Raising money from trusts is not a quick process. You should research which is the most suitable trust and, because the trustees may only meet every few months, or even less frequently, find out when you need to apply. Some trusts have an application form, but many ask for a letter – detailing the project or activity the organisation wants funding for – and a budget.

You need to tailor your application to the trusts stated funding policy, but be careful you don’t completely distort what you want to do by simply following the money. So, for example, if you run an advice centre and feel that some of your female clients’ needs would be catered for better if you provided a women only session, this need could be explored with a trust that supports work with women.

Knowing the amount the trust normally grants also helps. If you need £4,000 to refurbish your kitchen and the trust normally only makes grants of £400 then it’s a waste of time applying for the full £4000. But you could ask for a contribution. Some operate on a national level – such as Children in Need, which awarded £33 million to projects across the UK in 2005. Others support initiatives in their geographical area – such as the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which awards around £2.5 million in grants in that area each year.

Many trusts tend to only give grants to registered charities. If everything you do is charitable and your yearly income is greater than £5,000 you should consider applying to the Charity Commission to register as a charity. If your income is less, you can choose whether to register on not. You may be able to apply for grants if you are a member of an umbrella organisation that has charitable status and is able to process the grant on your behalf.