The Community Grant Programme from National Grid supports community organisations in areas affected by its electricity transmission operations. The fund is designed to deliver positive social, economic and environmental outcomes in local communities.
Funding is available for projects that:
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Support hard‑to‑reach members of the community and improve diversity & inclusion
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Improve community safety (including electricity/energy safety, support for elderly or special‑needs people)
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Boost educational attainment or upskill children and young people (particularly STEM)
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Promote health & wellbeing (for example through energy efficiency or warm spaces)
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Create economic benefits via training, work placements or capacity‑building in the community
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Deliver environmental benefits such as conservation, energy efficiency of community buildings, or behaviour change on resource use.
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Community Interest Companies (CICs) may be eligible if they are non‑profit, but the emphasis is clearly on registered community and voluntary organisations. National Grid+1
Applications are accepted four times a year:
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Q1 opens April → decisions June
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Q2 opens July → decisions September
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Q3 opens October → decisions December
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Q4 opens January → decisions March
Be aware that if you apply outside the current window you may wait until the following round. National Grid
Any specific tips to apply
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Clearly demonstrate how your project is within the impact area of National Grid’s operations and ties to community benefit
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Stay under the £40,000 total project cost threshold for standard grants
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Show measurable outcomes: number of beneficiaries, cost savings, energy/community impact
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Include a realistic budget and timeline (most projects should start soon after approval and finish within 12 months)
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Ensure governance, safeguarding and financial controls are in place — these factors strengthen your application
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Avoid asking for core costs or general running budgets; focus on a specific, one‑off project with clear community benefit
https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme