The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) is an independent grant-making body that was established in 1999 to improve the quality of life in Britain’s former coalfields communities. We provide funding via two grant programmes, Bridging the Gap and Main Grants. After recent policy changes applications are preferred that hit the following criteria:

Bridging The Gap

New maximum application is now £5,000
Funding available for the top 50% most deprived areas – this information is available on our website.
The focus for new project enquiries will be for those that can deliver services that provide benefit to people outside of the groups/organisations usual membership i.e. encourage new members/beneficiaries.  The project must demonstrate either a new aspect of service delivery or an improvement to the existing services. Community and voluntary sector organisations can apply.

Main Grants

We are currently looking for high impact capital based projects with a good opportunity for sustainability. Projects would begin April 2010 at the earliest. Small to medium sized projects, ideally with match funding being developed in the near future or large projects with significant match funding. Applications would be submitted from November/December 2009 or larger projects with substantial match funding. Projects would be based in CRT Super Output Areas that target the 30% most deprived beneficiaries. 

The current focus for new projects will be those that meet local need, provide a new community facility or improved facility, preferably to expand or reach new beneficiaries and that potentially responds to the current economic climate.  Community, voluntary and statutory organisations can apply.

Revenue applications are on hold at present but this situation may change, please contact the regional office for updates.

Information on eligible areas is available at our website link:  www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/contactingus/north_east/eligibility/default.asp  (This is a brief guide and detailed Super Output Information is available from the Regional Office).

If you would like to discuss eligibility and find out more about the fund please contact Lorna Hoy on 0191 428 5550 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .