Frequently Asked Questions

JMF Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

JMF Faq's

Why can't I download an application form?

We don't want you wasting your time putting together an application that is unlikely to succeed, so we like to check that your proposal is something our trustees might consider before sending an application pack. You can e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a brief outline of your project or call JMF’s office in Merseyside on 0151 707 6077 or in Northern Ireland 028 2888 6161 (please leave a message) to request an application form.

How much can I apply for?

We would recommend applying for as much as your organisation needs from JMF. Although even if the Trustees do make a grant it may not be for as much as you applied for.We don’t have a limit for the amount requested; however it may be useful to have a look at our What We Fund section or the grants list in our annual accounts to see examples of grants made in the last financial year.

What should I do if I don't understand the guidelines?

You are welcome to telephone JMF’s office in Merseyside on 0151 707 6077 or in Northern Ireland 07415 447 910 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Do you help with completing an application?

Although, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding applying for a grant from us, we do not offer help with completing applications.

Are there deadlines for applications?

There are no set deadlines for applications, JMF operates a rolling system. Same policy applies for Northern Ireland.

What should I include in my application?

In a first instance we would like you to submit the following information:

• completed Organisational Details form (signed by a board member)
• written application of a maximum of 4 pages in a legible font size (e.g. Arial point 11), plus project budget (based on the Required Information notes)

If your application is shortlisted, we will ask you to submit the following information within 7 days:

• latest annual accounts
• latest annual report
• list of current members of management committee
• equal opportunities policy
• job description (when applying for wages)
• signed grant conditions form

How long will it take to assess my application?

As a general rule you should allow 3-4 months in Merseyside and 5-6 months in NI for a decision to be made. JMF operates a two stage process and you will hear from us within one month from the deadline date when, if appropriate, you will be visited by a member of our staff. You are welcome to phone or e-mail us anytime and ask for an update.

Can I email my application?

You can e-mail us your completed application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., but we will still need a signed version of the application form (a signed copy is fine). Please don't send your application as a zip file or other compressed format as our antivirus programme will stop the file before it can reach us.

My application was turned down. How soon can I apply again?

We would recommend not reapplying within 6 months, but it's worth speaking to us first to find out if there were any specific reasons for being turned down.

You are funding our organisation already. Can we apply for another grant?

No. Groups can only have one running grant with JMF. However, you may be able to apply again few months before the end of your existing grant, as the decision process can take up to 4 months.Yes, we accept requests for up to 3 years of funding when salaries or running costs are required. However, we will ask you to not to apply to JMF for another grant for 12 months after the 3 years of funding have come to an end. For example if you had grants paid in Sep 2014, Sep 2015 and Sep 2016, you wil not be able to apply again until Sep 2018.

Can I apply for more than one year's funding?

Yes, we accept requests for up to 3 years of funding when salaries or running costs are required. However, we will ask you to not to apply to JMF for another grant for 12 months after the 3 years of funding have come to an end. For example if you had grants paid in Sep 2014, Sep 2015 and Sep 2016, you wil not be able to apply again until Sep 2018.

We are not a registered charity; does this mean that we cannot apply for a grant?

No, we do not require groups to be registered charities. However, Trustees prefer for the organisations to be a registered charity where possible, for reasons of accountability, transparency and legal restrictions. If your group is not a registered charity, you may apply for funding as long as the work you do is charitable in law. All organisations must produce annual accounts (if over one year old), have a written set of rules and a bank account in the name of the group which requires at least two signatories. Please make sure that your project falls within the criteria.

What are the chances that my application will get funded?

In 2018/19, 72% of applications received were shortlisted. Out of the shortlist, 77% applications got funded, although this may not have been for the full amount requested. In another words, 55% of all applications received got funded in 2018/19.