Organisation Details
You will need to tell us a bit about your group; some basic information, such as the groups’ name, address, and charitable status etc., as well as some detailed information, such as your total annual income and expenses, if you have staff, how many you have, and your group’s background and mission statement.
Project Details
Think carefully about what you are planning, as you will need to submit a clear, focused and well-defined project plan. You will need to know how much funding you need, and when you need it by, and whether you could accept a partial award, if we were unable to fund the full amount. You will also need to tell us what you want to do, why you think it’s needed, where and when your project is going to take place, and who or what your project benefits, and to think about what other groups you might be overlapping with or working alongside. You can also include any web address links to any supporting documentation – for example, film trailers, photos, online articles.
Budget
You will need to submit a budget for your project in pounds sterling (UK currency) that clearly demonstrates in detail how you will spend the funds. Your budget should match the amount you are asking for, and clearly show the individual costs you would like Lush to fund. If you are providing extra budget details (e.g. costs that are not being applied for), ensure that these are clearly separated and identified as not to be considered.
Avoid generalised costs, for example ‘admin costs’ or ‘campaigning costs’ – this needs to be broken down into the constituent costs that make up this total e.g. £1,500 for rally supplies, £5,000 for campaign website development. If you are budgeting to purchase an asset (e.g. a heater, a tent, a bicycle) indicate how many you are buying, and what will happen to all assets once your project is complete. If you are purchasing travel, indicate who is travelling, why and to where, and how e.g. train, car etc.
You will not be able to send your budget as a separate document. Instead you will need to type it in the relevant answer box on the application form. Use a new line for each line in your budget.
Bank Account
Grants cannot be paid into personal bank accounts, for example, an account held in the name of an individual (Mr. B Smith). Grants can only be paid into an organisation’s bank account. This is an audit requirement and demonstrates your commitment as a group/project.
However, if there is an issue preventing you from obtaining a group bank account, in exceptional circumstances you may be able to nominate an affiliated organisation to receive transfers on your behalf as a fiscal sponsor – please email [email protected] to discuss options.
You will need to take extra care inputting the details for your bank account, as errors can significantly delay your application, and can result in failed payments, or application rejection.
Referees
Each application must be submitted with the full details of two referees. A referee must be independent of you/your group, but able to comment with experience and expertise on the activities, successes, and challenges your group faces. Your referee cannot be a funder, employee, volunteer, founder or trustee in your group. Their email address should be an organisational one (e.g. @greenpeace.org), and not a private email address. Providing referees from groups working in a similar field who have a good vision of your work is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how connected your group is to the wider community.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted at any time, and there are no cut-offs. However, you should allow at least three months from application to when you need the funds. Applications are assessed on a first-come-first-served basis, however, if your funding is exceptionally urgent please email [email protected] for advice.
How do I apply?
Once you have read these guidelines, if you’d like to apply, you can click here to access our online application form (or, here for a sneak peek of what the form looks like).
What happens when I apply?
When you submit your application form it is processed and checked for any missing information or additional details. It is then submitted for panel review. Our Charity Pot panel assesses applications on a rolling basis and a decision is usually made within 8-12 weeks. However, sometimes a funding decision may take longer.
You may be contacted at any time during the process, should additional details or clarifications be needed for a decision to be made. Decisions are made by a panel made up of campaigners, activists, and experts. The panels assess and shortlist the applications, prioritising grassroots campaigning. If your application is shortlisted your referees will be contacted, and their feedback will contribute towards a final decision.
If your application is not successful, you will be emailed and informed. Unfortunately, given the application volumes, it is not possible to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications. However, a rejection does not prevent you from re-applying (see below), as it may simply be funding was over-subscribed and other projects have been prioritised.
Please consider letting your referees know that the speed of their response directly impacts the time it takes to make a final decision. However, if successful, you will be emailed a confirmation together with the value of your grant. Payment is then usually made within 7-10 working days.
What is required if I am successful?
If successful, your group name, project description, and website link will be listed on our website, to provide transparency to Lush customers and staff. We do not publicise the value of any grant. If you would prefer to not be featured publicly, you can indicate this in your initial application.
You will be required to provide feedback on your project, either when it is completed or within a year of receiving the funds (whichever is soonest). You should be prepared to provide links to any supporting documents such as news articles, local press, social media videos or receipts for significant assets. A link to the grant report will be provided once your funding is agreed, or you can access it here.
If successful, our preference is not to be publicly recognised with our logo placement on communication materials. Charity Pot is not intended to be a marketing and brand promotion tool and we see great value in using opportunities for messaging to be used as a space to share the impact of your work. If you have questions about using the Lush logo, please email [email protected].