Before starting your application, there are a few basics your group or organisation needs to have in place. Think of these as your pre-application essentials:

1. A governing document, such as a constitution

You need a governing document that sets out your group or organisation’s name and purpose, how it is run and how decisions are made.

If you need help putting a governing document in place, our local voluntary sector council, Medrwn Môn, may be able to support you.

2. A committee or board with at least two unrelated members

Your committee or board must include at least two people who are not related to each other.

By ‘unrelated’, we mean people who are not family members, such as parents and children, brothers and sisters, married couples or civil partners. People living at the same address would also not be considered unrelated for the purposes of our funding.

This helps make sure there is appropriate independence in how your group or organisation is governed and decisions are made.

3. A bank account in your group or organisation’s name

You need a bank account in the name of the group or organisation applying for funding.

At least two unrelated people must be required to authorise payments or transfers from the account.

4. A safeguarding policy

Your group or organisation must have its own safeguarding policy, with clear procedures for responding to concerns and the name and contact details of a designated Safeguarding Officer.

The policy should be appropriate for the work you do and the people you work with.

Our funding can support a wide range of charitable activity on Ynys Môn. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Community amenities and facilities, such as playgrounds and community spaces

• Training and development that supports people into skilled or semi-skilled employment, trades or professions

• Work that supports the health and wellbeing of people living on the island

• Societies and voluntary organisations providing sporting, recreational or leisure activities

• Schools, playgroups and places of worship that serve their local communities

• The arts, including festivals, museums, galleries and libraries

• Educational activity and research that benefits the wider community

• The protection and safeguarding of the natural environment and countryside

• The preservation and conservation of buildings or land of aesthetic, historical, architectural or scientific interest

This list is intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. All applications are considered in line with our charitable purposes and current funding priorities.

Types of Funding We Can Offer

We welcome applications for a range of funding needs, including:

• Capital costs, such as building works, repairs or improvements

• Revenue costs, including project delivery and staffing

• Running costs, where appropriate within the relevant grant stream

For capital projects, we normally require two quotations for the proposed works to demonstrate value for money.

For revenue or running cost requests, applicants should provide a clear breakdown of the costs they are seeking support for. Where funding is requested for ongoing costs, we may also ask for information about costs incurred in the most recent financial year, to help us understand financial sustainability and operational need.

This information supports proportionate and informed decision-making and helps ensure our funding is used effectively.

A Note on Demand and Decision-Making

In most years, we receive more applications than we are able to fund. Trustees must therefore make difficult decisions and can only support those projects that most closely align with our charitable purpose, funding priorities and available resources.

An unsuccessful application does not necessarily reflect the quality of your work.

We are unable to fund the following:

• Political parties or activity that supports a political party

• Party-political campaigning or lobbying

• Non-charitable activity or activity that does not deliver public benefit

• Any project that does not comply with charity law

• Lobbying campaigns or activity intended to influence legislation or public policy in a way that is not compatible with charitable status

• The purchase of vehicles

• Consumable items, such as clothing, sports kits, food or refreshments

• Organisations whose primary purpose is to award grants to others

Who Cannot Apply

We are unable to accept applications from:

• Individuals

• Sole traders

• Companies limited by shares

• Organisations based outside the UK, or organisations that do not operate for the benefit of communities on Ynys Môn

• One organisation applying on behalf of another

Our funding supports the community spaces, services and activities that help people on Ynys Môn thrive.

We prioritise work shaped by local communities, support that helps prevent problems from escalating, and the essential services people rely on every day.

We offer two grant programmes: Community Prevention Grants and Essential Grants. Below, you’ll find information about each programme and how to apply.

If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our FAQs or get in touch. We’re happy to talk things through.

For 2026–27, we have two grant streams.

1. Community Prevention Grants

You can apply for:

• Grants from £300 - £50,000

• Multi-year funding of up to £30,000 per year

We want our funding to be proportionate to the work you’re planning, so you should apply for the amount you genuinely need.

Community Prevention Grants support work that addresses challenges early, before they escalate. This funding is designed to strengthen resilience, improve wellbeing and create the conditions for long-term positive change within communities.

We prioritise projects that:

• Respond to clearly identified local need

• Are shaped by the community they serve

• Support early intervention or preventative action

• Build connection, confidence and stability

• Create lasting benefit beyond the funding period

We are less interested in scale for its own sake, and more interested in significance: work that makes a meaningful difference for people and places on Ynys Môn.

Application process

• Applications up to £10,000
  Applicants complete a full application form. You can download the full list of questions here.

• Applications over £10,000
  The process begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI).
  If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to progress to the next stage, which includes a site visit and further discussion about your project. A report will then be prepared by a Member of staff for Trustees to discuss at their next full meeting.

This staged approach helps reduce unnecessary workload for applicants and allows us to understand projects properly in their local context.

2. Essential Grants

Funding range: Up to £10,000

Essential Grants support the core costs that keep community spaces and services running. These grants are designed to protect what communities rely on day to day, particularly during periods of pressure or uncertainty.

This funding can support:

• Running costs such as utilities, insurance and basic maintenance

• Essential repairs or small upgrades to community buildings

• Core operational costs needed to keep services open and accessible

The focus of this stream is continuity, not growth. Essential Grants exist to help sustain the foundations of community life on Ynys Môn.

Eligibility note on reserves: We will not consider applications from organisations holding more than 12 months of unrestricted operating reserves.

This ensures our limited resources are directed to organisations with genuine financial need and reflects good practice in responsible grantmaking.

Application process

Essential Grants use a single-stage application process, focused on:

• How the space or service is used

• Who benefits from it

• Why the funding is needed now

• How costs are managed responsibly

You can download the full list of questions here.

Our Board of Trustees makes funding decisions, taking into account how well each application fits the grant programme and the funding available.

We look at the difference your work could make for people on Ynys Môn, how it responds to local needs, and how the community has helped shape your plans. We also consider whether the costs are reasonable and the plans are realistic.

For Essential Grants, we focus on the spaces and services people rely on, why support is needed, and how your organisation manages its costs and resources.

We usually receive more applications than we can fund. An unsuccessful application does not necessarily reflect the quality or value of your work.

Details of all successful grant applications can be accessed from the links below:

• Grants approved 2024-25

• Grants approved 2023-24

• Grants approved 2022-23

• Grants approved 2021-22

• Grants approved 2020-21

• Grants approved 2019-20

We aim to be as transparent as possible about our grant-making. To further our commitment, we hope to publish all of our grant-making data on 360Giving in the near future.

What do we need to send with our application?

You must attach your constitution or articles of association and your safeguarding policy.

We also ask for your equal opportunities policy, Welsh language policy/Cynnig Cymraeg and carbon reduction plan or environmental policy, if you have them.

When can our project start?

The work you’re asking us to fund must start after the funding decision. We can’t cover costs incurred before that decision.

Does the £10,000 threshold apply per year or to the total grant?

The £10,000 threshold applies to the amount requested per year. If you’re applying for £10,000 or less per year, use the full application form. You can ask for this funding to cover more than one year.

For requests above £10,000 per year, start with an Expression of Interest.

Can you cover the full cost?

Yes, we can consider funding the full cost. We welcome contributions from your own fundraising or other funders, but these aren’t essential.

Can we apply again if we’ve received a grant before?

Yes, once your previous grant has been claimed and your end of grant monitoring interview has been completed.

What happens if our application is successful?

You’ll receive an award letter explaining how to claim your grant and any conditions attached to it. Read it carefully so you know what you need to do next.

What will we need to report back?

This will depend on the size and nature of your grant. Your grant terms and conditions will explain what we need and when.

For smaller grants, we generally check in at six months and again at 12 months. For larger grants, we may check in quarterly.

Can we get help with our application?

Yes. We’re happy to talk through eligibility and explain the application process. We can’t give feedback on your project plans or advise on how to make your application stronger.

If you need help preparing your application, Medrwn Môn may also be able to support you.

How long does it take to get a decision?

We consider applications in rounds at set points during the year. If you apply by 30 November 2026, we aim to let you know the outcome in January 2027. If you apply by 31 March 2027, we aim to let you know the outcome in May 2027.

If we need any further information before your application can be considered, we’ll get in touch with you.

We’re not sure which grant to apply for. Can you help?

Yes. Get in touch and tell us a little about your organisation and what you need funding for. We’re happy to talk things through before you start an application.

Our organisation works outside Ynys Môn too. Can we apply?

The work you’re asking us to fund must benefit communities on Ynys Môn. If your organisation works across several areas, make clear which activities and costs relate to your work on the island. Your organisation must also meet our other eligibility requirements.

Does our project need to be new or large?

No. We support existing work as well as new activity, where it fits the grant programme. Small projects can make a meaningful difference. What matters is the need you’re responding to and the value of your work to the community.