Funding Guidelines

General Fund – Funding Guidelines

Overview

The General Fund provides grants of £1,000 – £5,000 to small charities based primarily in Oxfordshire and Suffolk for projects that strengthen local communities and improve people’s lives.

Who We Fund

We support:

  • Registered charities working primarily in Oxfordshire and Suffolk
  • Organisations with an annual income under £1.5 million

What We Fund

We fund projects that:

  • Strengthen communities and bring people together
  • Improve health and wellbeing
  • Expand access to education and opportunity, particularly for those who face barriers
  • Protect and enhance the local environment

Grant Size & Type

  • Grants typically range from £1,000 to £5,000
  • Funding is usually provided as one-off grants
  • Awards are determined based on the scope and needs of the project, as well as the level of other funding secured

How We Assess Applications

We prioritise applications that demonstrate:

  • Clear and meaningful benefits for people, communities, or the environment
  • Strong local engagement, collaboration, or volunteer involvement
  • Effective use of resources
  • Realistic and deliverable plans
  • Measurable outcomes

We are particularly interested in practical, locally driven initiatives that make a meaningful difference to people and the communities they serve.

Martin Wills Fund – Funding Guidelines

Overview

The Martin Wills Fund provides grants of £5,000–£20,000 to small and medium-sized charities working in the UK and Ireland for projects that protect and restore wildlife and habitats.

Closing date 31st August.

Who We Fund

We support:

  • Charities registered and working in the UK and Ireland
  • Small and medium-sized organisations with an annual income under £5 million

What We Fund

We fund projects that:

  • Protect, restore, and enhance wildlife and habitats
  • Support their long-term management and stewardship

Grant Size & Type

  • Grants typically range from £5,000 to £20,000
  • Funding is usually provided as one-off grants
  • Awards are determined based on the scope and needs of the project, as well as the level of other funding secured

How We Assess Applications

We prioritise applications that demonstrate:

  • Clear and measurable conservation outcomes
  • Strong local engagement or community involvement
  • Effective use of resources
  • Realistic and deliverable plans
  • A commitment to learning, collaboration, and long-term impact

In addition to funding, the Trust aims to bring together a network of organisations, enabling grantees to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen their collective impact.

Martin Wills Wildlife Maintenance Trust – Funding Guidelines

Overview

The Martin Wills Wildlife Maintenance Trust provides grants of £1,000 to £3,000 to small wildlife charities working in the UK and Ireland for projects that protect species and restore habitats.

Who We Fund

We support:

  • Registered charities working in the UK and Ireland and focused on wildlife and conservation
  • Organisations with an annual income under £1 million

What We Fund

We fund projects that:

  • Protect species and enhance biodiversity
  • Restore and improve habitats
  • Support the work of conservation organisations

Grant Size & Type

  • Grants typically range from £1,000 – £3,000
  • Funding is usually provided as one-off grants
  • Awards are determined based on the scope and needs of the project, as well as the level of other funding secured

How We Assess Applications

We prioritise applications that demonstrate:

  • Clear and measurable conservation outcomes
  • Tangible benefits for wildlife or habitats
  • Effective use of resources
  • Realistic and deliverable plans
  • Strong local engagement or community involvement

We are particularly interested in practical projects that deliver clear benefits for wildlife and habitats.