The Shanly Foundation is a place-based funder focused on practical, hands-on support for local charities and community groups in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Hertfordshire. Its giving centers on homelessness, youth opportunity, disability and special needs support, and employability—especially training pathways into construction and other practical skills. It tends to back frontline organizations delivering direct services, with a mix of small general grants and larger, strategic awards through named funds.
Annual Giving$1.8M
Focus Areas
Homelessness Prevention and SupportYouth Employment and Skills TrainingConstruction Careers and ApprenticeshipsDisability and Mobility SupportLocal Community Services in Buckinghamshire/Berkshire/HertfordshireSupport for Children with Disabilities and Additional Needs
Giving Approach
Accessible, practical grantmaking with both open general applications and targeted program funds. Most general grants are under £10,000, while named funds such as homelessness and construction can award up to £50,000 in a year or multi-year commitments up to £150,000 total. Applications are open year-round for general and construction-related funding, while the homelessness fund runs on an annual window.
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Trusted by mission-driven teams at organizations nationwide
How to approach this funder
Check eligibility carefully: funding is restricted to local charities and community organisations working in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, or Hertfordshire, unless applying through a clearly defined program. General applications can be submitted year-round and are considered by trustees monthly, while the Action Against Homelessness Fund has an annual deadline window—so align your proposal to the relevant fund and emphasize direct, practical outcomes for local beneficiaries.
Notable grantees:
• Whizz Kidz
• Wycombe Homeless Connection
• VIY (Volunteer It Yourself)
• The Royal Society for Blind Children
• Youth Concern
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from The Shanly Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies
General Grants
community developmentdisability supportelderly support+6 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be registered charities, CICs, CIOs, exempt or excepted charities; in existence for more than 12 months; have a dedicated bank account; operate within the awards area, or have more than 50% of beneficiaries living within it; and not have received an award in the last 12 months (excluding multi-year awards). Individuals, research organisations, military charities, and single-faith charities are not eligible.
Community servicesDisability supportElderly support+6 more
Who can apply: Organisation must be in existence for more than 12 months, have a dedicated bank account, operate within the Foundation's awards area (or >50% beneficiaries in area with evidence). Not eligible: individuals, research, military charities, single-faith charities, organisations without bank accounts, organisations in existence <12 months.
Deadline: Open throughout the year; no fixed closing date (trustees meet monthly).
construction trainingskills developmentcareer pathways+4 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be registered charities, CICs, CIOs, exempt or excepted charities; in existence for more than 12 months; have a dedicated bank account; and be delivering projects related to skills, training, or careers in construction. Individuals, research organisations, military charities, and single-faith charities are not eligible.
homelessnesshousing insecuritysupport for people at risk of homelessness+3 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be registered charities, CICs, CIOs, exempt or excepted charities; in existence for more than 12 months; have a dedicated bank account; and be working to combat homelessness. Individuals, research organisations, military charities, and single-faith charities are not eligible.
Deadline: Applications open 9 February and close 31 March each year; shortlist announced 12 May; detailed applications due 30 June for shortlisted applicants; awards announced 10 August.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.