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 £2 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.
PLEASE NOTE: the closing date for applications to the Martin Wills Fund is 31 August. Applications will be reviewed and decisions made by early December, with grants being paid out to successful applicants between 1 December – 31 March.
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.
