Posted on by Sid

FUNDING: Postcode Society Trust Round 1 – apply by 2 Mar

Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the first application window for large funding awards opens soon for registered charities in the South of England, with a range of four themes.

There are three funding rounds in 2026, with short 8-day application windows.

To be eligible, the main aims and objectives of the organisation must fit with one of the following themes: 

  • enabling participation in the arts
  • preventing or reducing the impact of poverty
  • supporting marginalised groups and/or tackling inequality
  • Improving mental health – with a focus on organisations that are actively supporting specific mental health issues, rather than general mental wellbeing activities.

Organisations must also have an income of between £10,000 and £1million in the most recent financial year.

Application can be made for up to £50,000 in total across a 3-year period, dependent on organisation size. Requests must be no more than 75% of the annual income listed on the most recent set of signed accounts.

To support decision their making, priority may be given to charities and good causes which meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • have an income of £250,000 or below
  • work in communities located in the top 15% of the English Index of Multiple Deprivation
  • organisations whose main activities are focused on supporting marginalised groups which could include, but is not limited to, disabled people, communities experiencing racial inequity, and LGBT+ people
  • areas that have not recently received funding – they will primarily look at postcode areas (eg. EHX XXX) that have not received funding in the last 12 months.

It is important to note that the strength of an organisation’s overall application is the primary factor in our decision making.

 There are three funding rounds in 2026, each open for 8 days:  

  • Round 1: 9am on 23 February – 12 noon on 2 March 2026
  • Round 2: 9am on 26 May – 12 noon on 2 June 2026
  • Round 3: 9am on 25 August – 12 noon on 1 September 2026.

For full information and guidance, visit the Postcode Society Trust Apply for a Grant webpage.