RAFT Fund opened for the first tranche of applications on Wednesday 22 April 2020. The application cap was reached on Friday 24 April and we regret that no more applications can be accepted until the next £1m of funding has been raised.
In response to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, The Fore has launched RAFT (Rapid Action by The Fore and Trusts). RAFT consists of a number of emergency activities to support small charities and social enterprises adversely affected by the crisis: RAFT Fund, RAFT Directory of Skilled Volunteer Requests and RAFT Online Resources.
RAFT Fund is seeking to ensure that effective small charities and social enterprises are able to meet the rapidly changing needs of their beneficiaries, remain viable and prepare for delivery when the acute phase of the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis is over.
The grants are for high quality, well-managed small charities and social enterprises with great leadership doing vital work in their communities.
RAFT is specifically looking to shore up and build resilience in high-impact small charities, giving them a better chance to continue their services and navigate through the crisis.
Latest Information
Applications opened 22 April 2020. The first grants will be announced on 6 May 2020.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications may close if the demand outstrips the funds available.
Key Criteria
Applications will be accepted from UK registered charities, community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and community benefit societies with annual incomes below £500,000.
Organisations need to be able to demonstrate the impact of their mission and offer creative solutions to getting through the current crisis and building for delivery beyond the acute phase.
Eligible Expenditure
The fund offers unrestricted grants of up to £5000 to any small charity or social enterprise in the UK with turnover of under £500,000.
The unrestricted grants can be used for any purpose, including core costs.
The aim of the fund is to support and strengthen the applicant organisation so it can meet beneficiary needs over the months ahead and in particular as coronavirus/COVID-19 restrictions begin to be lifted.
RAFT funding can complement any other support that the applicant might be able to access.
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted in tranches with the application portal opened and closed as funding is raised and distributed.
The Fore will initially be accepting 500 applications, with places allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. It will open for additional applications when funding becomes available.
The short application form and FAQs can be found on The Fore's website.