Barnwood Trust funded 11 organisations out of 40 who applied for the Funded Partner Programme in the latest round of funding.

In May 2025, Barnwood Trust held its latest funding round for the multi-year Funded Partner Programme, for both Unrestricted and Project Funding. We received 40 Expressions of Interest submitted by a wide range of national and county-based organisations hoping to deliver work in Gloucestershire.

Following our shortlisting assessment process, 20 organisations were invited to submit full applications. This was based on how closely they demonstrated that their work aligned with Barnwood’s strategic goals. Each application was carefully reviewed and scored by our Internal Funding Panel, and recommendations were made to our Funding Committee for approval. 

The panel’s decision making was shaped by our commitment to open and trusting funding practices; these are centred on equity, transparency, and shared learning. After robust discussion and consideration of both project aims and organisational need, 11 organisations were awarded funding. We are grateful to every organisation that took the time to apply, regardless of the outcome.

Demand for funding is high

The data from this funding round highlights the significant demand for resources in the charity sector. Of the 40 Expressions of Interest received, 50% were shortlisted and invited to submit full applications. From those 20 submissions, 11 organisations were awarded funding, reflecting a 55% success rate at the full application stage and an overall success rate of 27.5% from initial interest to final award.

These figures reflect the strength and thoughtfulness of the proposals received and the consideration required in allocating funding. We are encouraged to have supported 27.5% of applicants from initial Expression of Interest to award, but we also have to make difficult decisions based on the budget available. We also recognise the value and potential in many of the applications we were unable to fund, and we’re committed to supporting unsuccessful applicants through feedback and potential future opportunities.

This funding round also reinforced the importance of having clear, accessible guidance throughout the application stages, something we will refine further as we plan future funding rounds. To support this, we proactively invite anonymous feedback on the application experience at Barnwood Trust, from both successful and unsuccessful applicants. We remain focused on making the process accessible, responsive and grounded in strong working relationships.

Funded Partner organisations

We are pleased to announce the 11 successful organisations from this round: Age UK Gloucestershire, Building Circles, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, Goals Beyond Grass, Headway Gloucestershire, Newent Association for the Disabled and Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Sailability, Sunflowers Suicide Support, Talk Well, The Door Youth Project, and Wyldwood Arts.

These groups represent a diverse range of work, from supporting mobility and transport to promoting mental health, creative inclusion, and youth development. They share a commitment to making a difference in Gloucestershire for disabled people and people with mental health conditions.

This funding round demonstrated how organisations are increasingly embedding inclusive practice and user-led design at the heart of their work. Key learning through this latest funding process has been the importance of continuing to listen closely not only to what organisations need through funding, but also to the ways that we can better support and connect organisations delivering our goals in the county. Our funded partners help shape how Barnwood works and evolves, and we are excited to begin these new Funded Partner relationships with a focus on shared learning and long-term social change.

Next funding round

The next Funded Partner Programme funding round is open for expressions of interest until Friday, 18 July 2025. If you’re considering applying for this or any other funding, detailed information and guidance are available in the Funding section of our website.

If you have any questions or need further support, please get in touch with our organisational funding team at orgfunding@barnwoodtrust.org.

Further information about the awards made in 2024 as well as in previous years, can be found at https://www.barnwoodtrust.org/transparency-in-our-funding/.