the Trustees’ discretion where they can demonstrate a clear unfulfilled need. Applicants should therefore provide a clear explanation of the circumstances and why the requested support is necessary. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can improve their application by clearly demonstrating the need for support and showing how the funding will provide a practical benefit.

Key preparation steps include:

- Explain the unmet need: Clearly describe the issue or requirement that remains unfulfilled.

- Describe the project: Explain what the requested funding will support and how it will address the identified need.

- Provide a realistic budget: Ensure the requested amount is appropriate for the proposed project or equipment.

- Demonstrate eligibility: Confirm that the applicant falls within the eligible geographic area and applicant category.

- Prepare governance documents: Groups should have written rules or a constitution containing a dissolution clause.

- Check safeguarding policies: Groups working with young or vulnerable people should have the required protection policy.

- Provide an equalities policy: Ensure the required equalities policy is available.

- Consider equipment needs: Where equipment or a vehicle is required, explain why it is essential to the group’s work.

Why Apply for the Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant? The programme provides small-scale but potentially valuable support to charities and community organizations addressing practical needs. Its support for equipment, including vehicles, can help eligible groups obtain resources that directly contribute to their activities. Individuals may also receive assistance where the Trustees identify a clear unfulfilled need. Key Facts About the Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme

- Programme: Alastair James Memorial Trust Grant Programme

- Geographic eligibility: Northamptonshire, East Midlands, and East Anglia

- Eligible applicants: Registered charities, community groups, and individuals at Trustees’ discretion

- Maximum group grant: Up to £1,000

- Organization income limit: £1.5 million or less annually

- Purpose: Address unfulfilled needs and support equipment purchases

- Equipment: Equipment and vehicles can be supported

- Equipment preference: Preference for items manufactured in the UK

- Governing document: Written rules or constitution required

- Dissolution clause: Required in the governing document

- Safeguarding: Child protection or vulnerable pe