One grant of £5 million over one to five years is available to a partnership of two to four organisations. The fund supports charities to develop innovative solutions to society's most challenging problems.
Funded by players of the Postcode Lottery, the Dream Fund offers one grant of £5 million for an ambitious, innovative project that tackles social challenges within the UK. The social challenges could include health, wellbeing, families, children, environmental conservation, biodiversity, wildlife and animals, culture and heritage (funding themes of the nine UK focused Postcode Trusts this year) or other themes.
Projects can run for between one and five years and must be based in, and delivered in, one or more parts of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
All projects must have been developed to a point where they are ready to begin delivery within four weeks of receiving notification of a successful application. This can include being ready to hire staff and formally plan the project.
The grant can cover costs directly linked to delivery, including general running costs such as staff costs, utility bills, council tax, rent and insurance. It can also support PR and communications activity and capital expenditure.
Eligible applications must involve a partnership of two to four organisations. The lead applicant must be a registered charity with an annual income of at least £5 million, while partners can include charities, universities, companies, local authorities, research institutes and other not-for-profit bodies.
To apply:
If you have an idea for a project, feel free to email the Dream Fund team.
There is a three-stage application process.
The deadline for Stage 1 expressions of interest is 31 July 2026.
For full guidance and to complete an expression of interest form, click here.