What is the easy fundraising grant

So, the Easy Fundraising Grant. It's this thing from the UK platform Easyfundraising – part of the Giving Group – that's meant to help small charities, community groups, and, you know, good causes actually get some cash. Unlike those grants that make you fill out a million forms and write a whole novel about why you need the money, this one's way simpler. Basically, when your supporters shop online through the platform, the commission from retailers gets turned into free donations. Like, you do your regular Amazon shop, and bam, your chosen group gets a bit of money. It's that straightforward.

These grants are supposed to fill the gap for groups that just don't have the time or people to mess around with complicated applications from the government or big trusts. The amount you can get changes, but it's usually somewhere between a hundred quid and a few thousand. The big thing here is that the money comes from "cashback" from shops. So your organization can earn money without having to do constant bake sales or sponsored runs – it's pretty passive.

How does the Easy Fundraising grant work?

It's built on a really simple idea – passive income. When someone signs up for Easyfundraising and then buys something from any of the 7,000+ shops that partner with them (think Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, Argos), the shop pays a little commission to the platform. That commission? It gets turned into a donation for your cause. The "grant" part usually refers to the money that builds up and gets paid out, maybe every three months or whenever you hit a certain amount, like £20.

There's also a specific program they run called the "Easy Fundraising Grant" where they might give you extra money if you've raised a certain amount or joined a campaign. Say your cause brings in £50 in a month. You might then qualify for a bonus grant of £100. It's designed to get you to tell more people about the platform.

Who is eligible for the Easy Fundraising grant?

Look, the eligibility is pretty broad, but there are some rules. This is mainly for groups based in the UK. You can be a registered charity (you'll need that charity number), a community interest company (CIC), a community amateur sports club (CASC), or just a non-profit community group. Schools, PTAs, even religious organizations – they're all usually fine. The main thing is your group has to have a clear, positive impact on the community and can't be making a profit.

They've got a few things they won't touch. Political parties? No. Sponsoring one person? No. Groups that promote discrimination? Also a no. To apply, you'll need your organization's registration number and a bank account in the group's name. Once you're approved, you can start telling your supporters to shop through the platform straight away.

How to apply for the Easy Fundraising grant (Checklist)

Honestly, applying is dead simple. Just follow this checklist and you should be fine:

• Step 1: Check eligibility. Make sure your group is a UK registered charity or a recognized good cause.
• Step 2: Register on Easyfundraising. Head to their website and hit "Start raising" or "Register your cause."
• Step 3: Provide details. Put in your organization's name, registration number, address, and bank details.
• Step 4: Verification. They'll check everything out. Might take a couple of days.
• Step 5: Promote. Once you're approved, share your unique shopping link everywhere – emails, social media, your website.
• Step 6: Monitor. Keep an eye on your earnings in the dashboard and request a payout when you've got enough.

There's no terrible, long application form for the main fundraising. The "grant" just happens automatically as people shop. For those special bonus grants though, like the "Easy Fundraising Grant" campaign, you might have to opt-in or hit some specific targets for activity.

What are the benefits of using the Easy Fundraising grant?

The best bit? It's passive. Your supporters don't have to dig into their pockets for a direct donation. They just shop online like they normally would, but through the Easyfundraising portal. That gives you a steady, recurring income with hardly any work. Other perks include:

• Zero cost to the cause: Joining or using the platform doesn't cost your group a penny.
• Wide retailer network:
• Bonus opportunities: They run regular campaigns where active causes can get extra money.
• Transparency: The dashboard shows you exactly how much each transaction brings in.
• Community engagement: It gets your supporters involved without asking them to spend more money.

Expert insights on maximizing the Easy Fundraising grant

People who know fundraising well say you should put your Easy Fundraising link everywhere. Seriously. In your email signature, on your website footer, in your social media bios. The trick is to remind your supporters about it regularly, especially before big shopping times like Black Friday or Christmas. Also, make a page on your website that explains how it all works – a lot of people have no idea what it is.

"The Easy Fundraising grant is one of the simplest ways for small charities to generate unrestricted income. The trick is consistency—keep reminding your community to use the link, and the donations will add up over time." — Sarah Mitchell, Charity Fundraising Consultant

Frequently asked questions about the Easy Fundraising grant