Sussex Community Foundation

Sussex Community Foundation, established in 2006 by the late 10th Duke of Richmond and Gordon, is an independent UK Community Foundation dedicated to creating a fairer, more equal Sussex by channeling local philanthropy into small charities and voluntary groups often overlooked by larger funders. Its mission emphasizes community empowerment, fairness, and long-term resilience, drawing on data-led insights and robust governance to address deep inequalities. Distinctive as a hub connecting philanthropists, businesses, and grassroots leaders, it has awarded over £30 million since inception, prioritizing place-based impact in East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove.

Funding centers on four themes: tackling poverty and disadvantage (e.g., food banks, support for vulnerable women), improving health via holistic and preventative approaches (e.g., mental health, social isolation), enabling potential through education, skills, and employability (e.g., youth training), and climate resilience (e.g., eco-hubs, tool libraries). It supports diverse beneficiaries including deprived communities, ethnic minorities, health-inequity groups, and underrepresented leaders, funding projects, core costs, equipment, and unrestricted uses for small to medium organizations.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CICs (with majority unpaid directors) based in Sussex, annual income under £2 million (favoring grassroots under £100k), delivering local benefits. Typical grants range £1,000–£10,000 (most ~£5,000), one per organization yearly. Apply via online Expression of Interest (EOI) with supporting docs like accounts and policies; shortlisted advance to full stage, decisions in 1–3 months. Next deadline: 17 October 2025. Excludes non-Sussex work, non-charitable activities; unique for flexible, evidence-based matching of donor funds to needs, reducing applicant barriers.