From autumn 2025, Venture Philanthropy Fund The Fore will lift its unrestricted grant ceiling from £30,000 to £45,000, giving small charities and social enterprises extra room to grow and innovate.
As the only UK venture philanthropy fund dedicated to organisations with annual incomes under £500,000, The Fore’s move responds directly to rising living and operating costs, ensuring its grants continue to unlock transformational impact.
The enhanced grant can be drawn down over one to three years and used for any purpose that strengthens an organisation’s core… whether that means funding a new staff role, investing in technology or bolstering essential infrastructure.
Alongside the cash award, successful applicants also gain free access to The Fore’s Pro Bono Network, workshops on strategy and impact measurement, and peer support groups.
This non-financial support package remains unchanged, reflecting The Fore’s commitment to building long-term resilience.
Research from The Fore shows demand for larger awards has surged: in 2012, fewer than a third of grants reached the £30,000 cap; but by mid-2024, more than 80 per cent of grantees requested the maximum.
“The old ceiling was simply not keeping pace with the realities small charities face today. With this uplift, we’re reaffirming our belief that early-stage organisations need bold, unrestricted funding to tackle local challenges and scale proven solutions.”
Mary Rose Gunn, CEO, The Fore
Applications are open to UK-registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies and social enterprises with turnovers below £500,000. Registration for the Autumn 2025 round runs from 12 noon on 22 July to 12 noon on 29 July, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once registered, organisations have three to four weeks to submit a full application.
By raising its grant ceiling by 50%, The Fore is hoping that small, high-potential charities can meet today’s costs and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
This change promises to strengthen leadership, deepen community impact and help a new generation of grassroots innovators turn big ideas into reality.
Ready For More?
