On the #63
This update is brought you by the letters ‘is it really Tuesday, feels like Monday, should be Friday’ vibes.
Whilst I was writing up about The Denise Coates foundation last week I accidently fell back into the Boots Charitable Trust rabbit hole.
Now for those of you new to the Boots Charitable Trust shenanigans , please read on with a cup of something strong.
🔹 In 2023, the Trust - way back when before The List existed - widened it's criteria from Nottinghamshire projects only to UK wide.
🔹In 2024, Q3 and Q4 grant rounds were closed earlier than planned due to oversubscription. Q3 was supposed to be 1-28 February but closed 16th February. Q4 was supposed to be 1-31 May 2024 but closed 10th May (noting that the Q4 round was back to to projects supporting Nottinghamshire communities only)
🔹By August 2024, it had formally closed its UK-wide application window and began restructuring its funding approach.
🔹In May 2025 due to the 'unprecedented interest in the Trust and a significant volume of applications', the Trust took the decision to close to applications from all projects while and review the Trust's funding strategy for 2025 and 2026.
🔹In November 2025, the Trust reopened applications, but only for projects specifically benefiting Nottinghamshire (UK wide still paused).
I thought this would be where the story ended. But why would I think that?
As of last week the Trust are now back to accepting applications from Nottinghamshire AND UK based organisations.
The Q4 application window for both Nottinghamshire and National projects opened last Friday (1st May 2026 - the Friday before Bank Holiday, FML) and will close midday Friday 15th May. Screams in Fundraiser 'Short Deadline!'
Summary
➡️Changed Criteria
➡️Closed Early
➡️Paused
➡️Restructured
➡️Re-opened with an Extended Pause
➡️Changed Criteria
➡️Re-Opened
➡️Short Deadline
I think the most complicated trajectory on The List to date!
Things to note about the re-opening ;
🔹The Trust is now working in conjunction with CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) who oversee the application process.
🔹Their launch in 2026 will be a pilot year to test the new approach. The programme will be reviewed post the first year and changes may be introduced for subsequent years.
Read more here;
https://lnkd.in/eBGDgQ5D
https://lnkd.in/eF3idw5g
I think we'll all need a strong prescription of something for this.
The Coffee Shop
Fundraising Everywhere’s Community Fundraising Conference for 2026 is happening online on Wednesday 17th June at 12:00 BST
Community fundraising is the beating heart of charities. It’s where loyal supporters are nurtured, where brand awareness is built, where future major donors begin their journey, and where genuine connection to your cause happens. But it’s also the channel most likely to drain you. The boundaries are blurry. The demands are constant. This conference addresses that reality head-on with practical strategies for sustainable, brilliant community fundraising. It will help you figure out what you should be doing, what you can stop doing, and how to build community programmes that actually last.
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