How to apply for a grant | Stratford Town Trust

We offer grants and support to community groups and charitable organisations so that they can continue to do amazing things for our local community. Our funding must be used to support people who live, work or study within the town.

Our large grants is now closed and is expected to reopen on 16th April 2026.
Small grants - temporary closure 27 February - end of March 2026

On 27th February at 4pm, we will be pausing applications to our Small Grants programme until the end of March. This short break is because we’re transitioning to a new grantmaking system designed to make the process simpler, faster, and more user-friendly for everyone.

We appreciate this may not be ideal if you were planning to apply soon, but we’re confident these improvements will lead to a much better experience and journey for applicants going forward. We have worked to keep the closure as short as possible to minimise disruption.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we make this important upgrade. We’ll share more details and reopen applications at the end of March – please keep an eye on our website for updates. Our large grants round is expected to open on 16th April.

If you have any questions in the meantime, or want to talk through any ideas for future projects, feel free to contact James or David directly: applications@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk or call 01789 207108 / 207114

You can check if the community you will support is eligible for our funding by using our handy postcode checker, below.

What can I apply for?

Small Grants

Our Small Grants programme is designed to enable grassroots community projects and small local charities to support and develop their communities with grants of up to £2,000.

Please contact James or David: applications@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk or call 01789 207108 / 207114 to talk through any ideas for future projects. On receipt of your application, we will usually let you know the outcome within 10 working days, provided that you have submitted all the required information.

To apply, community groups and charitable organisations must have:

A constitution or agreed set of rules.
A bank account with at least two, unrelated signatories.
Community Interest Companies (CIC/O) must be limited by guarantee.

SMALL GRANTS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Grants for Individuals

Through Citizens Advice South Warwickshire, we provide small, one-off grants for things like bedding, furniture, clothing, heating appliances and white goods such as microwaves and fridges.

Call 0808 250 5715 Monday- Friday 9am - 5pm to discuss if you can apply.

Large grants

Our large grants round is now closed and will reopen in Spring 2026

Please contact James or David: applications@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk or call 01789 207108 / 207114 to talk through any ideas for future projects.

Are we eligible to apply?

Voluntary community groups and charitable organisations must have:

A constitution or agreed set of rules
A bank account with at least two, unrelated signatories.

Community Interest Companies (CIC) must be limited by guarantee.

Your application must:

evidence the need for the project within Stratford-upon-Avon.
evidence genuine user involvement in its planning and ongoing delivery.
make it clear how it will make a positive impact on the quality of life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and partnership working.
demonstrate a robust financial position (viability and sustainability), where applicable.

What can I apply for?

Small Grants

Grants for Individuals

Large grants

Our Small Grants programme is designed to enable grassroots community projects and small local charities to support and develop their communities with grants of up to £2,000.

Please contact James or David: applications@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk or call 01789 207108 / 207114 to talk through any ideas for future projects. On receipt of your application, we will usually let you know the outcome within 10 working days, provided that you have submitted all the required information.

To apply, community groups and charitable organisations must have:

A constitution or agreed set of rules.
A bank account with at least two, unrelated signatories.
Community Interest Companies (CIC/O) must be limited by guarantee.

SMALL GRANTS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Through Citizens Advice South Warwickshire, we provide small, one-off grants for things like bedding, furniture, clothing, heating appliances and white goods such as microwaves and fridges.

Call 0808 250 5715 Monday- Friday 9am - 5pm to discuss if you can apply.

Our large grants round is now closed and will reopen in Spring 2026

Please contact James or David: applications@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk or call 01789 207108 / 207114 to talk through any ideas for future projects.

Are we eligible to apply?

Voluntary community groups and charitable organisations must have:

A constitution or agreed set of rules
A bank account with at least two, unrelated signatories.

Community Interest Companies (CIC) must be limited by guarantee.

Your application must:

evidence the need for the project within Stratford-upon-Avon.
evidence genuine user involvement in its planning and ongoing delivery.
make it clear how it will make a positive impact on the quality of life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and partnership working.
demonstrate a robust financial position (viability and sustainability), where applicable.

You can’t apply to us for funding for any activities or services that have already been booked and/or taken place, or for any equipment already purchased or leased.

You can also only apply for one grant in any year – either small grants or through the main grants round.

Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA) offer funding development and organisational support more broadly – and are always happy to help organisations apply for funding at the Trust and with other funders, as well as support groups to build skills, networks and confidence.

You can contact them on

Telephone: 01789 332962
Email: stratfordinfo@wcava.org.uk

Hardship grants for Individuals

Through Citizens Advice South Warwickshire, we provide small, one-off grants for things like bedding, furniture, clothing, heating appliances and white goods such as microwaves and fridges.

Please call: 0808 250 5715 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm to discuss whether you can apply.

Non-Discretionary Grants

As well as our discretionary grant-giving, under the terms of the original Royal Charter that created what is now the Stratford Town Trust, we’re also required to make regular grants to each of the following organisations:

King Edward VI School
The Vicar of Holy Trinity Church
The Almshouses in Church Street

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Over £500,000 to support direct community activity across Stratford

More than £180,000 for young people’s activities in Stratford

Nearly 50 Community organisations supported to deliver amazing projects and ideas

Funding impact

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We supported the refurbishment of Elta House to create a comfortable and functional day centre for Heart of England

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Thunderbirds

Thunderbirds are a netball club for both juniors and seniors based in Stratford Upon Avon.

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iLEAP works delivers a children's programme, a youth programme and an adult programme of inclusive leisure activities

Creating a vibrant and connected community.