The Capacity Building Fund 

Our capacity building funding is designed to support the creation of a sight loss sector that is coherent, sustainable, and resilient to the rising demand for equal service provision across the UK. 

By supporting and empowering grassroots organisations and fostering collaboration within the sector and between the sector and external organisations, our funding addresses challenges that are preventing the growth and sustainability of services.  

Our funding can make a real difference to small organisations, whose capacity-related pressures can have a direct impact on the people they support. Staff shortages, high energy costs, and limitations in physical space are just a few of the many obstacles causing interrupted service provision, and even permanent closure.

In addition, we know that many vision impaired people in parts of the UK are facing a postcode lottery, and don't have access to the essential support they need. All of this is affected by sustainability challenges within our sector, which have been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and an uncertain economic climate.

Focus Areas  

The Capacity Building grants will focus on two key areas: 
•    Collaboration between organisations within the sight loss sector and between the sight loss sector and external organisations. 
•    Small charities and grassroots organisations. 

By investing in these specific areas, we believe our funding will help the wider sector become more sustainable, resilient and better able to respond the needs of those with vision loss.

We know that service provision differs across the country, for this round we'd encourage applications from organisations who are collaborating to share best practice, deliver at scale or meet a previously unmet need. 

Why focus on collaboration? 

We welcome applications from organisations that are working in partnership, as we believe that collaboration plays a crucial role in enhancing coherence within the sight loss sector.

By working together, organisations can pool resources, share expertise, and create a more unified approach to service delivery, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, and reducing the postcode lottery experience. 

Collaborative efforts also strengthen the long term sustainability of services helping organisations become more resilient and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of vision impaired people across the UK. 

But we also know that it can be hard for organisations to build effective collaborations because of capacity constraints and the pressures of business as usual. This fund is designed to enable organisations to adequately resource collaborations and partnerships, thus improving their success. 

Why focus on small charities and grassroots organisations?   

Local or specialist vision loss charities are often the first port of call for people losing their sight or seeking support to improve physical, mental and economic wellbeing. They can be a lifeline. 

Demand for charity services remains high across the sector and half of all small charities report that this is increasing. This is a particular challenge for sight loss organisations as the number of blind and vision impaired people is projected to grow significantly. According to RNIB the number of people with sight loss is predicted double to over 4 million by 2050.

The environment is made more challenging by cuts to local authority funding in recent years and continued challenges of attracting volunteers and donations. 

Small and Grassroots charities are facing multiple challenges, including an avalanche of issues. The cost of living crisis has created an environment which makes sustainability an enormous problem in the sector. 

What could a grant fund?

This fund is designed to support organisations to overcome barriers to increasing their capacity.  

This could include (but is not limited to):  
•    Contributions to core costs.
•    A merger of organisations.
•    Strengthening of systems and processes. 

NB: This funding is not designed for specific projects. Any applications referring to the continuation of a project must show strong evidence to support the initiative’s potential to promote long term sustainability of services or support.

Am I eligible?

Fight for Sight funds organisations whose proposed activities will offer services to blind and partially sighted people directly. The following types of organisations are eligible:
•    UK Registered Charities.
•    Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO).
•    Charitable companies, limited by guarantee.
•    Community Interest Companies (CIC), limited by guarantee.
•    Exempt charities (e.g. educational establishments).

Our funding is open to organisations across the UK (including Northern Ireland). 

Please note that only organisations whose primary purpose is supporting those living with or at risk of sight loss are eligible. We do not fund individuals. 

How much can I apply for?  

Between £10,000 and £20,000. 

How can I apply? 

To apply for funding, please complete and submit the online application form available here. 

The deadline for applications is 7 January 2025 9:00 AM.

When will I know the funding decision? 

All applicants will be contacted about the result of their application by 31 March 2025.