Apply for the trust capacity fund
Apply for funding to help multi-academy trusts develop their capacity and take on underperforming schools, particularly in education investment areas.
Applies to England
What the fund is
The trust capacity fund (TCaF) supports the growth of multi-academy trusts (MATs). It is for trusts which have had a growth project approved by a regional director.
We particularly encourage applications for funding which:
- relate to education investment areas
- involve taking on groups of schools
- involve taking on underperforming schools
It is available to:
- academy trusts
- local authority-maintained schools forming a MAT
Trusts will be able to apply for the next round of funding between 1 March 2024 and 25 June 2024. Applications must be linked to a growth project approved from 1 January 2024 and we will also accept projects due to be heard at July advisory boards.
We have received a very high number of applications for windows 1 to 3. We expect this to reoccur in window 4. We want to remind applicants that TCaF is a competitive grant, and it is possible that even high quality applications may not be successful.
Lists of trust capacity fund award recipients from 2019 to 2023 are available.
How to apply
Before you apply for the trust capacity fund 2023 to 2025, read the:
- to find out more about the trust capacity fund, who it is for, how to apply and how we will assess your bid
- relevant trust development statement, if your application involves taking on a school in an education investment area
To apply, complete the online application form.
Related funding
Apply for the trust establishment and growth fund for funding to support the initial development of growth projects.
How we use your information
The covers the use of any information sent to us.
Updates to this page
Published 6 September 2019Last updated 1 March 2024 + show all updates
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'Trust capacity fund 2023 to 2025: information for applicants', funding round information and the link to the online application form were updated.
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Added link to trust capacity fund award recipients for 2019 to 2023.
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We have reformatted the information on this page. Applications for the next round of funding will open on 1 November 2023.
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First published.