Building Resilience Programme
This programme of funding and support is for social purpose organisations working to preserve and protect freshwater ecosystems.
Provided by:
Charities Aid Foundation
Funder website:
Maximum value:
£70,000.00
Objective of fund:
This latest round of the Building Resilience Programme aims to support small and medium-sized social purpose organisations working to protect and preserve the UK’s freshwater ecosystems. The programme will help these organisations to strengthen their resilience so they can thrive for the long term.
By resilience, we mean the ability to survive and adapt in a changing environment. This might mean recovering quickly from setbacks, responding confidently to challenges or taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.
The programme combines funding with practical, tailored support to build strong foundations for sustainable impact.
Who can apply
The programme is open to social purpose organisations that:
Are registered in the UK as a charitable or non-profit organisation (for example, a registered charity, Community Interest Company, Community Benefit Society or company limited by guarantee)
Have a total income between £250,000 and £1.5 million in your most recent set of accounts
Have a clear mission focused on protecting and preserving UK freshwater ecosystems
Have appropriate policies and procedures in place to meet legal and ethical responsibilities, including strong safeguarding measures
Have the ability and willingness to actively participate in a structured programme of support over two years
Please read our application guidance (linked below) in full before you apply.
Restrictions
We cannot fund organisations that:
Are not registered in the UK
Were established or registered after 1 July 2023
Promote political or religious viewpoints
Cannot provide the required documentation for due diligence, including:
governance and registration documents
recent financial accounts
trustee or director information (if requested)
safeguarding policies
Are seeking funding for projects or activities that are already complete or that will be completed before the grant is awarded and the terms are signed
Are primarily focused on access to clean drinking water
Eligible Expenditure
How the funding works:
You can apply for between £40,000 and £70,000 over two years. We encourage you to request an amount that reflects your ambition and proportionate for your organisation.
Unrestricted funding (50%)
This funding is to be used in ways that best supports your organisation’s mission, to create the time and capacity to engage with the programme.
Resilience funding (50%)
This funding is to be ring-fenced for work that directly strengthens your resilience. You will not need to submit a detailed spending plan for this part of the grant.
Grants will be paid in two instalments:
60% paid following award confirmation and due diligence
40% paid on receipt of a light-touch Year 1 progress report
How to apply
The application process has two stages:
1. Online application form. Deadline: 15 June 2026, 12:00pm
2. Calls with shortlisted organisations: 27 July – 21 August 2026
Application guidance
Read our application guidance for a full overview of the programme and how to apply - https://www.cafonline.org/services-for-charities/funding-for-charities