Apply for funding

TOY TRUST APPLICATION FORM

We welcome applications from small UK-based children’s charities working for the benefit of children across the UK.
Our Trustees meet four times a year. From 2027, applications will be accepted during set application windows ahead of each meeting. If you’re planning to apply, please check our funding criteria and the proposed dates below.

Application windows

  • 4 January – 5 February 2027: March meeting
  • 3 – 28 May 2027: July meeting
  • 2 – 27 August 2027: October meeting
  • 4 – 29 October 2027: December meeting
These dates are provisional. Please check this page for confirmed dates and any updates to the application process.
Please submit your application during the relevant window. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the Toy Trust meeting.
We make every effort to review all applications that meet our criteria. If we receive a particularly high volume, some applications may be considered at a later meeting, provided the project timings allow.

All applications should:

Be supported by a registered Charity number

Be in support of disadvantaged children aged below 13 years

Have signed financial accounts for the last two years and a trustee report

Be in support of children and projects regardless of religious beliefs, gender or disability and must benefit boys and girls equally

Come from a charity that has been running for a minimum of one full year

Be for £4,000 or less

Show real benefit for relieving hardship and suffering to beneficiaries

Not be for individual cases without compelling reasons

Be for equipment and services but NOT for research

Successful applicants cannot reapply for funding for 2 years. This in turn will allow the Toy Trust to distribute funds fairly given the large volume of applications we receive.

Not be for books or publishing unless for compelling reasons

The applicants accounts must show a ratio of administration & overhead costs (including wages & salaries) to income of less than 30%

The applicants accounts must have unrestricted net assets on the balance sheet of not more than £200,000

Should the applicant not provide a set of accounts by the time the applications are submitted to the committee for approval that application will be declined.

Applications are accepted from organisations based in the UK and Ireland, and be in support of UK & Ireland charities

Have an income of less than £500,000

 The Toy Trust reserves the right, when funds are available, to make a larger and longer commitment for special projects.