Note posted 4-11-26: The launch of the next UK wide grant programme was expected to be between 2 November and 30 November. However, the details have come down from their website and the Trust is indicating that the current application window is only open to Nottinghamshire charities. The next funding round is due between 1 February 2027 and 1 March 2027) - do check the Trust's website for updates.
Revenue grants of up to £10,000 are available to registered charities to supporting local communities across the UK.
The Boots Charitable Trust is an independent registered charity wholly funded by Boots UK Limited. Its purpose is to support people, customers, and communities wherever it can make the greatest positive impact. The Trust allocates its funds on a 50/50 split between Nottinghamshire and national applications.
The Trust funds charities and voluntary organisations working in the areas of health, lifelong learning, community development and social care, and encourages applications from organisations where a revenue grant of up to £10,000 can make the biggest impact in their local area. Please note that proposed activities to support communities within Nottinghamshire should refer to the separate ‘Guidance for Nottinghamshire Applicants’, which has different funding priorities.
The Trust’s national grant programme has a focus on the following areas:
Health – to support people and families living with cancer in deprived communities by improving access to practical, emotional, and ongoing healthcare support. The Trust will prioritise organisations delivering community-based cancer support, rehabilitation, and prevention services that reduce health inequalities, focusing on:
- Practical & Emotional Support: home visits, peer groups, respite services, carer support, bereavement counselling.
- Community Healthcare: after-care, rehabilitation, home-based medical support, volunteer clinical services.
- Education & Prevention: screening awareness programmes, culturally tailored health education, early-signs training.
Lifelong Learning – to enable young people aged 16–30 from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to secure employment and progress into stable, meaningful careers. Grants will prioritise structured skill-building, vocational learning, and transition-to-employment programmes. Grants are available to support charities offering tailored interventions that build employability and life confidence:
- Core Skills: literacy, numeracy, digital competency, financial literacy.
- Workplace Readiness: CV building, interview support, work experience placements, confidence coaching.
- Vocational Progression: accredited training (healthcare, STEM, environmental services, trades, digital, retail).
- Specialist Pathways: programmes that include green skills (gardening, conservation, environmental services), where this contributes meaningfully to employability.
Social Care – to support children and young people, up to age 18, who have experienced rape or sexual abuse, by funding trauma-informed services that provide access to safety, therapeutic recovery, safeguarding education, and specialist advocacy. The Trust will prioritise charities providing specialised, trauma-informed services, including:
- Access to Safety: crisis response; emergency accommodation; safe spaces, SARCS support; independent advocates.
- Recovery: long-term counselling; group therapy; play therapy; crisis intervention teams; family support.
- Safeguarding Education: programmes for teachers, school staff, youth workers to recognise early signs; community training for front-line workers (healthcare, police, care practitioners), and prevention programmes for children and young people.
The national application grants round will open on Monday 2 November 2026 with a deadline of 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026. Applicants are expected to be notified by the end of January 2027.
The application form is available via CAF’s online grant portal. You can start a new application form using this link: Boots Charitable Trust application form.
The application process is as follows:
- Create an account on the CAF grant-making portal (or log in if you have used the portal before).
- Complete a short series of questions to ensure your organisation is eligible to apply.
- If eligible, you are directed to the main application form.
- Complete the form and upload any supporting documents required.
- Submit your application before the scheduled deadline.
The application form can be saved and returned to; applicants do not need to complete it in one go. To return to the grant portal to continue with an application, use this link.