Grants of up to £100,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations and educational institutions within 50 miles of npower Business Solutions offices in Leeds and Solihull.
The npower Business Solutions (nBS) Foundation was launched in April 2024 to support stronger, greener and more sustainable local communities. In June 2025, nBS committed an additional £5 million to the Foundation, bringing total funding to £10 million and extending the programme beyond its original two-year plan.
Funding is administered by Charis Grants Ltd, who manage the application and assessment process.
What is the funding for?
The Foundation supports projects that:
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Improve the environment
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Strengthen community bonds
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Support local education
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Encourage responsible business
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Improve places and spaces
This could include:
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Energy efficiency and carbon reduction
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Waste reduction and recycling
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Improvements to outdoor spaces
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Training programmes that develop local skills and employment opportunities
Projects should deliver clear benefit to communities within a 50-mile radius of:
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LS15 8ZB (Leeds)
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B91 3ES (Solihull)
How much can organisations apply for?
Funding is available in three bands, up to £100,000.
Organisations with a turnover above £50,000 can apply for:
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Up to £19,999
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£20,000 to £39,999
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£40,000 to £100,000
Organisations with a turnover below £50,000 can apply for up to £19,999.
There are no deadlines. Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, organisations must:
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Be based within 50 miles of the Leeds or Solihull offices
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Be a not-for-profit organisation
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Have been operational for at least two years
Eligible organisation types include:
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Registered charities
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Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
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Companies limited by guarantee
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Community Interest Companies (CICs)
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Co-operatives and community benefit societies
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Schools, colleges, universities and academy trusts
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Religious organisations (where the project benefits the wider community and contains no religious content)
National organisations may apply if the project is delivered within the eligible 50-mile radius.
Parish Councils are not currently eligible.
When are decisions made?
Applications are reviewed quarterly:
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January to March submissions reviewed in April, awards in May
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April to June submissions reviewed in July, awards in August
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July to September submissions reviewed in October, awards in November
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October to December submissions reviewed in January, awards in February
There is no closing date. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How to apply
Organisations must apply directly using the official online application form.
Full guidance and eligibility details
It is important to use the official links to ensure you access the latest eligibility guidance and application information.
