The Theirworld Small Grants Programme 2026 is a funding opportunity designed to support registered charities and non-profit organisations working to improve education, health, and development outcomes for children and young people. With grants of up to £10,000, the programme focuses on empowering local organisations that are addressing the global education crisis and helping disadvantaged and overlooked children access quality learning and essential support services.
Since its creation, the programme has played a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives that often lack the visibility or resources needed to secure large-scale funding, yet make a meaningful difference in their communities.
The Challenge: Ending the Global Education Crisis
Across the world, millions of children still face barriers to education due to poverty, displacement, conflict, language barriers, and lack of basic services. The global education crisis is not only about access to schools but also about ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Theirworld works to address this challenge by funding organisations that share its vision of a world where every child has:
- The best possible start in life
- A safe and supportive place to learn
- The skills needed for the future
The Small Grants Programme directly supports initiatives that improve educational access, community health, and wellbeing for children and caregivers in both the UK and low-resource settings around the world.
Also Apply For: International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Youth Action Fund 2026
About the Theirworld Small Grants Programme
Established in 2004, the Theirworld Small Grants Programme provides flexible, small-scale funding to charities and non-profits working with children and young people in vulnerable circumstances. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 and are designed to be easier and faster to apply for than larger funding opportunities.
These grants are often used to:
- Pilot new ideas and community projects
- Expand existing education or health programmes
- Reach underserved or overlooked groups
- Provide essential learning resources and support services
Since its launch, Theirworld has awarded nearly £1 million in small grants, supporting organisations that have improved the lives of thousands of children worldwide.
Why Small Grants Make a Big Difference
Local community and voluntary organisations are often founded by people with a deep passion for improving opportunities for children. While their impact can be significant, many of these organisations struggle to secure funding due to limited capacity, experience, or public profile.
The Theirworld Small Grants Programme was created to bridge this gap. By offering modest but meaningful funding, the programme helps organisations turn ideas into action and deliver real results on the ground.
Small grants can be transformative. They allow organisations to test new approaches, strengthen their services, and build evidence of impact that can later attract additional funding.
Types of Projects Supported
The breadth of projects funded through the Theirworld Small Grants Programme reflects its commitment to tackling education and development challenges in diverse contexts.
Supported initiatives have included:
- Literacy programmes in UK communities where English is not the first language
- Healthy breakfast schemes for homeless and vulnerable children
- Inclusive education projects supporting girls’ access to learning
- School-based and early years programmes in under-resourced communities
- Mentoring and sports initiatives that support children’s well-being
- Emotional support programmes for children dealing with grief and trauma
Theirworld has funded projects across the UK and in countries such as Greece, Pakistan, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, reaching children on the streets, unaccompanied minors, and young people without access to positive role models.
One beneficiary organisation, Sibling Support, used Theirworld funding to create and distribute grief-support booklets across the UK, helping young people cope with the loss of a brother or sister.
Who Can Apply?
The Small Grants Programme is open to:
- Registered charities and non-profit organisations
- Organisations working in the UK or internationally
- Groups supporting children, young people, caregivers, and communities
- Initiatives focused on education, health, wellbeing, and development
Each organisation may submit only one application. If multiple submissions are received from the same organisation, only the first submission will be reviewed.
Application Process and Deadline
The Theirworld Small Grants Programme 2026 is now open. Organisations are required to review the programme’s policies and eligibility criteria before applying.
To begin the application process, applicants must complete an eligibility check form. Only eligible organisations will be invited to proceed further.
Application deadline:
16 February 2026 at 5:00 pm (GMT)
Late applications will not be accepted.
Information Webinars
To support applicants, Theirworld is hosting online webinars to explain the application process and answer questions:
- 2 February 2026 at 10:00 GMT
- 3 February 2026 at 15:00 GMT
Organisations are encouraged to attend one of these sessions to better understand the programme and submission requirements.
The Theirworld Small Grants Programme 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for charities and non-profits working at the grassroots level to expand their impact. By providing accessible funding of up to £10,000, the programme supports innovative, community-led solutions that improve education and wellbeing for children facing disadvantage.
Through these small grants, Theirworld continues its mission to end the global learning crisis and ensure that every child, everywhere, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information, visit Theirworld Small Grants.
