Equality and inclusion grant programme: frequently asked questions

This list will be updated as questions arise and is not listed in order of priority or importance.

Who can apply?

The Awareness and Engagement Grants Schemes are open to third sector groups and organisations (including faith groups). Collaborations with public sector organisations are eligible, but the lead applicant must be a registered charity or company from the third sector.

Project location/activity covered

Activity must take place in Wales. Activity outside Wales is not supported under this grants scheme.

What funding is available?

A total of £750,000 is currently available for the scheme (£500,000 in 2025 to 2026 and £250,000 in 2026 to 2027).  You are asked to consider bidding for funding within these envelopes noting the lower amount in 2026 to 2027.

Are applicants able to apply for other Grants under the Equality and Inclusion Grant Programme if we meet the criteria?

There is nothing to prevent you from applying for other funding if you meet the criteria. However, other funding will need to be declared and may be taken into consideration in prioritising bids for support.

Will beneficiaries need to undergo testing for eligibility based on protected characteristics?

No, beneficiaries will not need to undergo testing for eligibility.

Are you prepared to support existing programmes alongside new projects/activities? Do we need to evidence meaningful impact on the lives of people with protected characteristics in Wales?

We will support any project that meets the criteria for the grant.

Would you be able to give any examples of what could potentially be funded under the grant?

We are not able to offer specific examples of bids which would be approved. However, please email the mailbox (EqualityandInclusionGrantProgramme@gov.wales) if you are unsure whether your project is suitable for the scheme.

Can an organisation bid more than once for different projects?

Yes. However, where an organisation has multiple objectives, we would encourage the submission of a single, large application as opposed to multiple smaller bids. Note also that the overall geographic spread of prospective grant awards, and their distribution across support for different protected characteristics, will be considered as part of the assessment process to ensure there is a balance across Wales. We will also consider Welsh Government and other funding already received when prioritising bids for support.

Could I discuss our project idea with you? Can a conversation be arranged to see if our ideas fit the grant brief before we go ahead and complete the application form?

To ensure fair competition, we are unable to discuss detailed applications. However, if you have specific questions on eligibility or on the application form, please email the grants mailbox.

What costs are eligible for inclusion under this grant?

This grant funding is available to progress, strengthen and add value to awareness and engagement activities that are already in place, or to establish new arrangements.

The guidance states "Applications from Private sector bodies and businesses will not be accepted/funding is not available to fund any direct costs to a private sector partner’’. Does this still apply if the partner is both a private company and a registered charity?

A partner which is both a private company and a registered charity might not be excluded. However, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please provide all relevant details in your application and we will contact you if we have any queries.

What data would you expect us to collect from service users and how would we be expected to do this? How should I collect monitoring data from service users?

You will be expected to collect end user data on how grant funded actions facilitated users’ participation alongside collecting their monitoring information. The monitoring data that you should/will need to collect and how you collect will depend on the activity your grant is supporting. Templates with appropriate questions will be provided.

Can any of the grant go towards the costs of an external research consultant? Or is there any expectation that the full amount of the grant should be used solely for the delivery of the activity? If so part of the grant can be used for external research consultancy, is there an expectation surrounding the upper threshold for this element? e.g. less than 10% of the total grant?

It is important that any such costs are proportionate and reasonable, relative to the scale of the project. You should be clear on the application form.

When will I know the outcome of my application?

Please refer to the application timeline in the guidance.

How will payments be made?

Payment will be made in arrears unless a third sector applicant provides clear evidence of the need for payment in advance.

Do costs for 'time' have to be for employed staff or can they be for freelancers?

There is nothing in the guidance that prohibits freelancers.

Do you actually mean charities or can CICs apply?

CICs can apply.

Can CIOs apply in that case?  

How does a company limited by guarantee fall within this umbrella of 3rd sector? Can the social enterprise apply? Company limited by guarantee? Can not for profit companies ltd by guarantee apply?

The usual models for third sector limited companies will be companies limited by guarantee (no share capital), companies limited by shares or CICs, which again can have shares. CICs have an asset lock, which generally means assets are protected for community/charitable purposes. 

To be considered possibly eligible, a company which has shares must either reinvest all profit, or limit returns to shareholders to the original investment. We may need to ascertain where profits go by asking for a copy of the memorandum and articles of association for companies.

CIOs are another form of charity registration. Some organisations are both limited companies and registered charities. 

Organisations that cannot apply as lead applicants may possibly be able to apply as collaborators with an eligible one.

The form also asks for NI numbers for organisations, but a small CIC which doesn't employ people does not have NI numbers. Will that jeopardise eligibility?

Please provide numbers for the lead applicant(s).

Where can we access the forms and guidelines?

The guidance and application forms can be found on the grant webpage.

If the lead applicant is a 'third sector body' supporting smaller groups in Wales, must that 'godmother' organisation be based in Wales, if all the smaller groups and participants are based in Wales?

The guidance states that for the purposes of this grant, the third sector bodies’ activities must directly or indirectly benefit the whole or any part of Wales (whether or not they also benefit any other area). The lead applicant for the grant must be a third sector body registered as a charity or company. They must provide their relevant registration number [these would be UK registrations]. Additionally, the project must be delivered in Wales in its entirety. Funding cannot be used to fund any activity outside of Wales.

How do we represent in-kind support? The form asks about other funding but not the value of in-kind? Are you interested in this?

Please provide details of any other funding on your application.

Can a Private Company Limited by Shares apply (but not-for-profit, any profit generated is given to a charity)?

No.

Can either of the grants be used to focus on support for young people as a group?

The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics by tackling inequality and/or promoting inclusion. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can the same collaboration apply for both grants? / different projects?

Yes.

Can schools apply?

Local authority schools can apply as collaborators in a bid with a lead third sector organisation.

The grant guidance states all applications must be led by a third sector group or body. How many partners can collaborate?

No limit has been set on the number of partners.

Can you confirm project delivery would need to be carried out January to September 2026. What is the timescale/deadline for the delivery of activities?

Project delivery would have to be completed by 30 September 2026. Please refer to the guidance for the timescales involved.

Would projects that support unpaid carers be eligible?

The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics by tackling inequality and/or promoting inclusion. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can you give any examples of what could potentially be funded under the grant? Could you give examples of the type of projects / activities this is aimed at under awareness and engagement grant and the innovation grant?

We are not able to offer specific examples of bids which would be approved. The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics. Please refer to the guidance for further details. 

Is there a list of outcomes and outputs please?

This is something that grant recipients are expected to produce as part of their application and service delivery.

Would innovation grants require a lead partner to hold and administer funds across partners if collaborative?

All collaborative bids must have a lead third sector body who will be the grant recipient. Any internal processes would be for the organisations to decide among themselves but where bodies are proposing to collaborate, the application must include a Memorandum of Understanding describing the basis of the collaboration.

Can this be involving several local authority areas, e.g. a regional project?

Yes.

Can only a partnership apply or can an individual organisation do so?

An application can be from a single third sector body or from a collaboration led by a third sector organisation. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can only 'small organisations' apply for the smaller grant?

There is no size prescription for organisations considering applying for a grant.

Can an individual apply for a small grant from a third sector organisation that has been given one of the larger grants?

This would be a decision for the grant-holding organisation.  Please refer to the guidance.

Who can apply?

This Innovation Grant scheme is open to third sector groups and organisations (including faith groups).  Collaborations with public sector organisations are eligible, but the lead applicant must be a registered charity or company from the third sector.

What funding is available?

The £450k Innovation Grant is made up of £300k in 2025 to 2026 and £150k in 2026 to 2027. The minimum award size is £40,000 and the maximum is £100,000. This will provide funding until 30 September 2026. In applying for funding you are asked to consider bidding for funding within these envelopes noting the lower amount in 2026 to 2027.

Project location/activity covered

Activity must take place in Wales. Activity outside Wales is not supported under this grants scheme.

Are applicants able to apply for other Grants under the Equality and Inclusion Grant Programme if we meet the criteria?

There is nothing to prevent you from applying for other funding if you meet the criteria. However, other funding will need to be declared and may be taken into consideration in prioritising bids for support.

Will beneficiaries need to undergo testing for eligibility based on protected characteristics?

No, beneficiaries will not need to undergo testing for eligibility.

Are we required to introduce new projects/activities to distinguish our program from regular programmes?

Yes. The new project cannot be the same as your regular programme of work.

Can you give any examples of what could potentially be funded under the grant?

We are not able to offer specific examples of bids which would be approved. However, please email the mailbox (EqualityandInclusionGrantProgramme@gov.wales) if you are unsure whether your project is suitable for the scheme.

Can an organisation bid more than once for different projects?

Yes. However, where an organisation has multiple objectives, we would encourage the submission of a single, large application as opposed to multiple smaller bids. Note also that the overall geographic spread of prospective grant awards and their distribution across support for different protected characteristics will be considered as part of the assessment process to ensure there is a balance across Wales. We will also consider Welsh Government and other funding already received when prioritising bids for support.

Could I discuss our project idea with you? Can a conversation be arranged to see if our ideas fit the grant brief before we go ahead and complete the application form?

To ensure fair competition, we are unable to discuss detailed applications. However, if you have specific questions on eligibility or on the application form, please email the grants mailbox.

The guidance states "Applications from private sector bodies and businesses will not be accepted/funding is not available to fund any direct costs to a private sector partner’’. Does this still apply if the partner is both a private company and a registered charity?

A partner which is both a private company and a registered charity might not be excluded. However, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please provide all relevant details in your application and we will contact you if we have any queries.

Can any of the grant go towards the costs of an external research consultant? Or is there any expectation that the full amount of the grant should be used solely for the delivery of the activity? If so part of the grant can be used for external research consultancy, is there an expectation surrounding the upper threshold for this element? e.g. less than 10% of the total grant?

It is important that any such costs are proportionate and reasonable, relative to the scale of the project. You should be clear on the application form.

When will I know the outcome of my application?

Please refer to the application timeline in the guidance.

How will payments be made?

Payment will be made in arrears unless a third sector applicant provides clear evidence of the need for payment in advance.

What data would you expect us to collect from service users and how would we be expected to do this? How should I collect monitoring data from service users?

You will be expected to collect end user data on how grant funded actions facilitated users’ participation alongside collecting their monitoring information. The monitoring data that you should/will need to collect and how you collect will depend on the activity your grant is supporting. Templates with appropriate questions will be provided.

Do costs for 'time' have to be for employed staff or can they be for freelancers?

There is nothing in the guidance that prohibits freelancers.

Do you actually mean charities or can CICs apply?

CICs can apply.

Can CIOs apply in that case? How does a company limited by guarantee fall within this umbrella of 3rd sector? Can the social enterprise apply? Company limited by guarantee? Can not for profit companies ltd by guarantee apply?

The usual models for third sector limited companies will be companies limited by guarantee (no share capital), companies limited by shares or CICs, which again can have shares. CICs have an asset lock, which generally means assets are protected for community/charitable purposes. 

To be considered possibly eligible, a company which has shares must either reinvest all profit, or limit returns to shareholders to the original investment. We may need to ascertain where profits go by asking for a copy of the memorandum and articles of association for companies.

CIOs are another form of charity registration. Some organisations are both limited companies and registered charities. 

Organisations that cannot apply as lead applicants may possibly be able to apply as collaborators with an eligible one.

The form also asks for NI numbers for organisations, but a small CIC which doesn't employ people does not have NI numbers. Will that jeopardise eligibility?

Please provide numbers for the lead applicant(s).

Where can we access the forms and guidelines?

The guidance and application forms can be found on the grant webpage.

If the lead applicant is a 'third sector body' supporting smaller groups in Wales, must that 'godmother' organisation be based in Wales, if all the smaller groups and participants are based in Wales?

The guidance states that for the purposes of this grant, the third sector bodies’ activities must directly or indirectly benefit the whole or any part of Wales (whether or not they also benefit any other area). The lead applicant for the grant must be a third sector body registered as a charity or company. They must provide their relevant registration number [these would be UK registrations]. Additionally, the project must be delivered in Wales in its entirety. Funding cannot be used to fund any activity outside of Wales.

How do we represent in-kind support? The form asks about other funding but not the value of in-kind? Are you interested in this?

Please provide details of any other funding on your application.

Can a Private Company Limited by Shares apply (but not-for-profit any profit generated is given to a charity)?

No.

Can either of the grants be used to focus on support for young people as a group?

The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics by tackling inequality and/or promoting inclusion. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can the same collaboration apply for both grants? / different projects?

Yes.

Can schools apply?

Local authority schools can apply as collaborators in a bid with a lead third sector organisation.

The grant guidance states all applications must be led by a third sector group or body. How many partners can collaborate?

No limit has been set on the number of partners.

Can you confirm project delivery would need to be carried out January to September 2026. What is the timescale/deadline for the delivery of activities?

Project delivery would have to be completed by 30 September 2026. Please refer to the guidance for the timescales involved.

Would projects that support unpaid carers be eligible?

The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics by tackling inequality and/or promoting inclusion. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can you give any examples of what could potentially be funded under the grant? Could you give examples of the type of projects / activities this is aimed at under awareness and engagement grant and the innovation grant?

We are not able to offer specific examples of bids which would be approved. The grant is intended to support third sector groups and bodies to support minority groups and people with protected characteristics. Please refer to the guidance for further details. 

Is there a list of outcomes and outputs please?

This is something that grant recipients are expected to produce as part of their application and service delivery.

Would innovation grants require a lead partner to hold and administer funds across partners if collaborative?

All collaborative bids must have a lead third sector body who will be the grant recipient. Any internal processes would be for the organisations to decide among themselves but where bodies are proposing to collaborate, the application must include a Memorandum of Understanding describing the basis of the collaboration.

Can this be involving several local authority areas, e.g. a regional project?

Yes.

Can only a partnership apply or can an individual organisation do so?

An application can be from a single third sector body or from a collaboration led by a third sector organisation. Please refer to the guidance for details.

Can only 'small organisations' apply for the smaller grant?

There is no size prescription for organisations considering applying for a grant.

Can an individual apply for a small grant from a third sector organisation that has been given one of the larger grants?

This would be a decision for the grant-holding organisation.  Please refer to the guidance.