Grant FAQ's
Eligibility
- What areas of work does Comic Relief fund?
- Where does Comic Relief fund?
- What will Comic Relief NOT fund?
- We are not a registered charity... can we receive funding?
- I am not sure if my project fits your criteria - what should I do?
- Can I write to you about my project to see if it is eligible for funding?
- I am an individual who needs funding... can you help me?
General UK grant queries
- How long does Comic Relief fund for?
- What types of grants does Comic Relief give?
- How much does Comic Relief give?
- Does Comic Relief require match funding?
- What is Comic Relief's policy on the level of reserves held by the orgaisations it funds?
- Are grants awarded for all the requested amount or nothing at all?
- We will have to close next month if we can't get any more money - can you help?
- Does Comic Relief consider consortium/joint bids?
- How many grants can I apply for?
- You have funded our project already - can we apply for another grant for the same purpose once the grant ends?
- Are the guidelines and application forms available in special formats?
- Can we donate goods to Comic Relief to distribute?
- We are a national organisation with local branches based all over the UK. Will you only accept one application from our organisation in total?
- Under what circumstances would Comic Relief consider awarding a grant of over £100,000 or for longer than 3 years?
UK grant application process
- What does Comic Relief look for in applications?
- I am having some problems filling in the application form - can you help?
- Does Comic Relief have application deadlines?
- How should I present my application to Comic Relief?
- Does Comic Relief visit projects?
- How long will it take before I hear if I have been successful?
- Can I get feedback if my application has been rejected?
- How long after being rejected can I reapply?
Grant Holders
- How will I receive the first instalment of my grant?
- How are all other grant instalments paid?
- What should my invoice look like?
- How long will it take to process my payments?
- I want to change the use of my grant what should I do?
- We were awarded a grant to pay for a worker - they have now left. How does this affect my grant?
- My organisation currently has a Red Nose Day grant for a specific project - can I apply for another grant for a different piece of work?
- My current grant is coming to an end - can I apply for another grant for a different piece of work and if so when can I do this?
- Can I receive continuation funding?
- How do I make a complaint?
Eligibility
Q:
What areas of work does Comic Relief fund?
A:
We make grants in 6 programme areas:
- Young People;
- Older People;
- Mental Health;
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers;
- Domestic Violence;
- Disadvantaged Communities.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
Where does Comic Relief fund?
A:
We fund work all over the UK and are very keen to make sure that our money reaches all parts of the country, especially areas which often miss out, like rural communities.
Q:
What will Comic Relief NOT fund?
A:
There are certain types of work and organisations that we do not fund. If your proposal falls into one of these categories, please do not apply to us.
- Animal welfare
- General appeals, sponsorship or marketing appeals
- Mainstream educational activity, schools and colleges
- General youth work
- Individuals or organisations that distribute funds to individuals
- Promotion of religion
- Trips abroad
- Replacement of statutory funding
- Activities primarily the responsibility of central or local government or health authorities
- Medical research or equipment, hospitals or medical centres
- Minibuses
- Work that has already taken place
- Capital grants for compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
We are not a registered charity... can we receive funding?
A:
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
I am not sure if my project fits your criteria - what should I do?
A:
The first thing you should do is to read the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word) as these clearly state what we will and will not fund. You should also complete the self-assessment form online as this will help you to decide whether your project fits our funding criteria. If you are still unsure about whether or not your project is eligible for funding then you can call a member of the UK Grants Team on 0207 820 5555 for additional advice.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
click here to go to the self-assessment form
Q:
Can I write to you about my project to see if it is eligible for funding?
A:
We will not consider requests for funding that are sent to us other than those on the relevant Comic Relief application form. If you would like to know whether your project is eligible for a grant please look at the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word) on the Comic Relief website. These guidelines will answer most of your questions and will outline what we will and won't fund. You should also complete the self-assessment form online which will help you to decide whether or not your project is eligible for Comic Relief funding
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
click here to go to the self-assessment form
Q:
I am an individual who needs funding... can you help me?
A:
Unfortunately we only award grants to registered charities or constituted voluntary organisations. If you are an individual seeking funds then you might like to try getting hold of 'A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need', published by the Directory of Social Change, which details those organisations which distribute money to individuals. You can also look at the website www.grantsforindividuals.org.uk
General UK grant queries
Q:
How long does Comic Relief fund for?
A:
We usually make grants for between 1 and 3 years. In some circumstances, and where we are supporting projects that aim to bring about lasting change, we may consider longer term funding of up to 5 years. Please talk to us before you prepare an application for more than 3 years.
Q:
What types of grants does Comic Relief give?
A:
We can give grants for running costs and capital costs, depending on the programme you are applying to.
Running costs, also known as revenue costs, are the costs you have to pay to run projects and pay year after year such as rent and salaries.
Capital costs include equipment costs, for example computers and office furniture; and building costs. These are usually one-off payments. We give building costs a very low priority, and only fund these in exceptional circumstances. We do not fund capital costs where they are part of a much larger appeal or capital grants for compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Q:
How much does Comic Relief give?
A:
There is no maximum grant size and the amount you ask for should be the amount you need. We are likely to make some large grants, and a range of smaller grants of between £15,000 and £30,000 per year. If you wish to apply for more than £100,000 in total, please telephone us before you apply. We also have a fast track application process for small grants up to £5,000. You can only make a small grant application under the following programmes: Older People, Mental Health and Disadvantaged Communities.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
Does Comic Relief require match funding?
A:
Not usually, but we will want to know what other funders are involved in your project or have been approached. In some circumstances we will consider partnership funding especially on larger scale projects. You may, however, apply to Comic Relief for match funding required by another funder providing that your project meets the criteria of one of the UK Grants programmes.
Q:
What is Comic Relief's policy on the level of reserves held by the orgaisations it funds?
A:
Any well run organisation should have some money in reserve, to cope with fluctuations in funding and to meet their commitments. However, where the 'free' or unrestricted reserves are significant (in excess of one year's running costs) we will ask organisations to outline their reserves policy and to explain why these funds are really needed. In these cases we may not fund the full amount requested or may not fund at all if we feel the organisation has sufficient funding to pay for the work itself. Advice on reserves can be found at www.charitycommision.gov.uk
Q:
Are grants awarded for all the requested amount or nothing at all?
A:
No, the level of grant awarded often differs from the amount requested. During the assessment process a grant officer will usually talk to you about the amount you are requesting and your projected budget to see whether you have under-budgeted, whether you have included elements that are not really part of the project or if some of the costs can be found from another source.
Q:
We will have to close next month if we can't get any more money - can you help?
A:
Unfortunately not. We do not provide deficit or retrospective funding or make grants to solve this sort of crisis. You should get in touch with your current funders and local Council for Voluntary Service who may be able to help you.
Q:
Does Comic Relief consider consortium/joint bids?
A:
We will consider consortium bids and in some of the UK programmes we actively encourage joint applications. However, you must select only one organisation to be the actual applicant on behalf of the Consortium. The financial information required will be that of the lead organisation who makes the application and any grant will legally be the responsibility of that organisation as well. You must demonstrate why a consortium is needed, which other organisations are involved and how it will steer the project.
Q:
How many grants can I apply for?
A:
You can only apply for one grant from the Red Nose Day funding programme at a time.
You may be able to apply to other Comic Relief grant-making programmes such as Sport Relief. Full details of other programmes are available on www.comicrelief.com
Q:
You have funded our project already - can we apply for another grant for the same purpose once the grant ends?
A:
Yes, you may apply for another grant for the same purpose. However, your application will be considered along with all other applications and is unlikely to receive any preferential consideration. If successful, the final year of your second grant will be reduced by 50%.
You will need to check that your project stills meets the UK grant making criteria by looking at the UK Grants Guidelines 2005- 2008 (pdf) and completing the online self-assessment form.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
click here to go to the self-assessment form
Q:
Are the guidelines and application forms available in special formats?
A:
The Red Nose Day application pack is available in Welsh, Braille, large print and audio formats. If you would like to receive an application pack in one of these formats please call the Comic Relief office on 0207 820 5555 and ask for a member of the UK Grants team who will arrange for an application pack to be sent to you.
Q:
Can we donate goods to Comic Relief to distribute?
A:
Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to distribute goods to other charities. If you have goods that you would like to donate, it is best to get in touch with your local Council for Voluntary Service who may be able to offer you some useful information. The charity In Kind direct may also be able to help you.
Q:
We are a national organisation with local branches based all over the UK. Will you only accept one application from our organisation in total?
A:
If your local branches are responsible for their own fundraising, they can each apply individually to us for funding. Each branch can only make one application at a time.
Q:
Under what circumstances would Comic Relief consider awarding a grant of over £100,000 or for longer than 3 years?
A:
Comic Relief would need to be convinced that the longer period of funding or a larger amount awarded would really be necessary to conduct the proposed work. The work would need to fall within at least one of the categories below:
- Projects that cover more than just a local area - for example, city wide, region wide or even national
- Projects that can really convince us that the impact they will have will be profound and/or long lasting - and relate to our outcomes
- Projects undertaking an innovatory piece of work (could be a local project), perhaps piloting a way of working which could be duplicated elsewhere, especially nationally. This could include action research and costs may involve dissemination of the findings and/or a conference
- Projects which support their sector - i.e. if you are initiating something which would support the projects you work with in achieving one of our outcomes
- Large scale awareness raising or campaigning - projects which are working to influence policy or practice at various levels but are likely to be regionally or nationally focused - which may involve multi-agency, cross-sectoral approaches or partnerships.
In addition to one or more of the above they may (but not necessarily) also be:
- Bids where a consortium of organisations have come together to deliver something in a way which would help to develop a sector or deliver a service
- Bids through which other funds would be levered in through our grant making
UK grant application process
Q:
What does Comic Relief look for in applications?
A:
We always get many more applications than we can fund, so we have to make some difficult choices. We want to make sure that our funding is spread around the UK and that we support a range of large-scale initiatives and smaller, community-based groups. As well as wanting to see that your organisation is well run, we will also take into account the extent to which:
- your application meets the outcomes of the programme to which you are applying
- you are reaching people in great need, including those often ignored or who face discrimination
- you are working with others to maximise impact
- you are learning from what you do so you can be as effective as possible
- you involve and consult the people who will benefit from your work
Q:
I am having some problems filling in the application form - can you help?
A:
Please see the guidance notes below which should help you when answering some of the specific questions on the application form. If your query is not answered here, you can call a member of the UK Grants Team on 0207 820 5555 who may be able to offer you some assistance. However, we are not able to offer detailed support in filling out application forms. Please get in touch with your local Council for Voluntary Service who may be able to offer you some help in completing the application form.
-
Question on application form: "Tick the programme to which you are applying"
It is important that you only tick ONE box as you can only apply into one programme at a time. If you are applying into the Supporting Vulnerable Young People programme, you must select either the alcohol, or the mental health, or the sexual exploitation category. If you tick more than one box your application may be returned to you. If your project fits into more than one of our programme criteria then you will need to choose the programme that it fits best into. -
Question on application form: "Is the project you want funds for working specifically with any of the groups below?"
Answer this question if your project is only working with a specific group of people. If so, to tell us about this group you may need to tick more than one of the boxes. For example, if you are running a domestic violence project for Black women, then you would tick both the Women and BMEC boxes. If you operate a service that is used by a wide range of people, including some or all of the groups mentioned, then please do not tick any of the boxes. -
Question on application form: "Please list the skills and experiences of your committee members or trustees"
We would like to know the extent to which your committee has direct experience of the issues your project is addressing. For example, if you run a mental health project, how many members of your committee have experienced mental health difficulties themselves? We would also like to know about the professional skills and work experiences that your committee members bring to your organisation. -
Questions relating to Monitoring and evaluation
There are guidance notes available to help you with these questions which you can download by clicking on the link below. guidance notes -
Question on application form: "Please give the balance of funds carried forward from the previous financial year..."
Designated funds are the money that your management or financial committee has set-aside for a particular project or as part of your reserves policy. Restricted funds are those that have been given to you, but on the condition that they can only be used for specific purposes. The most common form of restricted funds are grants you have received for a particular piece of work.
Q:
Does Comic Relief have application deadlines?
A:
Yes, There will be four grant-making deadlines for 2005-6. These are clearly stated in the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word) available to download. The deadlines for funding cycles in 2007-8 will be announced towards the end of 2006.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
How should I present my application to Comic Relief?
A:
You should send two copies of your application form and your clearly labelled supporting documents (a list of these documents can be found on the final page of the application form) to The UK Grants Team, Comic Relief, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Your complete application should be placed inside a plastic wallet or with a paper clip holding all of the documents together. Do not send your application in a ring binder or bound together.
Q:
Does Comic Relief visit projects?
A:
Yes, one of the UK grant officers or regional assessors will usually visit a project applying for more than £5,000 as part of the assessment process.
Q:
How long will it take before I hear if I have been successful?
A:
If you are applying for a grant that is less than £5,000 you will hear whether or not your application has been successful within 3 months of Comic Relief receiving your application form. You may only apply for a grant of £5,000 or less under the designated programmes so please look in the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word) to check that your project is eligible.
click here to download the UK Grants Guidelines 2005-08. (pdf) (word).
Q:
Can I get feedback if my application has been rejected?
A:
We are committed to giving unsuccessful applicants feedback as to why their application has been rejected. Information about how this feedback can be obtained will be outlined in the letter sent informing applicants of their unsuccessful application. We can only provide feedback within 2 months of the application being turned down.
Q:
How long after being rejected can I reapply?
A:
You can apply for another grant as soon as you have heard that your application has been unsuccessful and this application will be considered in the next grant cycle along with all other applications. However, you should find out why your application was unsuccessful and whether there is any chance of you being successful with another application. It is likely that you will need to apply for a different piece of work.
Grant Holders
Q:
How will I receive the first instalment of my grant?
If you are awarded a grant over £5,000, you will receive your first instalment once you have returned your signed Conditions of Grant Form, Monitoring and Evaluation Form, Worker in Post Notification Form and your Bank Details Form. Please do not send these in separately.
The payment will be made by BACS transfer and so you must provide your organisation's bank account details on the form provided. You will also need to send us a blank paying-in slip. You will receive a letter informing you that your first instalment has been paid into your account.
Q:
How are all other grant instalments paid?
A:
If your grant is for £5,000 or less you will receive the payment in one instalment by BACS transfer. We will write to you informing you that this payment has been made. If your grant is for more than £5,000 you will receive a letter once your first instalment has been paid by BACS transfer which will outline the schedule for the remaining grant payments. Payments are generally made at 6 monthly intervals. You will need to send Comic Relief an invoice just prior to the date when a payment is due in order for the UK grants team to process your payment. You will also need to return a Monitoring and Evaluation form along with your invoice before your third and fifth instalment can be paid. The letter you receive with your first payment will explain this more fully.
Q:
What should my invoice look like?
A:
You need to send Comic Relief an invoice just prior to the date that each grant instalment is due. The invoice should be on headed paper and needs to state your grant reference number (which will begin GR00) and the amount you are requesting. There is no set format for your invoice - it can be a letter requesting the instalment as long as it contains this information.
Q:
How long will it take to process my payments?
A:
Providing we have all the necessary information from you, we plan to process your payment within a month of receiving your invoice. However, we cannot release a payment before the date it is due.
Q:
I want to change the use of my grant what should I do?
A:
If you have been awarded a grant but would like to change the use of this grant you will need to put this request in writing to the UK grants team. Please outline what the grant was originally planned for, why you want to change the use of the grant, what you would like to use it for instead and a revised project budget.
If you want to change an employment post, we will also need a revised job description.
A grant officer will then contact you to discuss your request. You many not change the use of your grant without permission from Comic Relief.
Q:
We were awarded a grant to pay for a worker - they have now left. How does this affect my grant?
A:
You will need to write to us and explain what has happened. We would like to see your plans for dealing with the situation. A grant officer will then write to you or call you to discuss your next steps and the effect this may have on your grant.
Q:
My organisation currently has a Red Nose Day grant for a specific project - can I apply for another grant for a different piece of work?
A:
No - You may only have one grant from the Red Nose Day fund at any one time.
Q:
My current grant is coming to an end - can I apply for another grant for a different piece of work and if so when can I do this?
A:
You can apply for another grant up to a maximum of 9 months before your grant is due to end. You will need to look at the guidelines to see whether your project meets the criteria of one of the UK grant programmes. If so, you will need to go through the self-assessment system on the website. Your application will be looked at along with all other applications - it will not be given any preferential consideration because of your current or previous grant.
Q:
Can I receive continuation funding?
A:
We do not offer continuation funding as such. You may apply for another grant for the same purpose. However, your application will be considered along with all other applications and may not be given any preferential consideration. It is likely that the final year of your second grant will be tapered by 50%. You will need to check that your project stills meets the UK grant making criteria by looking at the UK Grant Guidelines (which are available to download on the website) and by completing the self-assessment form online.
Q:
How do I make a complaint?
A:
If you think we have failed to provide a satisfactory standard of service then you are able to make a complaint. We will treat every complaint properly, and we will treat everyone who complains with courtesy and respect.
Inevitably many organisations are disappointed because we have rejected their application for funding but the complaints procedure is not an appeals system against properly reached grant making decisions.
You can complain in writing, either by letter, or email. You can also complain by phone. Or you can make a tape and send it to us. If you complain by email, please include your full name and address. It is easier to deal with your complaint if you are clear about why you are not satisfied and what action you would like us to take.
