Grants to Support UK’s Freshwater Ecosystems

Grants and practical support for small and medium-sized social purpose organisations in the UK

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is inviting applications to its Building Resilience Programme which is specifically focused on charities whose main purpose is protecting freshwater ecosystems in the UK.

The programme is aimed at small and medium-sized social purpose organisations seeking to strengthen organisational resilience over the long term. For this round, a social purpose organisation is defined as any organisation, whether non-profit, for-profit or hybrid, that works toward charitable purposes and in the public benefit.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of between £40,000 and £70,000 over two years, with 50% provided as unrestricted support and 50% as restricted support. The award is split equally across two years, covering activity from 2026 to 2028.

Alongside the grant, organisations will receive tailored support, including one-to-one support and impact consultancy, practical tools and peer learning opportunities as part of a structured two-year programme of support.

To be eligible, applicants must be UK registered as a charitable or non-profit organisation, such as a registered charity, Community Interest Company, Community Benefit Society or company limited by guarantee. They must also have a total income between £250,000 and £1.5 million in their most recent accounts and demonstrate a clear mission focused on protecting and preserving UK freshwater ecosystems. Applicants are expected to have appropriate policies and procedures, including strong safeguarding measures, and be willing to actively participate in the structured support over the two-year period.

Unrestricted support can be used in ways that best support the organisation’s mission and help create time and capacity to engage with the programme. The restricted portion must be ring-fenced for work that directly strengthens organisational resilience.