What We Will / Won’t Fund 

Do you fund core costs such as staff time, rent or administration? 

Yes

What types of project costs are not eligible?

We do not fund anything that is illegal.
We do not fund retrospective project costs, large capital items or any medical diagnostic equipment. More examples can be found in our Eligibility Criteria.

Do you fund ongoing operational costs or only project-specific costs? 

Relationship is central to our approach, and once we trust in a project and its impact, ongoing support may be available. While a project would need to demonstrate its ability to operate independently of LWDW Trust, we may be open to offering a multi-year funding arrangement.



Can a grant be used for digital or online activities? 

Yes. We welcome applications that include digital or online elements, provided they are clearly linked to your project’s aims and outcomes. This might include online workshops, digital resources or virtual events.

Delivery & Reporting 

How long do I have to deliver my project? 

Projects must begin within 3 months of the funds (or first instalment) being paid to the grantee. If circumstances change or the project is delayed or cancelled, as per the Terms and Conditions, grantees must advise LWDW Trust as soon as possible to either agree on a new funding period or arrange for the return of the funds. Bespoke timeframes will be detailed in the Grant Agreement.

What reporting or monitoring do you require? 

Our grant-making activities are relationship-led, and we are very keen to hear about the progress and impact of the projects we support. For smaller projects a simple report will be requested on completion. Larger or longer-term projects may require more regular contact, which will be bespoke and proportionate to the funding. Required reporting will be detailed within the Grant Agreement at the time of award. 
An email will be sent to request the report along with a simple form (similar to the format of the application form) for grantees to share the feedback on their project and upload any requested evidence and/or documents.



Do I need to keep receipts or evidence of spend? 

Yes, please keep records and receipts of grant funding spending which may be required for your project completion report. Depending on the size of the project or funding, simple or professionally prepared accounts may be required.

What happens if my project changes after funding is awarded? 

We understand that circumstances can change. Please contact us as soon as you become aware of any changes to your project so that we can openly discuss the options.

Can I apply for further funding once my project ends? 

Yes, you may apply for funding to repeat the same project or for another project during open application windows, as long as all obligations have been satisfactorily met for existing/past funding.

Assessment & Decisions 

How are applications assessed? 

Once the application window closes our assessment team will review all the submitted applications, assess them against the criteria and rate their alignment with LWDW Trust’s objectives. 

How long does it take to receive a decision? 

We aim to assess all submitted applications within 4-6 weeks after the closing date, however more complex project applications may take longer. We will inform you by email of the outcome of your application.

Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful? 

We do not routinely give feedback on applications that are unsuccessful. All applications are carefully considered against our eligibility and assessment criteria to enable us to support projects best aligned with the overall objectives of LWDW Trust. While projects may have merit, passionate leadership and deserving cause, they may not all be suitable for us to fund. The Trustees decision is therefore final, and appeals will not be considered.

Do you prioritise certain types of communities or projects? 

No

Funding & Payments 

When will I receive the grant if my application is approved? 

Once your application is approved, we will email you a Grant Agreement for your signature. Depending on the timeframe of your project, funds can be paid to grantees within 7 days. For projects with delayed start dates or those best suited to be paid in instalments, we shall agree a payment schedule with you as part of the Grant Agreement. 

How will the funds be paid?

Funds will be paid by bank transfer only into the UK bank account given at the time of application.

Can funds be paid to individuals, or only organisations? 

In the case of Seedling Community Grants, funds can be paid to individuals. Any grants for groups/organisations must be paid into a bank account in the same name as the group or organisation.

Other Practical Questions  

Can I collaborate with other organisations or community groups? 

Yes, we welcome applications from joint ventures – as long as the eligibility criteria are met, we will consider all applications.

Is match funding required? 

No, projects could qualify for 100% funding from LWDW Trust. If you are not requesting full funding, we do ask at the point of application about the other sources of funding. Full funding of a project is not guaranteed.

Do I need public liability insurance or safeguarding policies in place? 

LWDW Trust does not accept any responsibility or liability for your project. We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice for the most suitable insurance for your project. If your project involves work with vulnerable people, at the point of application we will require evidence of DBS certificates of persons directly involved and where applicable a Safeguarding Policy.

Will my project be promoted or shared publicly if funded?

We would love to share details of projects that we fund with our supporters. This might be on our website, social media pages, newsletter etc. We are mindful that some projects may involve sensitive subject material and will only share information and photos that you have shared with us and given consent for us to use publicly. It is your responsibility to ensure that anyone featured in photographs or participant’s details shared with us, have given their consent. For transparency, some information about our grant-giving may legally be required as part of our charity status.

Application Process 

How do I submit an application? 

Grant application windows will be open at various times during the year. If you have subscribed to our mailing list via the QR code or expression of interest button on our website, you will be notified when application windows are open. 

To submit an application, go to the Grant Opportunities page. Click on the button for the funding tier you wish to apply for. This will open a new page with a form for you to complete. Some fields require you to upload documents to support your application, so we recommend you read the pre-application guidelines prior to starting to fill in the form, so that you have everything ready beforehand, which will make the application process smoother. If you require the form in a different format (i.e. paper version, large print etc) please contact us for support.

What information do I need to provide? 

You will need to provide;
Contact details for the primary applicant
A brief résumé for the primary applicant
Your group/organisation details (if applicable)
Any registration numbers (e.g. Charity Commission number) for your organisation (if applicable)
Details of the funding you require and the project headlines
A project outline (you can create your own or you can use our template)
Depending on the nature of the project – you may be required to provide a current DBS certificate and/or Safeguarding Policy, if your project will involve working with vulnerable people.
Bank details for where you wish to receive the funding.
Details of any prior relationship you have with those in governance of LWDW Trust.


Is there a set format for the application? 

We have tried to make the application process straightforward and have created a simple form to complete online. Some questions allow for text; others have dropdown lists for you to select all answers that apply and some require an upload of supporting documents. If you require the form in another format or require any assistance with completing the form, please contact our office.

Do you accept video or audio applications for accessibility? 

Yes, we want to make the application process accessible for all. If you would like to submit your application in an alternative format, please get in contact with our office for assistance.

How long will it take to complete the form? 

If you have your project proposal and supporting documents prepared, then it can take approx. 15-20 minutes to complete the form. For security, the platform times out after 1 hour, so we encourage you to have all your documents easily accessible on your device ready to upload prior to starting your application as it is not possible to save your progress and return to it later.

Is there support available if I have accessibility needs? 

Yes, we are very happy to support you to complete your application. Please contact our office to let us know what help you require.

Eligibility & Suitability 

How do I know which grant tier is right for my project? 

Choosing the right tier really comes down to the size of your project, how much it will cost to deliver and your organisations’ set-up/registration. Individuals without any formal registration can only apply for the Seedling Community Grant (providing other eligibility criteria are also met). 

Once you’ve worked out your budget, you can decide whether to apply for funding to cover all of the costs, or just a portion if you’re receiving support from other sources.

Will you fund projects that are not specifically about end-of-life but still support wellbeing or community connection? 

Yes, we welcome grant applications for a variety of projects that strengthen wellbeing and connection. We are open to funding a wide range of initiatives where improving the health and wellbeing of community members is at the heart of the work. This includes projects that help to reduce social isolation among older people and enhance overall quality of life, provided they align with our values and aims. 

Can my project take place in a hospice, care home or hospital setting? 

While we do not fund places in hospice or care settings, there may be opportunities for us to support initiatives for staff, residents and their family or supporters, that aim to improve connection, wellbeing and communication. 

Are religious, spiritual or culturally specific projects eligible?

Yes 

Are regional or national projects eligible, or do you only fund local work? 

Applications are welcome from anywhere in the UK, for projects that take place in the UK.

About the Grant Programme 

What Types of projects do you support with grant funding?

We fund a wide range of projects which might include;

• Death Cafés and community conversation spaces

• Peer-led or community support groups

• Participation at community events e.g. table/stand

• End-of-life information, guides and resources

• Creative or cultural projects exploring death and dying

• Initiatives that improve end-of-life experiences for people from minority and marginalised communities

• Research projects that improve understanding or practice

• Administrative support for end-of-life related projects

• Collaborative projects

Who can apply for a grant?

• Individuals can apply for our Seedling Community Grants for up to £500 of funding towards projects they are proposing to lead themselves.

• For funding in Tiers 2, 3 and 4 – lead applicants must be representing a registered group or non-profit, such-as a CIC, CIO etc.

• Applicants must be 18 years or older

• Applicants and the organisation they are representing must be UK based

• Applicants or the organisation they are representing must have a UK bank account

• For more detailed information please see our the eligibility criteria for each grant tier. 

Can I apply if my project is still just an idea?

Yes, a project need not be fully formed to apply for one of our grants. It can be in the research phase or early stages of development. As part of the application process, you will be required to upload a project proposal which will need to demonstrate the purpose of the project, who it will benefit, the demand for the product/service/project (unless the project is to research the demand), the expected/desired outcomes and approximate costings.

Can I apply if I’ve received funding from Living Well Dying Well Trust before?

Yes, providing the applicant and the project proposal meet the eligibility criteria, all applications will be considered, although previous funding does not guarantee a project will be funded again.