The Theirworld Small Grants Programme 2026 is now open for applications, offering funding to registered charities and not-for-profit organizations committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. This initiative provides crucial financial support to grassroots projects, enabling them to implement practical, high-impact solutions that address educational inequities both locally and internationally.
Since its inception, the Small Grants Programme has funded nearly £1 million worth of projects, supporting organizations in piloting innovative initiatives, scaling successful programs, and strengthening services for children who face barriers to learning.
Programme Focus
The Small Grants Programme aims to fund projects that align with Theirworld’s mission to end the global education crisis. Eligible initiatives should focus on creating measurable outcomes for children and young people, particularly those facing marginalization or disadvantage.
The programme prioritizes projects in three key areas:
- Best Start in Life – Early childhood development initiatives, parent and caregiver engagement, and foundational education programs.
- Safe Place to Learn – Creating inclusive, secure, and supportive learning environments where children can thrive academically and emotionally.
- Skills for the Future – Equipping young people with vocational, digital, leadership, and life skills that prepare them for future success.
Projects that also address broader issues such as gender equality, health and nutrition, inclusion, climate action, and peacebuilding are strongly encouraged. These cross-cutting themes ensure that projects not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to wider social development and community resilience.
Funding Details
The Small Grants Programme provides awards ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, generally as one-off payments. In exceptional cases, multi-year funding may be considered.
This funding is intended to empower small, community-driven organizations that may not otherwise have access to larger grants. It allows these organizations to launch new initiatives, expand existing programs, or enhance essential services for marginalized children and young people, ensuring they have access to high-quality education and opportunities to succeed.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must be registered charities or not-for-profit organizations with a clear focus on supporting children, young people, or caregivers, especially those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. Organizations must demonstrate their ability to deliver the proposed project, showing evidence of organizational capacity, strong governance, and measurable outcomes.
Applicants are generally required to provide documentation including safeguarding policies, recent annual accounts, and information about past projects. Successful applicants are those who can clearly articulate how their project will make a tangible impact on children’s education and wellbeing.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward and designed to ensure transparency and fairness. Organizations should first complete an eligibility check to confirm they meet the programme requirements. Once confirmed, they can submit a detailed application outlining the project, objectives, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and budget.
Applicants are encouraged to attend informational webinars or Q&A sessions before submitting their applications. These sessions provide guidance on completing the application, clarifying programme priorities, and strengthening proposals.
The deadline for submissions is 16 February 2026 (5:00 PM GMT). Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and successful projects will be notified later in 2026.
Selection and Reporting
Projects are evaluated based on alignment with programme priorities, feasibility, potential impact, sustainability, and innovation. Funded organizations are required to submit mid-term and final reports, demonstrating progress and the impact of their work. This reporting ensures accountability, transparency, and effective use of grant funds.
Why the Programme Matters
The Theirworld Small Grants Programme provides a vital opportunity for community-focused organizations to make a real difference in children’s lives. By supporting smaller initiatives, the programme empowers local leaders to implement creative, practical solutions to pressing educational challenges.
Through this programme, children gain access to safe learning environments, essential life and vocational skills, and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. It strengthens communities, promotes equality, and ensures that every child has the chance to thrive academically and socially.
For organizations seeking to create meaningful change, the Small Grants Programme is more than just funding it is a platform to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the education and wellbeing of young people around the world.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theirworld.org/small-grants-eligibility-check/
