Small Grants

EKCT was founded on the 12th March 1963, to provide a formal structure for Ernest and his family to devote time and resources to charitable activities. Ernest had two great passions in life: conservation of wildlife and the natural environment and the encouragement of youth enterprise and outdoor activity. These ideals along with the founding guidelines to support the family’s home county of Sussex, remain core areas of activity. EKCT aims to ‘make a difference’. The trustees will consider all applications that fall within the trust’s area of activity from charities that are registered in the UK.

Small Grants (£3,000 and under).

Grants will be considered for start-up costs, core costs or for a specific project for which applicants have requested support. This could include a contribution towards a building/refurbishment project, purchase of specialist equipment or other similar capital expenditure, or assistance with running costs.

Principal support is given to charities working in the following areas: *Charitable work in the County of Sussex *Wildlife & Environmental Conservation (UK and International) *Reproductive Health (International) – applications within this category will only be considered for family planning projects delivering in Africa and Asia, and in areas where there is clear and intended impact on the environment.

The trustees use the following programme areas to classify their grants: *Care of the Elderly *Disability *General Welfare *Hospices *Reproductive Health (International) *Wildlife & Environmental Conservation (UK and International) *Youth

We are sorry but trustees are not currently considering applications for areas that fall outside of those listed above.

Applications for Small Grants may be made at any time of year using the Small Grants Application Form. Trustees aim to consider applications and notify applicants within 60 days of receipt of an application form.

Conditions of Funding: The trustees should be satisfied with the purpose and objectives of the charity, and that they are able to deliver a superior/pre-eminent service. The trustees should have confidence in the management of the charity and therefore be satisfied as to its quality, efficiency, financial stability and income/expense ratio.

Normally not considered for funding: *Large national charities having substantial fund-raising potential, income from legacies and or endowment income. *Organisations not registered as charities in the UK or those that have been registered for less than a year. *Community Interest Companies (CIC) *Pre-school groups. *Out of school play schemes including pre-school and holiday schemes. *Charities not funded by any other charity. *Very small and narrowly specialised activities. *Local authorities. *Individuals or charities applying on behalf of individuals. *General requests for donations. *Expeditions or overseas travel. *‘Campaigning’ organisations. *Charities whose main aim is to raise funds for other charities with substantial cash reserves. *Animal rescue or animal welfare organisations. *International food security projects. *Given the Trust’s strong links with the county of Sussex, Trustees do not usually support proposals received from other regional Wildlife Trusts. *Churches and places of worship outside of Cuckfield and Haywards Heath – please note; even within Cuckfield and Haywards Heath, grant opportunities for these purposes are extremely limited. *Charities with multiple branch offices in Sussex are requested to telephone or email for advice before making an application.