The Leathersellers’ Small Grants Programme 2024–25 will open for applications at 10am on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
This rolling programme acknowledges the vital role small charities play in supporting communities across the UK.
The programme offers one-off grants of up to £5,000 to registered charities and Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs) operating within the UK. Each round is capped at 40 applications, and the online form will automatically close once this limit is reached.
40 Application Limit
Due to high demand, the 40-application limit is often reached within an hour of opening (i.e., if the window opens at 10am, it may close before 11am). To help eligible groups prepare, the Leathersellers’ Foundation has made an offline Word version of the application form available for drafting purposes.
There are eight application windows throughout the year. Each window closes once 40 applications have been received. Information on upcoming rounds is available on the Foundation’s website under the ‘Process and Key Dates’ section.
Offline Application Form
Download the Offline Word Application Form
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the offline form in advance. If you begin the online application but the maximum number of submissions is reached, you will not be able to submit, and your answers will not be saved.
Eligibility
Applications from Community Interest Companies (CICs) are not eligible.
Charities and SCIOs must:
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Deliver activities that address an identified need for vulnerable members of the community
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Have planned expenditure under £200,000 in the financial year they are applying
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Demonstrate financial need (the Foundation is unlikely to prioritise organisations holding more than six months’ free or unrestricted reserves)
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Have at least one year’s published accounts
The programme does not fund:
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Capital projects
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Medical research
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Hospices
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Services that charge participants for access, regardless of ability to pay
Making a Strong Application
The Leathersellers’ Foundation advises applicants to ensure their submission clearly outlines:
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The community need you are addressing
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The difference your activities make and how
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Evidence of your outcomes
They seek organisations that:
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Have a clear understanding of local community needs
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Are open and transparent about their work and finances
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Work in partnership with others
Safeguarding Policy Requirements
Applicants must submit a safeguarding policy demonstrating how beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers are protected. Policies should be proportionate and include:
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Reference to current legislation
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Clear reporting procedures, including leadership and trustee contacts
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Whistleblowing guidance
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Safer recruitment practices
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A signature, date, and a scheduled (preferably annual) review date
Further Information
For full details, including how to apply online and full eligibility criteria, please visit the Leathersellers’ Foundation Small Grants Programme page.
