Finding the right funding opportunities can be time-consuming, especially with so many grants available across different sectors in the UK. Whether you are a charity, research organisation, public body, or non-profit, using the right tools can significantly improve your chances of securing funding.
This guide brings together the best UK grant funding databases to help you quickly identify relevant opportunities, track funding trends, and streamline your search process.
Below is a curated list of the most widely used grant databases in the UK, including both free and subscription-based tools.
Free Grant Funding Databases
Get Grants – https://www.getgrants.org.uk/funding-finder/
A free resource designed for fundraisers, providing access to hundreds of grant funders, including details on what they fund, eligibility criteria, and application guidance. It also offers newsletters and expert tips to help improve funding success.
GrantNav (360Giving) – https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/
An open-access platform developed by 360Giving that allows users to explore detailed UK grant data. It is particularly useful for analysing funding trends, identifying active funders, and researching where funding is being distributed.
Charity Excellence Framework – https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/free-grant-funding-finder-directory/
A free online platform that connects users to a wide network of funding databases and resources. It is designed to help charities quickly identify funding opportunities while also improving organisational performance and strategy.
GOV.UK Funding Finder – https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/
The official UK government portal for grants, loans, and financial support schemes. It is an essential starting point for organisations looking for public sector funding opportunities across multiple industries.
Northern Ireland Executive – Government Funding Database – https://govfundingpublic.nics.gov.uk/
A public database that allows users to search for funding awarded to voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland. Useful for identifying funders and understanding regional funding activity.
Funding Scotland – https://funding.scot/
A free service helping individuals, charities, and community groups in Scotland to identify relevant funding opportunities based on their needs.
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) – https://wcva.cymru/funding/
Provides access to funding opportunities and support for voluntary organisations operating in Wales.
Subscription-Based Grant Databases
GrantFinder – https://grantfinder.co.uk/
One of the most comprehensive UK funding databases, providing detailed and regularly updated information on national, regional, and local funding opportunities. Widely used by charities, local authorities, and public sector organisations.
Funds Online – https://fundsonline.org.uk/
A subscription-based database from the Directory of Social Change, offering access to thousands of funding opportunities. It is particularly useful for organisations seeking structured and in-depth funding searches.
Grants Online – https://www.grantsonline.org.uk/
A long-established subscription database covering funding opportunities from government, EU programmes, lottery funds, and charitable trusts. It provides extensive coverage across multiple sectors.
GrantTracker (by NICVA) – https://www.grant-tracker.org/
A subscription-based funding database tailored to organisations in Northern Ireland, providing detailed and regularly updated funding opportunities.
My Funding Central – https://www.myfundingcentral.co.uk/
A subscription-based funding database offering personalised funding searches for charities and voluntary organisations across the UK.
Government & Research Funding Sources
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/
The UK’s main public funder of research and innovation, offering a wide range of funding opportunities for academic institutions, businesses, and research organisations.
UK Government – Business Support Finder – https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
A tool to help businesses identify funding, finance, and support schemes available across the UK.
Major Funders & Grant Providers
The National Lottery Community Fund – https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/
One of the largest funders in the UK, supporting community projects that improve lives and strengthen local communities.
The King’s Trust – https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/how-we-can-help/explore-all-support
Provides funding and support programmes aimed at helping young people develop skills, gain employment, and start businesses.
Guidance & Supporting Resources
NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) – https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/funding-income/how-find-grants/
Provides practical guidance, tools, and advice on how to find and secure funding. Particularly useful for organisations new to grant funding or looking to improve their fundraising strategy.
The Directory of Social Change (DSC) – https://www.dsc.org.uk/
A leading provider of funding guides, databases, and training for charities and non-profits seeking to improve fundraising outcomes.
Charity Registers & Data Sources
Charity Commission for England and Wales – https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search
Official register of charities, allowing users to search organisations, review financial data, and identify potential funders.
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland – https://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/charity-search
Provides access to registered charity data and insights into funding activity within Northern Ireland.
Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – https://www.oscr.org.uk/search/
The official register of charities in Scotland, useful for researching organisations and funding patterns.
How to Find Grants Using These Databases
Using grant databases effectively can significantly improve your chances of securing funding:
- Define your funding needs – Identify your project goals and eligibility criteria
- Use multiple databases – Different platforms highlight different opportunities
- Apply filters strategically – Narrow results by sector, location, and funding type
- Track deadlines carefully – Stay organised and plan applications in advance
- Research funders – Align your application with funder priorities
Last checked 7th April 2026
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