Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about applying for funding and how the foundation works.
About Applications
Who can apply for funding?
Registered charities helping children and families through education, health, social care, or environmental work. Your organisation should already be helping people well and have experience you can point to.
What size grants do you offer?
Between XX depending on the project and its impact. Most grants are in the XX range.
What won't you fund?
We won't fund general running costs or salaries, startup charities or new organisations, projects that are mainly about raising awareness, or equipment that is otherwise available through statutory funding.
How long does the application process take?
We confirm receipt within 2 weeks and give a decision within 6 weeks. If successful, funding is usually released within 2 weeks of approval.
Can we apply more than once?
Yes, but we like to see how previous funding helped families before considering new applications from the same charity.
About Funding
Do you fund salaries or running costs?
No, we fund specific projects, equipment, or programmes that directly help people. We don't provide general operational funding.
Can you fund multi-year projects?
We prefer projects that finish within 12 months, but we'll consider longer ones if they have clear stages and regular updates on progress.
Do you require match funding?
No, but we like to see that other funders or the charity itself are also putting money into the project.
What reporting do you require?
Simple updates showing how you've used the funding and what difference it's made to families. We agree on when you'll send these when we approve funding.
About the Foundation
How do you choose which projects to fund?
Every application comes recommended by someone who knows the local community. We look at what the charity has achieved before, how many people the project will help, and whether families really need it.
Where does your funding come from?
Donations from Sterling Street clients and staff, plus business partnerships and fundraising events. We cover our own running costs separately so all donations go to helping families.
Are you connected to Sterling Street financial advisers?
Yes, Sterling Street set up the foundation to use some of the success from their financial advice work to help local communities.
How much do you give away each year?
We're a new foundation, but we aim to give at least £100,000 each year to help families in local communities.
Getting Help with Applications
Can you help us write our application?
We're happy to have an informal chat about whether your project might be suitable before you apply. Contact us on XXXXXXX.
Do you visit organisations?
For larger grants (over £10,000) we usually arrange a visit to see your work firsthand.
Can you put us in touch with other funders?
We focus on our own funding, but if your project doesn't fit what we support, we'll tell you whether other foundations might be interested.