Ahead of applying we recommend you have a read through of these frequently asked questions, read our Grant-Making Policy, read up on the communities already supported by the Foundation by visiting our Grants Awarded page and develop your community grant applications with others ahead of applying online by reviewing viewing the application questions.
Check out our frequently asked questions
Our work doesn’t fit your funding priorities. Should we still apply?
To avoid disappointment, if your application does not meet the Foundation’s priorities or criteria, then please do not apply. Please ensure you have read the Grant-Making Policy and the criteria of the grant fund you are looking to apply for/ its respective webpage before contacting the Foundation team.
Do we have to be a registered charity?
We provide funding to registered charities, not-for-profits, social enterprises, and organisations who qualify as a charity but are not required to register with the Charity Commission. Some of our Grants have specific organisational requirements please check with the criteria of each grant to ensure eligibility.
Is my project / organisation eligible to apply?
To be eligible for funding through the Northern Powergrid Foundation you should be; an organisation based in the UK, an organisation that has been operating for over 12 months able to supply most recent annual financial accounts and the organisation's governing document and registration number(s) (if applicable) applying for funds that are not the responsibility of another organisation or statutory authority, located within Northern Powergrid’s geographical areas of North East of England, Yorkshire or northern Lincolnshire applying for a project that is r...
Do you fund individuals?
We do not fund individuals. Please visit Our Grants for more information on the specifics of the Northern Powergrid Foundation funding.
My project is over the maximum grant amount, should I still apply?
Should the project be more than the maximum grant available, applicants can still apply, but must demonstrate in their application how match funding will be sourced, or if applicants can use organisational reserves to cover the remaining funding gap. The Foundation Trustees are willing to part-fund larger projects, but will require evidence of the match funding before any payments are made.
Can you help with the application?
The Northern Powergrid Foundation and Northern Powergrid cannot provide applicants with support in devising their project concept. Applicants are asked to perform their own research and work with suppliers to develop a strong application. The Northern Powergrid Foundation will host a grant round webinar which will be promoted across our digital platforms.
The portal is asking me for an authenticator, what does this mean?
Our grant portal uses an authenticator as an extra layer of security to protect your account and your application information. When you log in for the first time, you’ll be asked to set up an authenticator of your choice. This could be an app like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or another trusted authentication tool you already use. Once set up, you’ll be asked to enter a code from your chosen authenticator each time you sign in. This helps us keep your data secure and ensures only you can access your account.
We have had funding from you before. Can we reapply?
Should your application meet our criteria you may reapply for funds, but must allow a period of two years to have passed following the completion of their first project. Please note for new streams of funding, the trustees may wish to fund organisations who have not previously benefitted from the funding, in order to expand the reach of our work.
What do I need to have to apply for a grant?
The checklist for all applications: Quotes - quotes are to be in date and cover the grant value that is requested. Charity/company number If the application is made by, or on behalf of an organisation, the following must also be provided with the proposal: A complete, up-to-date copy of the organisation's governing document (such as articles of association) If the organisation is a UK charity: Its registered charity number(s) as issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office for the Scottish Charity Regulator, and/or the Charity Commi...
How many years of funding can we apply for?
The majority of grants made by the Northern Powergrid Foundation will be for one off projects, however in line with our strategy multi-year grants are available. Please ensure you check the funding programme and associated guidance before applying.
When can I apply?
There will be multiple rounds in a year to apply for a Northern Powergrid Foundation grant, the timings of which differ for each grant programme. Applicants can submit an expression of interest for funding for their project by registering with our online applicant system; Logon - Grant Lifecycle Manager. All expressions of interest will be reviewed and projects which align with our funding priorities will be given access to submit a full application. Please note that access to the full application process does not mean you will receive funding; a full assessment and due diligence pro...
Will applications without quotes be accepted?
All grant applications require valid itemised quotes covering the total value of the project, with an indication as to what the requested grant value will be used for. Failure to provide quotations will result in the application failing the application assessment. Our Energy resilience grant required two itemised quotes which much be from MCS registered installers for Solar and battery installations.
Do you only fund work related to the regions covered by Northern Powergrid?
Our grants are for communities located within Northern Powergrid’s geographical areas of North East of England, Yorkshire or northern Lincolnshire. You do not have to be connected to the electricity network to be eligible.
I’ve forgotten my password for the online application portal, what do I do?
Follow the 'log in' instructions on screen and click 'forgot my password' to regain access to your online application portal.
Can we post our application?
If possible, we encourage all applicants to use our online portal, as it will be much easier to manage the reporting requirements of a successful grant. However, we understand that some people/organisations may struggle with this. Our application form is downloadable from our website and can be posted to us at The Northern Powergrid Foundation, Lloyds Court, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6AF. If you require a physical copy of the application form, you can request one by emailing [email protected].
What happens after we submit our application?
You will receive an automatic acknowledgement by e-mail when you have submitted your online application. The application is then assessed by the Foundation team against key criteria. Based on recommendations, the Trustees then meet and perform grant-making decisions. If successful, grant terms and conditions will be issued for you to accept and then a grant cheque will be issued.
What is the end-to-end process from application to receiving grant?
Potential applicants can tell us about their project by submitting their expression of interest via their online account.. (Some smaller grant programmes may not require an expression of interest, but this will be made clear in the grant programme guidance). Once submitted an expression of interest (EOI) will be reviewed by a member of the Foundation team. The outcome of your EOI will be communicated to you within 14 days of submission Eligible applicants will be invited to complete the full application process Once the deadline passes for the submission of full applications,...
How do we get funding from you?
To be considered for funding from the Northern Powergrid Foundation you must meet the charity's eligibility criteria and apply online on behalf of your community. Please read our Grant-Making Policy and visit ‘Our Grants’ webpage to understand more about what funding is available.
Does my organisation have to own the building where the work is taking place?
No, we will consider organisations that have a secure, long-term lease on a building. We do ask that the required permissions have been obtained from landlords etc. and that all due diligence has been performed to ensure the project is viable at the desired location required before applying.
How are applications assessed?
Applications go through a series of checks ahead of the Board of Trustees performing their grant-making decisions. Applications will be assessed to see if the application includes all mandatory information. The application and organisation will be assessed against the charity's Grant-Making policy. The viability of the project will then be considered, for energy resilience this may be alongside the need for energy resilience measures in the location. Due to high levels of grant applications, difficult decisions will need to be made due to the level of resources at t...
Why are applications rejected?
There are a number of reasons why applications may be rejected, the most common reasons can be found below: Project is outside of the Northern Powergrid geographical area Income of the applying organisation is above the threshold for the grant criteria - this will differ by each grant programme, but as an overall rule, we will not fund any organisation with an income of more than £500k/year Project is too close to other beneficiaries supported by the Northern Powergrid Foundation - To achieve a fair and equal distribution of grant funding across our region, we may use ...
We’re not happy with your decision. Can we appeal?
If you have any complaints about how we have handled your application, you should read our Complaints Policy to understand what to do next. If you are not satisfied you can write to our Trustees. However, please note that Trustees decisions are final and we will not accept an appeal against it. Any complaint you make will not jeopardise your funding application or any future application to us.
When will grants be awarded?
Grants will be awarded at least twice per year, the dates of which will be dependent on when application assessments are undertaken. Please visit the website regularly to find out more information in grant dates.
What if a part of my project isn't suitable for a Foundation grant?
The Trustees may consider a partial grant payment for the project as long as they are comfortable the project can still go ahead using the applicant’s reserves or match funding from other sources to cover the monetary gap.
Do you provide feedback on why our application was unsuccessful?
If your application was unsuccessful, we are able to provide you with common reasons why applications are not successful, however we cannot give full bespoke feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.
How much can I ask for?
Applications are for the items that have itemised quotes and therefore applicants are to request what is needed, up to the maximum grant value. It is advisable to get quotes that will last the duration of the application processing time or consider match funding
How much do you give out in funding each year?
The Northern Powergrid Foundation undertakes a budgeting forecasting exercise each year which helps determine the amount of funding the Foundation will distribute annually. This means the total amount available may change for each grant round.
My application has been approved for grant money, what happens next?
After the Trustees have made their grant-making decisions. Successful applicants will be asked to accept the grant terms and conditions and complete our pre-project survey. Once the Northern Powergrid Foundation team receives a signed copy of acceptance of the grant terms and conditions grant funds will be released via cheque.
The grant funds have been received, what happens next?
The community project funded, or part funded by the Northern Powergrid Foundation can get underway as per the intended purpose of the grant as soon as funds are received. Awardees will be required to complete quarterly reports on the progress of their project.
We have spent the money and the project has been delivered, what happens next?
As per the terms and conditions of the grant the awardee will be asked to complete a Project Completion Report which details where the money has been spent and how the community has benefitted. The Project Completion Report is accessible via the online application portal.
Will you come to visit us?
As part of the grant awarded review process the Northern Powergrid Foundation Trustees may meet with awardees or conduct a site visits. Awardees will be informed if this is requested. Trustees or representatives of the Foundation may wish to visit site, or the successful applicant may request a site visit for PR and media opportunities. Media enquiries are to be emailed to [email protected].
How can I further help my community?
Aside from the community grants offered by the Northern Powergrid Foundation, communities served by Northern Powergrid can be added to Northern Powergrid’s free Priority Services Membership that supports those that need extra advice or support in a power cut due to your medical or personal circumstances, communities can get energy advice support through Northern Powergrid partners and advice on how to prepare for power interruptions, especially during the winter months. Please email the Foundation team at [email protected] for more information.