Match Funding Opportunities for UK Businesses
Funding where you contribute part of the cost, unlocking larger grants and shared investment in your project.
Overview
What is match funding?
Match funding is a type of grant funding where your business contributes a portion of the project cost, and a funding provider covers the rest.
Instead of receiving 100% of the funding, you agree to invest alongside the funder. This shared investment reduces risk and shows that you are committed to delivering the project.
For example, if a grant covers 50% of a project, you would need to provide the remaining 50% yourself. This contribution can come from your own funds, a loan, or in some cases, staff time or other resources.
Match funding is commonly used in innovation, growth and development grants, particularly where projects involve research, collaboration or long-term impact.
Funding Coverage
What match funding can support
Match funding is typically used for projects that involve growth, innovation or operational improvement.
It helps businesses access larger funding opportunities by sharing the cost of delivery.
The specific costs covered will depend on the funding programme, but projects must usually demonstrate clear value, measurable outcomes and a realistic plan for delivery.
-
Research and development projects
-
New product or service development
-
Equipment and technology investment
-
Staff and labour costs
-
Training and skills development
-
Collaboration with partners or institutions
-
Business growth and expansion projects
Eligibility
Who can apply for match funding?
Match funding is available to businesses that are able to contribute towards the cost of a project while meeting the criteria of the funding programme.
In most cases, you will need to show that your business has the financial capacity or resources to provide your share of the funding. This could be through cash reserves, external finance or in-kind contributions such as staff time.
Projects are more likely to be successful if they demonstrate clear benefits, such as innovation, growth, job creation or wider economic impact.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scheme, but typically include business location, project scope and the ability to deliver the project within a defined timeframe.
Application Advice
Tips for applying for match funding
Match funding requires careful planning, as you need to secure both the grant and your own contribution.
-
Be clear on how much funding you need & what you'll contribute
-
Show where your match funding will come from
-
Clearly define the project and expected outcomes
-
Present realistic costs, timelines and delivery plans
-
Demonstrate the value and impact of the project
Our Process
How Zoom Funding can help
We help you understand how match funding works and whether it’s a practical option for your business.
FAQS
Frequently asked questions
We’ve answered the most common questions about match funding and eligibility.
Match funding is where a grant provider contributes part of the project cost, and your business provides the rest.
This varies depending on the programme, but contributions typically range from 30% to 50% of the total project cost.
Not always. Some schemes allow in-kind contributions such as staff time, but many require a cash contribution.
Yes, in many cases businesses use loans or other finance to cover their share of the project cost.
It can be more complex, as you need to demonstrate both project viability and your ability to contribute funding.
Projects that involve innovation, growth, collaboration or measurable impact are typically the strongest candidates.