We consider a wide variety of grants according to need.
Who we fund
Adams makes grants to organisations that provide services to
- People with disabilities
- People living in poverty
- Children and Young people
Our geographical areas of interest are
- The developing world
- National projects that have a national benefit
- Locally in Hertfordshire and its immediate surrounds
We do not give grants to
- Individuals
- Projects in the Middle East or Eastern Europe or the countries of the ex Soviet Union
- In line with Sylvia Adams’ request we do not fund work that solely benefits elderly people
- For similar reasons we do not fund work to organisations helping animals, medical research or environmental causes
These categories mean that a large number of projects are technically eligible for funding. However, within these categories we have areas of specific interest,and geographical areas of interest at any time.This is because we are responding to where we perceive an independent funder can have the biggest impact.
In order to save time for all concerned we have a simple first step application process which will enable you to apply to us to see if your work is of current interest. We have also included case studies to try and give some of the idea of the sort of work we wish to fund.
What will we fund?
The Adams fund is flexible in what it is prepared to fund. For those organisations which we support we are prepared to consider a wide variety of grants according to need. We will consider core cost funding but only when we have worked with an organisation and never on a permanent basis.
Our case studies give some examples of the way in which we fund work from capital and equipment to a variety of revenue projects.
How large are our grants?
Our minimum grant is £5,000 and our maximum is £25,000 – grants may be for more than one year.
Partnership funding and long term relationships
We appreciate the benefits that long term funding can have for an organisation and realise that making such grants means that we can have a bigger impact and ensure the success of our work. We therefore make a small number of grants over a 4 or 5 year period and these grants are normally about helping an organisation change, grow or develop. We do not solicit applications for partnership grants as these usually go to organisations with whom we have worked on a more ad hoc basis previously enabling us to create a funding arrangement that is likely to be successful for both parties (see case studies).