The Federation Of Groundwork Trusts
Charity Number: 291558
Contact Info
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £20 million (2023-24)
- Success Rate: Varies by program (Comic Relief program received 3x more applications than grants available)
- Decision Time: 2 weeks from application deadline (varies by program)
- Grant Range: £2,000 - £1,500,000 (depending on program)
- Geographic Focus: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
Contact Details
- Website: www.groundwork.org.uk
- Email: info@groundwork.org.uk
- Phone: 0121 236 8565
- Chief Executive: Graham Duxbury
- Application Portal: gwkgrants.flexigrant.com
Overview
The Federation of Groundwork Trusts, operating as Groundwork UK, was established as charity number 291558 and takes practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. The organization operates through 15 local trusts across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, supported by a national office in Birmingham. In 2023-24, communities across the UK benefited from over £101 million of investment through Groundwork delivery, supporting 16,053 local organizations including 7,224 charities and 3,210 schools. The federation distributed £20 million in grants to over 17,000 organizations and community groups last year, positioning itself as both a significant grant recipient from government and a major distributor of funding to grassroots organizations.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Grassroots Grants: £2,000 maximum - Unrestricted funding for small, local organizations in England making positive community impact
- Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants: Variable amounts - For regeneration of green spaces in or close to cities, focusing on tree planting, outdoor classrooms, community allotments, and pocket parks
- Comic Relief Community Grants: Up to £5,000 - Supporting community groups and grassroots organizations
- Community Builders Fund: £100,000 - £1,500,000 - Social investment loans for charities and social enterprises tackling societal challenges
- The Reach Fund: £5,000 - £15,000 - Grants to help charities raise investment
- VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme: £25 million total program - Energy assessments for community organizations
Priority Areas
- Environmental conservation and climate action
- Community development and regeneration
- Energy efficiency and fuel poverty reduction
- Green skills and employment training
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Support for young people and disadvantaged groups
- Green space creation and maintenance
What They Don't Fund
Specific exclusions vary by program, but generally do not fund fee-paying schools through some programs. Priority is given to organizations in areas ranking highly on the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Governance and Leadership
Chief Executive: Graham Duxbury leads the organization with a focus on collaborative partnerships and long-term community impact.
Key leadership quotes:
- "Having knowledge of that sector and that space is hugely important in terms of designing the service. You've got to be aware of capacity restraints and limitations, you've got to understand how volunteer-led organisations work and how to communicate with them."
- “Millions of people across the country are struggling to access basic essentials for themselves and their families, while local charities face mounting pressure to meet the rising, urgent demand for support.”
The organization operates with a federal structure through local trusts while maintaining national coordination and government contract management capabilities.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
- Online application portal at gwkgrants.flexigrant.com
- Different programs have varying application methods (rolling basis, fixed deadlines)
- Applications require organization details, financial information, project briefs with WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW, WHEN
Decision Timeline
- Standard timeframe: 2 weeks from application deadline for many programs
- Varies by program complexity and funding source
- Some programs have specific opening and closing dates (e.g., Grassroots Grants opens September 15, 2025, closes October 14, 2025)
Success Rates
Programs are often significantly oversubscribed - the 2024/25 Comic Relief program received more than three times as many applications as grants available. Due to high demand, limited feedback can be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Reapplication Policy
Policies vary by individual grant program. Organizations should check specific program guidelines for reapplication rules and waiting periods.
Application Success Factors
Direct advice from leadership: “Make sure the project fits the criteria, always read the guidelines and check your group is eligible. Review the application form and the application process, assess whether you need further information and check whether the funder will answer questions.”
Key success factors:
- Strong alignment with environmental and community priorities
- Clear demonstration of community need and impact
- Location in areas of high deprivation (IMD ranking)
- Capacity to deliver and track outcomes
- Partnership working and collaborative approaches
- Integration of social and environmental benefits
Recent funding examples:
- Green community hubs in Northern England (£1.2 million boost)
- Energy efficiency assessments for 1,100 organizations
- Support for 98 young people into green careers through New to Nature program
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Federal structure advantage: Leverage local Groundwork trust connections for program promotion and support
- Government intermediary role: Understand they distribute public money, requiring robust governance and accountability
- Cross-sector approach: Emphasize how projects combine social and environmental benefits
- Capacity awareness: Demonstrate understanding of volunteer-led organization challenges and realistic delivery plans
- Partnership focus: Show ability to work collaboratively and access specialist expertise
- Deprivation focus: Priority given to projects in high IMD areas - clearly articulate community need
- Multiple funding streams: Various programs available throughout the year - monitor for relevant opportunities
Similar Funders
These funders frequently fund the same charities:
References
- Groundwork UK Official Website: www.groundwork.org.uk
- Charity Commission Register: charity number 291558
- Groundwork UK 2023-24 Impact Report
- Social Enterprise UK Case Study on Groundwork UK government contracts
- Graham Duxbury leadership blog posts and statements on Groundwork website
- 360Giving GrantNav data for The Federation of Groundwork Trusts