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About the Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF)

Update: 26 March 2021 – closed to applicants. 

The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) is a funding opportunity for small UK-registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Funding round status

Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) project grants launched in July 2017 and closed on 25 March 2021. Applications were reviewed six monthly and there were eight funding round reviews.

SCCF project grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects of up to two years, for UK-registered organisations working towards addressing the Global Goals (opens in a new window), to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised.

Funding process

The Small Charities Challenge Fund application process is a one-staged process. All applications must be submitted online via the online portal.

After the closing date, applications are scored and reviewed by an independent technical panel who assess both the technical approach of the proposed project and the fiduciary risk of the organisation.

A moderation and shortlisting process is then conducted with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Feedback is provided to all SCCF project grant applicants (successful and unsuccessful).

Due diligence is conducted on shortlisted organisations. SCCF due diligence is light-touch, involving self-assessment questionnaires and a telephone-based assessment. Site visits may also be carried out. More information on the due diligence process is available in the Due diligence requirements guidance (PDF, 241KB). 

Grant awards will be confirmed following the findings of the due diligence process and organisations will be supported to finalise the project design and budget.

There is a payment-in-advance system for successful grant holders. More information can be found in the financial claims section of our grant holder guidance.