Step Forward Fund 2026: National Lottery Grants for Grassroots Organizations in England

The Step Forward Fund is a National Lottery Community Fund grant programme designed to support grassroots organizations in England. It provides multi-year funding to help organizations develop capacity, grow impact, and sustain services for Global Majority and racially minoritised communities. Grants range from 100,000 to 225,000 pounds over 2 to 3 years, with an expected total pot of 4 million pounds across England.

Multi-year funding to develop organizational capacity, sustain services, and deliver longer-term impact.

To be eligible, an organization must have leadership majority from Global Majority and racially minoritised communities, have previously received a small or unsuccessful grant from The National Lottery Community Fund in specified periods, and meet additional criteria outlined in the fund's eligibility pages.

Apply through the fund's application process; details are outlined on the official funding pages.