Rayne Foundation 2024-2026
Following the announcement of our intention to move to targeted calls for applications, we promised to share more details about the numbers of applications we receive and our success rates.
We first stated our intention to become more strategic and proactive in August 2024. Since then, we have run an open, rolling grants programme alongside two open calls for applications for Better Careers for Better Care. When we set out, we anticipated that the closer focus on a smaller number of priority programmes would result in fewer applications; in fact, we have experienced the opposite.
| Year end: 30th Nov | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26^ |
| Total applications | 672 | 1,119 | 668 |
| Grants awarded | 73 (11%) | 51 (5%) | 22 (3%)* |
| Rejected applications | 598 (89%) | 1,068 (95%) | 606 (91%) |
| Outside remit | 73 (11%) | 214 (19%) | 93 (14%) |
^Figures at 31st July 2026
*We have a number of pending applications and expect this number to rise.
We know that a simpler ‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) form, the use of AI and the extremely challenging funding environment are likely to be contributing factors to the increased volume of applications. The number of ‘outside remit’ applications also reflects this (we categorise something as outside remit when it is not directly relevant to our stated programme areas). Examples of applications received that we consider outside our remit included cancer care for children, sports clubs and food banks.
The overwhelming reason for rejection is because we have not been able to see an explanation of how funding the work will contribute to any wider application. Usually such applications come from community organisations doing valuable work locally. As important as their work is, it is however unlikely to challenge the status quo and influence national thinking. Nor should that be the role of every local organisation, it is just that we have to have such criteria for the purposes of deciding where to put our very limited funds. We also recognise that wider application is not an easy concept to explain as it can vary across programme areas and we cannot be too prescriptive about something which will likely be innovative in nature.
In contrast, our targeted calls are achieving success rates of 10%, as well as bringing to our attention promising proposals that can be funded outside of the main grant programme. In the latest Better Careers for Better Care call, over 40% of the 68 applicants scored 70+ out of 100, demonstrating the quality of the proposed work.
This analysis has informed our decision to move to periodic, targeted calls in our priority areas.