Grant News
BBC Children in Need has announced that it is transitioning to a new grantmaking system in 2025 to enhance its funding processes. This transition will occur throughout the year, with the new system expected to launch by the end of September.
As a result, the organisation will not accept new Expressions of Interest applications after 15th April 2025 until the new system is operational.
This will affect the following grant making schemes:
The Project Costs Funding Stream offers grants to charities and not-for-profit organisations for specific pieces of work, typically time-limited and based on defined activities. Eligible applicants can apply for funding for up to three years, with quicker decisions available for grants of £15,000 or less per year. This stream supports projects that address the challenges faced by children and young people, build their skills and resilience, empower them, and extend their choices in life.
The Core Costs Funding Stream provides grants to cover essential organisational and administrative expenses necessary for the day-to-day operations of charities and not-for-profit organisations. These grants, also available for up to three years, can be used for costs such as management, administration, HR, payroll, and general office expenses. Like the Project Costs stream, quicker decisions are available for grants of £15,000 or less per year.
The Emergency Essentials Programme supports individual children and young people living in severe poverty, lacking basic facilities, or facing additional pressures such as domestic violence, disability, or poor health in the family. This programme provides critical items like beds, cookers, clothing, and other essentials to ensure the well-being of children. Applications can only be made by registered referrers who can reach families in need.
The Pudsey Next Steps focuses on new applicants working in under-served geographic and/or thematic areas across the UK. The Pudsey Next Steps funding programme will help achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in our grant-making by reaching under-served and marginalised children and young people. They may be affected by challenges including poverty, discrimination, and exclusion. For example, this could include care experienced or disabled children and young people. It may include racially minoritised children and young people.
Additionally, the current online grantee portal will close on 25th July 2025, with a new portal anticipated by the end of September 2025.