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Funding ideas that advance education and strengthen communities

We support ideas from ethnic minority communities that advance education and benefit communities, with a strong emphasis on young people. We fund the development of practical ideas at the seed stage.

Brass universal astrolabe with engraved astronomical scales, circa 1224
The universal astrolabePerfected by al-Zarqali · 11th-century al-Andalus

At a glance

Seed stage focus
Early-stage initiatives with a clear purpose and potential community benefit.
Education and youth
A strong emphasis on education and learning for young people.
Community impact
UK projects that respond to community needs.
Grant size
Typically £5,000–£10,000+, scaled to the project and its potential.

About Seed

Our grants have supported learning, educational media, community activities and family support. These examples illustrate the range of educational and community initiatives supported by our funding.

More about Seed

Key details

Registered charity
1197443
Registered
2022
Funding scope
United Kingdom
Grant review time
We aim to review within 7–14 days, usually sooner

What we fund

We support practical projects that advance education or deliver clear community benefit. Projects must be UK based and within our funding scope.

Funding is typically £5,000–£10,000+ and may be released in stages, depending on the project and its progress.

Education

Study support, mentoring, workshops and resources that support learning and improve educational outcomes.

Community

Projects that bring people together, respond to local needs or support young people and families.

Seed stage innovation

Pilot projects with a clear plan, strong value for money and the potential to expand as evidence develops.

Our process

The application process begins with an initial grant application. Shortlisted applicants are invited to complete a full application.

  1. 1

    Expression of interest

  2. 2

    Review

  3. 3

    Offer

  4. 4

    Project delivery

  5. 5

    Impact Report

Success Stories

These examples describe work supported by past grants. They do not change our current funding criteria.

Supporting education

Our grants support schools and learning organisations to improve teaching and the learning experience.

Supporting families and young people

We support activities that help families and young people build confidence, strengthen relationships and access support.

Helping ideas develop

Our grants help organisations develop educational resources and build their capacity to serve communities.

Questions about applying

Who can apply?

Schools, charities, community groups, student teams and individuals with appropriate oversight can apply. You do not need to be a registered charity. Individuals should have a supervising organisation, mentor or trustee body responsible for the project. Projects must be UK based, with clear governance and safeguarding arrangements.

What kinds of projects do you support?

We support early-stage ideas from ethnic minority communities that advance education and benefit communities, with a strong emphasis on young people. Projects can extend beyond schools and classrooms. Explain who will benefit and how. Review What We Fund and the Grant Terms for the full criteria and exclusions.

How much can I request, and what costs can it cover?

Grants are typically £5,000–£10,000+, scaled to the project. Equipment, staffing, premises and running costs may be considered where they support the project and meet the Grant Terms and offer conditions. Provide a clear budget. Costs do not automatically qualify, and awards remain at the trustees’ discretion.

What do I need to apply?

Complete the initial grant application with your organisation or project name, contact details, project description, beneficiaries, expected outcomes, location, dates, amount requested and how you heard about Seed. All application fields are required, and you can review your answers before submitting. For help with eligibility or the form, please contact us.

When will I hear back?

We aim to review initial applications within 7–14 days, usually sooner. Trustees assess impact, feasibility and alignment with our objectives. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application before a funding decision; the initial review does not guarantee an award.

What happens if my application is successful?

You will receive a Grant Offer Letter and terms for electronic signature, setting out payments and reporting dates. Funding is typically released in stages. Keep expenditure receipts and provide at least one short impact report with outcomes, attendance figures and photographs. Obtain permission for identifiable photographs, including parent or guardian permission for children.