Grant News

The Henry Smith Foundation is launching a £6 million Enterprise Gateway Fund to help small voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and social entrepreneurs develop new sources of earned income and improve their long-term financial resilience. The Foundation is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable funders.

At least four Intermediary Partners will be appointed to deliver the programme. They can apply for £500,000 to £1.5 million over three years to provide onward grants, enterprise development support, peer learning, networking and programme management. Small organisations and social entrepreneurs cannot apply directly to the Foundation.

Key highlights:

• UK-wide programme

• £6 million total fund

• £500,000 to £1.5 million for each Intermediary Partner

• Intermediaries must have annual income of at least £500,000

• Beneficiaries will include small VCSE organisations and early-stage social entrepreneurs

• Priority will be given to areas with high deprivation or limited enterprise support.

Expressions of Interest open 28 October 2026 and close at 5pm on 25 November 2026. Shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit full applications by 5pm on 22 January 2027.