• Charitable activities and projects

• Core costs / essential running costs

• New projects

• Pilot projects

• Existing projects

• Repeat/continuation funding for projects

• Staff costs

• We encourage full cost recovery to cover the overheads which relate to projects

• Small capital costs (typically items under £10,000 such as building repairs/renovations, specialist equipment, tools and materials, IT kit etc.)

• Local small and medium-sized grassroots Surrey-based organisations which typically lack the capacity to attract support from national funders (income up to £1M).

• Larger local organisations are eligible to apply where they are providing particular capability or services for the community in Surrey

• If applying on behalf of a Food Bank, Baby Bank or other similar organisation, please note that we would prefer to fund projects designed to improve the long-term sustainability of the organisation rather than simply funding donations (i.e. food or other supplies). Projects of this nature might include purchase and fitting of new shelving or storage, or staff costs such as a volunteer coordinator or volunteer training.

• Emergency funding requests for organisations which have been previously funded by the Foundation which can demonstrate a solid plan towards sustainability.

• Projects without a specific benefit to Surrey residents

• Projects which have already taken place or items purchased prior to or during a grant application

• Projects run by faith groups where the project is exclusively for the benefit of members or involves proselytising.

• General appeals and fundraising events

• Costs for social business (e.g. CICs) which are not directly linked to charitable activity

• Requests to build reserves

• Commercial sponsorship

• Building projects such as new buildings

• Delivery of services which are statutory obligations

• Political activities

• Events – unless the lasting difference the event will make to participants can be demonstrated 

• Organisations which hold a high level of free reserves (typically more than one year running costs) are generally not funded. However, we do review requests on a case by case basis. 

• Residential trips unless they form part of a clear programme which involves interventions before and after the trip to embed impact.

• Emergency requests from organisations not previously known to the Foundation.

An EOI is a short stage one application. You can use the form to tell us about your funding needs and we can advise you if we have a suitable fund which might support you.

We know that AI tools can be a huge time-saver for charities when it comes to writing applications, and we’re all for charities using these technologies. They have the potential to level the playing field for smaller groups and charities. However, we also recognise that AI-generated applications might not always give charities the best shot at success.

Making the Most of AI

AI-generated applications can sometimes come off as generic and may not capture the unique voice and strengths of your charity. This is similar to issues we see when external consultants without local knowledge write applications. So, we recommend using AI for drafting, formatting, and spell-checking, but make sure to add your personal touch. Your unique story and approach are what make your charity stand out.

Safety and Security

It’s important to protect your data and the privacy of your participants. Using AI shouldn’t compromise the security of sensitive information related to your organisation, your beneficiaries, or The Community Foundation for Surrey. Remember, information you provide to AI tools could potentially resurface in other people’s conversations and work. As a best practice, do not share sensitive information when using free AI tools.

Any AI systems used to process or analyse personal or organisational data for grant applications must comply with relevant data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We expect grant seekers to handle data securely and in accordance with these laws.

Our Approach to AI

Like everyone else, we’re exploring the use of AI, but rest assured, we read every single application we receive, and our decision-making is always in human hands.

Read our full AI policy here.

Surrey is lucky enough to have network of Councils for Voluntary Service which provide support to the sector Surrey Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) Network