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About the Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF)

The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) was 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.

Funding process

SCCF project grants of up to £50,000 have been 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.

The Small Charities Challenge Fund application process was a one-staged process with all applications submitted online via the online portal.

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

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

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

Due diligence was conducted on shortlisted organisations. SCCF due diligence is light-touch, involving self-assessment questionnaires and a telephone-based assessment. Site visits may also have been carried out. 

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

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

Impact

In total, 81 SCCF projects have been funded and delivered in 21 countries to date.