Aims/priorities: The purpose of The Step Forward Fund is to:
- Provide funding and support to grassroots organisations from Global Majority and racially minoritised communities
- help them move from smaller project-based funding to larger grants and investment
Our funding aims are to:
- Invest in the growth of these grassroots organisations
- Give support and encouragement to organisations wanting to deliver on longer-term plans
- generate learning to improve our practice and influence positive changes in the wider sector
For more details, read our funding aims.
Who can apply? Note, there is very specific criteria for this to be eligible. You can sign up to virtual events to learn more about the fund and applying on the National Lottery Fund page.
Grant amount: The Step Forward Fund has £4 million to award.
We plan to give £50,000 to £75,000 per year for between 2 to 3 years. This means you can apply for:
- a minimum of £100,000, which is £50,000 a year for 2 years
- a maximum of £225,000, which is £75,000 a year for 3 years
We expect to make between 20 and 30 awards.
Application process: After the launch, applicants will need to join a webinar or get in touch to see if this funding is right for them.
They need to do this between Monday, 22 June and Friday, 17 July 2026.
Application links will then be sent to organisations who are a good fit for the fund and its aims.
Deadline: Friday, 11 September 2026
Contact information: Email: TPW@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
Website: The Step Forward Fund | The National Lottery Community Fund