Small Grants
The Road Safety Trust Small Grants Programme 2025 opens for applications on 23rd September for grants between £10,000 and £50,000 with a maximum project length of 24 months.
Before you start your application, we encourage you to make use of the various resources on this page designed to assist you with the application process.
Please note that applications can only be submitted via the online portal
In this round we are introducing a two-stage application process with the following timeline of key dates:
23 September - Programme opens for Expressions of Interest (EOI).
29 October (5pm) - Deadline for submitting EOIs.
Mid-November - Review of EOIs completed; shortlisted applicants invited to submit full applications; online workshop for projects invited to submit a full application.
12 December (12noon) - Deadline for submitting full applications.
Late January/early February 2026 - Funding decisions made/communicated.
The main aim of the Small Grants Programme is to improve road safety through providing funding for innovative, practical-based projects.
Innovation can be shown by developing new approaches, developing the way existing projects are delivered or improving or evaluating projects/interventions.
We are looking for projects that link to local or national priorities and contribute to reducing deaths and injuries on the UK roads, either directly or through clear activities to reduce risk.
Eligible projects
All projects should strengthen the evidence base and contribute to learning or insights about road safety. Projects must aim to make a measurable difference to road safety at a local or national level and have a plan for sharing any knowledge generated.
Projects should also aim to have some influence in the areas of policy, practice or legislation depending on the size and the nature of the work being undertaken. These influences can be local or national, or specific to a target group of beneficiaries.
Who can apply
UK-based legally constituted organisations (charities, public sector organisations, universities, companies and professional organisations) are eligible to apply for funding. Companies, including Community Interest Companies, will be considered for funding provided that it can be demonstrated that the project is for public benefit and is consistent with the Trust’s priorities.
Individuals are not eligible unless part of a wider research or project team. In exceptional cases we may accept applications from overseas organisations, e.g., for high quality research with potential for demonstrable benefits for UK road users. This should be discussed with us before applying.
All projects should involve an element of partnership working or collaboration with other organisations who can help achieve the project’s objectives.
What’s available
In this round, the minimum amount that can be applied for is £10k and the maximum is £50k over two years in total. All small grants projects should have other sources of funding, cash or in-kind.
In making decisions, we will take a strategic approach so that a range of different types of project are funded that have the potential to improve road safety outcomes. All projects are expected to produce a report and describe how it will be shared and promoted.
Guidance for applicants
Click to view/dowload
Getting ready to apply
Grants Policy
Application Form
You may find this sample application form useful if you are invited to submit a full application.
Aims, Objectives and Outcomes Guidance and Template
This editable planning tool is designed to help you work through your project’s key aims, objectives and outcomes and the activities that will help you achieve these.
How to apply
Application for grants is via our online portal only and will be available from 23 September.
Please note, we’ve transitioned to a new Grantee and Applicant Experience platform. All users - whether returning or applying for the first time - must create a new account.
Click to view/download