Bernard Sunley Foundation

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Description

Funding projects that enhance lives and provide greater opportunities.

The Bernard Sunley Foundation is a family grant making foundation. We support charities that make a real difference.
The Foundation has awarded over £140 million since being established in 1960. Each year we give around £5 million to capital projects throughout England and Wales. Grants are made across four funding categories.

  • Communities
  • Education
  • Health
  • Social Welfare

 

Our capital grants are one off, single payments. They do not fully fund projects. Their grants are offered as a contribution to overall project costs. Trustees decide on the amount to be pledged – they do not ask you to specify an amount.

They state that they fund around 50% of all applications received

Grant Type
Grant Category
Elibility and Criteria

There is a full eligibility checker tool available here: https://bernardsunley.org/how-to-apply/eligibility-check/

  • The eligibility check has 12 questions. If successful, you will be able to access our application form.
  • You can save the form and return to it at any time.
  • You must provide a copy of your organisation’s most recent accounts.
  • You must provide a project budget or quotes from your chosen contractor.
  • Fundraising should be underway with a fundraising plan in place.
  • You do not need to have raised a minimum amount before applying.
  • You will receive an email to confirm we have received the application.

 

What They Don’t Fund:

  • Charities registered outside England or Wales.
  • Community amateur sports clubs, community interest companies or unregistered community groups/clubs.
  • Town or parish councils.
  • Churches or other religious bodies with no or limited secular activity.
  • NHS hospitals or charities fundraising on their behalf.
  • Mainstream schools, colleges or universities.
  • Individuals.
  • Core costs including salaries, running and repair costs, websites, rent, utility bills.
  • Fees including those for building surveys, planning applications or feasibility studies.
  • Solar panels or air source heat pumps.
  • Second hand vehicles.
  • Fittings such as electrical appliances and furniture.
  • IT infrastructure or AV systems.

 

How to Apply

Complete the eligibility checker above. if successful, it will give access to the application form.