Introduction
This policy sets out the Society’s policy and procedure for assessing and granting applications for funding from external groups.
Principles
Before awarding grants, SOS Council will always ensure that the Society has sufficient operating funds for known expenditure, with contingency for the unexpected.
Subject to this condition being met, Council will consider applications for funding in the following three categories, which will be funded on a three-year rolling basis:
| Fund | Annual allocation across all projects | |
| Species | £5,000 | This fund primarily supports projects that aim to help those species that the Society considers to be a priority in Sussex. The list of species is attached as Appendix 1. These are guided by SOS Scientific Committee’s work alongside the Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS). |
| Habitats | £25,000 | This funding is available for habitat purchase or improvement projects |
| Engagement | £5,000 | Funding to improve access to birdwatching for all and includes funding for the SOS Young Birders Scheme. |
SOS Council retains the discretion to consider major funding requests or opportunities outside of this policy, in exceptional circumstances and where the funding meets our charitable objectives.
In considering grant applications, priority will be given to local community projects.
SOS will consider funding of capital or revenue costs, subject to receipt of a relevant application and subject to the usual assessment process.
For applications relating to Swifts, Swallows and Martins, you are encouraged to discuss with the SOS Swift and Hirundine Champions to ensure that the scheme is considered viable.
SOS Council will look favourably on applications that incorporate practical climate mitigation actions contributing to the long‑term protection of habitats and species.
For most projects, we will fund up to 50% of any request, but with discretion to fund projects (especially smaller community projects of up to £3,000 total) up to 100%, with the expectation of some level of contribution from the applying group where possible, for example in volunteer hours, travel time or use of equipment.
SOS Council will consider collaboration with other funders to part-fund a project.
Where we agree to applications that require part-funding from other partners, we will only release funds once we have confirmation that all the funding has been secured.
How to apply for funding
All requests for funding should be made using the application form available on our website here.
How funding applications are assessed and agreed or declined
Once we have received an application it will be circulated by the Assistant Treasurer to SOS Council members for consideration. Where relevant, applications will also be circulated to the SOS Scientific Committee for comments.
In most cases applications will be circulated and discussed via email, however where there is a need for further discussion it may be necessary to discuss at one of the SOS Council meetings that take place five times a year.
In some instances, further information may need to be requested from the applicant.
If a majority of Council members approve a request, the Assistant Treasurer or another Council member will notify the applicant and explain the arrangements for providing the funding, with any conditions that have been agreed.
If a request is not approved, feedback will be given, and we may be able to suggest alternative routes for funding.
Monitoring and evaluation of grant funding
Once funding is agreed, updates should be given on an agreed schedule to SOS Council via a feedback form in alignment with the project timescales. This may also include accommodating site visits for SOS representatives where appropriate.
For larger grants and longer running projects, a representative of the recipient organisation may be asked to give a short presentation (5-10 minutes) at the SOS annual conference on the difference that the SOS funding has made for their work.
Policy review
This policy will be reviewed annually by SOS Council.
Signed
Date 15 September 2026
Print name Clare Buckle
Chair of Council
Version 2.0
Changes:
Version 2.0 – Amendments to annual limits. Addition of clause regarding climate change mitigations. Grant applications now circulated by Assistant Treasurer.
Version 1.1 – Additional species added to appendix 1
