Applications Now Open

The Appeal is delighted to announce the launch of a £250K ‘Big Charity Giveaway’- a significant grant programme designed to support charities across the following areas; Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City region. 


The Appeal is set to offer grants ranging from a couple of hundred pounds up to a maximum of £15,000, providing a significant funding opportunity for an array of good causes. The new grant round continues the powerful legacy of the late inspirational athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE, whose determination and generosity helped transform lives across the UK and beyond.  


Over the years, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal has already awarded significant amounts to charities and community projects supporting causes including cancer care, bereavement services, mental health support and initiatives that improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.  

This latest giveaway is open to registered charities operating within Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City Region, with successful applicants set to receive funding that could make a real difference to the communities they serve.  


Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s husband and Trustee of The Jane Tomlinson appeal comments, “Jane was passionate about helping others and with the 2026 Big Charity Giveaway, we can continue that legacy and give charities across our regions the opportunity to grow, reach more people and change more lives.  


“We’d like to hear from as many charities and organisations as possible. There is no minimum award, and they can bid for a maximum of £15,000 to support a project of their choice. They just need to tell us how they will spend it and what benefits it will bring.  
 
“We would especially like to hear from charities that work with children or cancer patients and their families. They are causes that were obviously close to Jane’s heart, as they are to ours.” 


From today, 8th January 2026, charities are invited to apply for the grants to help sustain, develop or expand their work.  


Applications will close on 5th February, after which all submissions will be carefully reviewed, and those successful will be notified shortly afterwards. Grants will then be formally awarded during the week commencing 2nd March.  

Eligability Criteria

Only applications from UK registered not-for-profit organisations will be considered.  

Applicants and grant beneficiaries should be based or operating in Yorkshire, the Midlands or Liverpool City Region.   

Organisations applying must have completed at least two years of activity and be able to submit accounts.  

Please be aware that grants will not be awarded to:  

  • Individuals 
  • Public bodies 
  • Organisations that mainly distribute grants to other organisations 
  • Organisations with an income of over £5million per annum 
  • Organisations with political associations or interests  


Applications considered for funding  


Funding will normally be considered for capital and revenue costs for both specific projects and for general running/core costs.  

Grants are awarded for up to a maximum of £15,000. The awarding of grants will depend on a number of factors including purpose, total funding requirement and potential sources of other funds including, in some cases, matched funding.  

Usually, one-off grants are awarded but, in exceptional circumstances, a new project may be funded over two or three years, subject to satisfactory reports on progress.  


The following are examples of areas of work which fall within the Appeal's grant policy:  

  • Capital building/renovation/refurbishment works for residential, nursing, respite care and schools 
  • Play schemes and play therapy schemes 
  • Day and social activity centres including building costs and running costs 
  • Support for families, including respite schemes 
  • Independent living schemes 
  • Support in the community schemes 
  • Bereavement support services for children and Young people
  • Research (cancer or children related illness)  

How To Apply

Groups applying must be of charitable status and the request should be for a specific project – not general running costs. Grants will not be made to individuals.  

 

Applications will be particularly welcomed from charities working with children or cancer patients –although, of course, all will be considered. Applications are limited to one per organisation and can be for a maximum of £15,000 – there is no minimum amount.  

 

Applications close on 5th February 2026. The decision of the Appeal Trustees is final, and all applicants will be contacted by the beginning of March to confirm if their application has been successful. 

Please return your application via email to info@janetomlinsonappeal.com subjected BIG CHARITY GIVE AWAY 2026 and your organisation's name. Alternatively, please return in the post to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Unit 5, George Mann Road, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1DX FAO of the Trustees.