Did you know there are millions of pounds sitting in bank accounts across the UK, specifically earmarked to help young people go on educational and adventurous trips? These are called grants and trusts, and applying for them is one of the smartest fundraising moves you can make.
Unlike a bake sale where you might make £50, a successful grant application can result in a cheque for £200, £500, or even £1,000. Here are 10 of the best UK grants to look into, plus advice on how to find local ones.
National Grants & Trusts
1. The Jack Petchey Foundation
The Jack Petchey Foundation provides grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25 in London and Essex. If your school or youth group is involved in the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme, you can apply for an Individual Grant for Volunteering to help fund your trip.
2. The Lord Mayor's 800th Anniversary Awards Trust
This trust helps young people aged 15-21 to undertake projects that broaden their experience, develop their self-confidence, and improve their career chances. They particularly favour projects with a strong volunteering or community benefit element.
3. The Young Explorers' Trust (YET)
YET provides grant aid to individuals aged 19 and under who are taking part in expeditions. They are looking for trips that involve genuine exploration, discovery, and physical challenge in remote areas.
4. The Rotary Club
Rotary International has clubs in almost every town in the UK. While there isn't a central national grant, local Rotary Clubs frequently sponsor young people from their area going on World Challenge, Scouts jamborees, or volunteering trips. You need to write to your specific local club president.
5. The Lions Club
Similar to the Rotary Club, Lions Clubs operate locally. They are deeply committed to youth development and community service. A well-written letter to your local Lions Club offering to come and give a presentation about your trip upon your return is often very successful.
💡 TOP TIP: The "Give Back" Promise
Trusts don't just want to pay for your holiday. They want to see a return on their investment. In your application, always promise to "give back". Offer to write a report for their newsletter, give a presentation at their annual dinner, or use the skills you learn to volunteer in your local community when you return.
How to Find Local Grants
National grants are great, but they are highly competitive. Your best chance of securing funding is actually through local and regional trusts. These are charities set up specifically to help people living in your specific town or county.
6. Local Educational Trusts
Many towns have historical educational trusts set up hundreds of years ago by wealthy benefactors. Search Google for "[Your Town] Educational Trust" or "[Your County] Youth Foundation".
7. Your Local Council / Mayor's Charity
Many local councils or Mayors have a specific charity fund dedicated to youth development in the borough. Check your local council's website under "Community Grants".
8. Turn2Us Grants Search
Turn2Us is a fantastic free charity website with a comprehensive Grants Search tool. You can put in your postcode, age, and what you need the money for, and it will list trusts that you are eligible for.
9. The Directory of Social Change (DSC)
If you have a local library, ask the librarian if they have a copy of "The Guide to Educational Grants" published by the DSC. It's a massive physical book listing thousands of obscure trusts that don't even have websites.
10. School / Alumni Associations
Check if your school has an "Old Boys" or "Old Girls" alumni association, or a specific memorial fund. Many older schools have pots of money specifically to help current students undertake character-building expeditions.
How to Write a Winning Application
- Be professional: Type your letters, check your spelling, and address it to the correct named person if possible.
- Explain the 'Why': Don't just say "I want to go to Kenya". Explain why going to Kenya will develop your character, what you will learn, and how you will help the local community there.
- Show you are working hard: Trusts want to help those who help themselves. Tell them exactly how much you have already raised through your own hard work (bake sales, jobs, etc.) to prove you are committed.
- Include a budget: Break down exactly what the trip costs (flights, insurance, vaccinations, equipment) so they know you have thought it through.