Funding to Support Vulnerable Migrants (UK) Not for profit organisations and private law firms working with vulnerable young migrants can apply for grants of up to £30,000. The grants can be used to support legal work that benefits young migrants living in poverty who face significant disadvantage or discrimination as a result of their immigration status. Applicants should note that the average grant size is around £12,000. The funding is being made available through the Strategic Legal Fund (SLF) for Vulnerable Young Migrants and the closing date for applications is the 27th January 2025.

Funding for Special Schools and Colleges (UK) Grants of up to £75,000 are available to special schools and colleges for children and young people with special educational needs. Grants are awarded towards capital costs such as new buildings, refurbishing existing buildings, and equipment. The funding is available for projects focused on helping pupils develop skills that would help them gain employment or live independently after leaving school or college. The grants are made through the Wolfson Foundation’s Special Schools and Colleges grants programme. There is a 2-stage application process. The closing date for Stage 1 applications is the 5th January 2025. Applications successful at this stage will have until the 1st March 2025 to complete the stage 2 application.

Funding for Respite Breaks for Disabled Children and their Families (UK)
Families and groups of children, schools, organisations, and other registered charities can apply for financial assistance from the Adamson Trust for the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children with physical, mental, or emotional impairments. To be eligible, the child must be a resident in the UK, between the ages of 3 and 17, and the Trust requires evidence of their disability or illness from a medical or social services professional. Grants from the Trust usually only cover a portion of the holiday expenses. The next closing date for applications is the 31st December 2024 for the February

Funding to Enhance Mental Health Provision in Schools and Colleges (England)
The Department for Education (DfE) offers the Senior Mental Health Lead Training Grant, to support schools and colleges in enhancing their mental health provision. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in educational settings. It aims to equip senior leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop a sustainable, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Eligible schools and colleges in England can apply for up to £1,200 in funding. The funding is intended to cover the cost of training for senior mental health leads, enabling them to implement effective mental health strategies within their institutions. The training focuses on developing a whole-school approach to mental health, including promoting positive mental health, early intervention, and managing mental health issues among students. Applications for the Senior Mental Health Lead Training Grant must be submitted by 31st December 2024. Schools and colleges are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure funding and enhance their mental health provision.

Grants to Support Educational Visits (London & Essex)
Funding is available to support schools and youth organisations in London and Essex with the costs of visiting museums, theatres, science shows and more. The Jack Petchey Foundation’s Educational Visit Grants provide funding of up to £1,200 (£20 per head) for up to two trips per calendar year to schools and clubs that successfully run the Achievement Award Scheme. SEND schools/organisations, pupil referral units, and alternative education provisions can apply for up to £60 per person for day trips and £100 per person for residential trips. The fund aims to help young people develop a wide range of valuable personal and social skills and provide the chance to learn outside of the classroom. Trips must be of educational value, and funding can be used to pay transport or entrance fees. Applications can be made at any time.

National Lotter Community Fund Announces £3 Billion of Community Powered Funding (England)
The National Lottery Community Fund has announced a commitment to allocate at least £3 billion in funding for England by 2030 that will have a strong emphasis on community power and control. This decision comes amid survey findings showing that while 55% of UK adults are proud of their local area, 45% feel residents lack sufficient input in local improvements. The initiative includes a £275 million investment in community-led change. This includes a £100 million Community Power Fund, a £50 million community leaders programme, and a new You Decide funding stream allowing communities to allocate at least 5% of all funding. Additionally, over £4 million will be available for development phases of these projects. The Fund is also dedicating at least £135 million annually through 2030 for its Awards for All programme. This approach aims to empower local communities in decision-making and resource allocation.

Funding to Enhance Mental Health Provision in Schools and Colleges (England)
The Department for Education (DfE) offers the Senior Mental Health Lead Training Grant, to support schools and colleges in enhancing their mental health provision. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in educational settings. It aims to equip senior leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop a sustainable, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Eligible schools and colleges in England can apply for up to £1,200 in funding. The funding is intended to cover the cost of training for senior mental health leads, enabling them to implement effective mental health strategies within their institutions. The training focuses on developing a whole-school approach to mental health, including promoting positive mental health, early intervention, and managing mental health issues among students. Applications for the Senior Mental Health Lead Training Grant must be submitted by 31st December 2024. Schools and colleges are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure funding and enhance their mental health provision.

Grants of up to £2,000 for Projects Tackling Loneliness Amongst Older People and Adults with a Disability (England, Scotland and Wales)
Grants of up to £2,500 are available to charitable organisations for projects that tackle loneliness amongst older people and adults with a disability. The funding which is being made available through the Barchester’s Charitable Foundation offers these grants to support projects that connect or re-connect people with others in their local community. This could include activity projects, equipment and materials, member transport, and day trips.The foundation also offers grants of up to £1,000 to help individuals with mobility issues. Grants can be used to purchase wheelchairs, scooters, bikes, or car adaptations. There are no deadlines and applications can be submitted at any time.

Screwfix Foundation (UK)
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not-for-profit organisations for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for those in need in the UK. The funding is being made available through the Screwfix Foundations, and the grants are available for all kinds of projects, from repairing buildings and improving facilities in deprived areas to decorating the homes of people living with sickness and disabilities. Applications are reviewed every quarter. The next closing date for applications is the 10th February 2025.

Grants to Help New, Innovative Visual Arts Projects (UK)
The Elephant Trust has announced that the next application deadline is the 19th January 2025. The Trust offers grants to artists and for new, innovative visual arts projects. It aims to enable artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when confronted with a lack of funds. The Trust supports projects that develop and improve fine arts knowledge, understanding and appreciation. Priority is given to artists, small organisations, and galleries who are making or producing new work or exhibitions. The Trust awards typically grants of up to £2,000, but larger grants of up to £5,000 may be considered.

Funding for Community Radio Stations (UK)
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, has announced that the Community Radio Fund has re-opened for applications.  Grants can be awarded to support management costs, fundraising to support the station, administration costs, financial management and reporting, community outreach, and more. A total of £206,280 is available in this funding round to help support the core costs of running licensed community radio stations. Although there is no minimum or maximum grant level specified, the average grant awarded in the past has been around £14,000. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 8th December 2024.  

Funding for Building Maintenance & Improvements for Education Establishments (England)
The latest round of the UK Government’s Condition Improvement Fund is now open for applications from academies, multi-academy trusts, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools across England. The Fund provides capital funding for projects of up to £4 million, which help keep school and college buildings safe and in good working order. This includes funding projects to address health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building conditions. A small proportion of expansion projects will also be supported. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a high urgency of need, an impact on the school, or the closure of key facilities. The deadline for applications is 12pm on the 17th December 2024

New £5 Million Fund To Promote a Just Transition to Net Zero (England, Scotland and Wales)
Charities and community energy groups can apply for grants of £20,000 to £250,000 to support renewable energy projects in England, Scotland, and Wales. The funding is being made available through the Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme's new Just Transition Fund. With a total of £5 million available, this initiative aims to assist those most in need by enhancing the capacity of the community energy sector and promoting a just transition to net zero. Organisations eligible to apply include charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies, and Community Benefit Societies. Applications for the first round are currently open and will close at 5 pm on 19 November 2024. Interested parties must register on the Energy Redress website at least ten working days before the deadline to complete eligibility checks and submit their applications

Grants to Improve the Lives of Disadvantaged People (UK)
Registered charities in the UK working to reduce poverty and improve the health of disadvantaged people can apply for funding from the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation's Small Change Big Difference Fund. Organisations nominated by the Society's members and colleagues will receive grants of up to £2,500 to support initiatives that benefit vulnerable groups, including children, the seriously ill, the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities. Funding can be used for projects or items that make a positive difference, such as sensory toys for children with special needs, social activities for the elderly, or staff training for programme delivery. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual income under £100,000 and those supporting marginalised communities. The next application deadline is the 31st December 2024.

£100,000 Fund for New Technologies to Advance Fashion’s Circular Economy (UK)
Applications are now open for the eBay Circular Fashion Fund, which offers support for small UK businesses specialising in circular fashion solutions and sustainable practices. The Fund will enable charities, social enterprise and small businesses to invest in and bring new technology and services to the market that can help people think and shop differently. Successful applicants will receive up to £50,000 in funding, bespoke mentoring, and networking opportunities. The overall winner will also have the opportunity to be awarded "eBay Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year" and receive an additional investment of up to $300,000. The closing date for applications is the 15th November 2024.

Grants to Support Music Making (UK & Ireland)
Music for All, a UK charity that promotes music making, has launched a new round of its Community Project Funding Programme. Grants are available to community groups, schools and individuals under a number of different categories, each with their own criteria and award amounts. This round will support projects working with people with learning and cognitive challenges, individuals facing financial hardship, underprivileged children aged 0-4, and community initiatives for those with mobility and accessibility needs. It will also fund choral singing opportunities for underprivileged groups, as well as the Learn to Play Award for those who either attended a Music for All’s Learn to Play event in October 2023 or were inspired by a Learn to Play tutorial on Music for All’s YouTube channel. The closing date for applications is the 13th January 2025.

Funding for School Climate & Biodiversity Projects (UK)
Primary and secondary schools in the UK can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to support projects and activities addressing climate change and biodiversity issues. The funding is available through the Royal Society’s Tomorrow's Climate Scientists Programme and is an extension of the Society's Partnership Grants Programme. The primary purpose of the funding is to facilitate the purchase of necessary equipment for these projects. The Partnership Grants scheme operates annually and follows a two-stage application process. There are three possible submission deadlines this year and the next application deadline is the 30th November 2024.

Grants of up to £10,000 Available for Projects Addressing Urban and Rural Deprivation (UK)
Charities and not for profit organisations in the UK can apply for small grants of up to £10,000 to address urban and rural deprivation in the UK. The grants can be used to help cover their for core costs, salaries, running and project costs to deliver essential services. The funding is being provided by the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation’s small grants programme and to be eligible for a grant, charities and not for profit organisations must have an annual income of less than £250,000. Applicants need to match fund 50% of the project costs. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a clear need for funding and how the grant will be used to make a difference. There is no deadline and applications can be submitted at any time.

Grants to Support Projects in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Fine Art & Art History (UK)
UK charities and charitable organisations, including schools and colleges, can apply for grants to support projects in horticulture and plant sciences as well as the study, exhibition and conservation of fine art. The Finnis Scott Foundation is especially interested in supporting horticultural training through bursaries and apprenticeships. The sponsoring institution should make applications; individuals may not apply. The Foundation will consider applications for one-off grants up to £10,000, but because of the high demand, most grants are currently £5,000 or less. Exceptionally, grants of as much as £60,000 are made when funds permit, payable over several years. The next application closing date is 4pm on the 13th December 2024.

Capital Grants for Theatre Improvements (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Theatre Operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 to reduce their theatres' environmental impact. The Theatre Improvement Scheme can support various projects that consider how theatre buildings or equipment can reduce their environmental impact. This might range from building management systems to more efficient water heaters, or a green roof to new windows. The funding is being made available through the Theatres Trust in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation and the closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 5th September 2025.

Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Grants Programme re-opens for Applications (UK)
The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Grants Programme has reopened for applications.   The programme offers grants of up to £1,000 to primary and secondary schools in the UK to set up Breakfast clubs for those children in most need.   To qualify for the programme the breakfast club must be based in a school in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and priority will be given to schools that have 35% and above of children eligible for pupil premium funding and / or eligible for free school meals or that are based in an area which is classified as falling in the 10% of most deprived areas according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Only one grant per school in each academic year will be available

Hospice Care Home Training Programme Opens for Applications (UK)
Hospices across the UK are invited to apply for funding to deliver courses and study days specifically focused on dementia care for people nearing the end of life. Grants of up to £2,000 are available per course to a hospice to run a training course at free or heavily discounted cost to local care home staff to raise the level of dementia care, knowledge and skills in the hospice’s area of operation. The funding aims to make education and training as inexpensive and widely available to care home staff. The funding, made available through the Wolfson Foundation Hospice Care Home Training Programme, will be allocated on a first come, first served basis until the budget is fully allocated.

Merton’s Investing in Neighbourhoods and Community Climate Action Funds reopen on 30th September 2024.

Whether you’re tackling local development challenges or helping Merton become more climate-resilient, now’s your chance to secure funding for your ideas.

CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE

Got a great community initiative for climate change or want to run ideas past someone? Contact Asha Newsum, Engagement Lead at Merton Climate Action Group: cag.engagement@gmail.com. She’d love to hear your ideas!

Grants of up to £18,000 available to Social Entrepreneurs (UK)
Grants of up to £18,000 plus business support are available to social entrepreneurs looking to start or grow an existing social venture. The funding is being made available through the UnLtd, the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in and around the UK. UnLtd is committed to providing 50% of its awards to Black, Asian and minority ethnic and/or disabled social entrepreneurs. To be eligible, applicants need to be aged 16 or over, live in the UK, and be looking to fulfil a clear social need and demand. The closing date for this funding round is the 31st December 2024.

Peter Harrison Foundation Opportunities Through Sport Grant Scheme (UK)
Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) throughout the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to the Peter Harrison Foundation Active Lives grant scheme. The grant scheme aims to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity at a grassroots level that enable physically, mentally, socially or economically disadvantaged people to develop personal and life skills to fulfil their potential. The grants can be used for various purposes, such as funding new sports programmes, improving existing sports facilities, or providing training and support for sports coaches. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of up to £500,000. The next closing date for applications is the 1st January 2025.

Grants to Support Music Making (UK & Ireland)
Music for All, a UK charity that promotes music making, is set to launch a new round of its Community Project Funding Programme. Grants are available to community groups, schools and individuals under a number of different categories, each with their own criteria and award amounts. This round will support projects working with people with learning and cognitive challenges, individuals facing financial hardship, underprivileged children aged 0-4, and community initiatives for those with mobility and accessibility needs. It will also fund choral singing opportunities for underprivileged groups, as well as the Learn to Play Award for those who either attended a Music for All’s Learn to Play event in October 2023 or were inspired by a Learn to Play tutorial on Music for All’s YouTube channel. The fund will open to applications on the 18th October 2024.

Will Charitable Trust (UK)
The Will Charitable Trust has announced that its grants programme will temporarily close to applications on the 15th November 2024. The Trust offers grants of between £3,000 and £30,000 to UK registered charities providing services and care for blind people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those affected by cancer. Both project and, in some circumstances, unrestricted grants are available. Charities with an annual turnover of more than £500,000 are eligible to apply. This closure will allow the Trustees to review their strategy, with the revised programme expected to open around midsummer 2025. Applications can be submitted up until the closure date.

Funding for Collaborative Projects that Support Primary Science Teaching (UK & Ireland)
Grants of up to £600 (€700) are being made available to support the teaching of science in primary schools in the UK in Ireland. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Primary Science Teaching Empowerment Fund is designed to help schools plan and organise collaborative projects or events aimed at improving science teaching at primary level, and developing leadership skills in teachers and technicians. The funding will cover event costs and up to one day of teaching so that teachers can plan the project or event. Applications are particularly encouraged from schools that are in hard-to-reach areas, either due to geography or social disadvantage. The fund will reopen to applications on the 14th October 2024.

Comic Relief Community Fund Re-Opens for Applications (England)
Grassroots, community-led organisations in England can apply for grants of up to £5,000 through the Comic Relief Community Fund to support services that benefit local communities. Funding is available for organisations with an income under £250,000, and applications must focus on one of four areas: tackling the immediate impacts of hardship (e.g., foodbanks, shelters, financial advice), building long-term resilience to poverty (e.g., skills training, mental resilience), supporting equity and inclusion (e.g., addressing inequalities related to gender, race, or ability), or promoting climate justice (e.g., environmental education, resilience to climate change). Grants can be used for core costs, project-related costs, or both. Comic Relief expect to award around 140 grants. The fund's application deadline is 8th November 2024, and it is managed by the charity Groundwork.

Funding to Support Young Creatives to Launch a Project, Idea or Business (UK)
Youth Music has announced that round 10 of its NextGen Fund will re-open for applications on the 18th October 2024. The NextGen Fund supports emerging musicians and behind the scenes creatives aged 18-25 (and under-30s who identify as d/Deaf or Disabled) from across the UK to launch a creative project, idea or business. Grants of up to £2,500 could help people, including singers, songwriters, producers, DJs, managers and agents who do not have the financial means to invest in themselves, to start a record label, launch a single, or provide a platform that supports underrepresented voices. Funding can also cover costs linked to career development, audience development or marketing, equipment and software, and business development. The closing date for applications will be the 15th November 2024.

Funding to Support Members of the Armed Forces and their Families (UK)
The Veterans Foundation offers grants of up to £200,000 to support UK-based charities and not-for-profit organisations that assist serving armed forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers, and their immediate families. These grants include small grants of up to £5,000, project grants of up to £30,000, and salary grants of up to £75,000. Major grants of up to £200,000 are also available, although this programme is currently closed until the first quarter of 2025. The next closing date for standard and salary grant applications is 20th January 2025, while small grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust - Investing in Young People

Making grants to support disadvantaged young people living at the margins of society; with the aim of improving their academic performance, vocational skills or by helping to break down the barriers that prevent them from participating in education, employment or training. Applications must be focused on improving young people’s access to employment, education or training. 

Organisations can apply for either a one-off grant of up to £30,000 or a grant of between £5,000 and £20,000 per annum, for a maximum of three years. 

Deadline: 25  October 2024 

Reel Impact Next funding rounds open in November 2024 and September 2025 

Reel Impact is a brand-new programme to support mid to senior level Black and Global Majority individuals, as well as Black and Global Majority-led production companies and organisations working behind the scenes in film, TV, and cinema.  

  • Grants of up to £10,000 for mid-to-senior level Black and Global Majority individuals 
  • Grants of up to £25,000 for Black and Global Majority production companies or organisations in the industry  

Deadline: 3 November 2024 

National Churches Trust – UK

The National Churches Trust supports a wide variety of projects through their grant programmes. From repairing a roof to helping to install an accessible toilet - and many other projects - their grants help people to continue to serve, and to serve better, their local communities. Current grants available: 

Large Grants: This programme offers the Trust's largest grants of up to £50,000 towards the cost of major urgent structural repair projects costed at more than £80,000 including VAT. Next Stage 1 Deadline: 5 November 2024  

Medium Grants: This programme offers the Trust's medium sized grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 towards urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. Deadline: 17 December 2024 

National Lottery Heritage Fund grants

The National Lottery Heritage Grants programme funds projects that value, care for and sustain heritage for everyone across the UK, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more heritage can be anything from the past that you value and want to pass on to future generations.  

National Lottery Heritage Grants programme offers funding at two levels: 

  • £10,000 to £250,000 – applications are accepted all year round 
  • £250,000 to £10million - these grants have quarterly deadlines; applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before starting a full funding application 

Deadline:  21 November 2024 

LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund

This Fund has been enabled thanks to National Lottery players and will focus on supporting user-led LGBT+ organisations based in England, who are working with targeted under-represented and under-resourced communities. A total pot of £500,000 is available through small grants of between £100 and £25,000 for organisational running costs, projects and organisational / leadership development. 

This funding is ring-fenced specifically for LGBT+ organisations that are led by and for: 

  • D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent LGBT+ People.
  • LGBTQIA+ Women. 
  • LGBT+ People of the Global Majority. 
  • Older LGBT+ People. 
  • Trans and Non-Binary People 

Deadline: 21 November 2024 

Sports England - Movement Fund

The new fund replaces Sport England’s existing Small Grants Programme and Active Together fund. The Movement Fund aims to get more people active and increase sports participation across England, closing the ‘significant activity gap’ between people based on where they live, how affluent they are, their sex, ethnic background or whether they have a disability or long-term health condition. The launch coincides with the introduction of Sport England’s new Movement Hub pilot – which aims to make it easier to find existing tools and resources. 

Grants of between £300 and £15,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations working with people living in England. The funding is intended for local not-for-profit groups and organisations whose projects promote physical activity, including active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sporting activities. Priority will be given to projects in communities where there is a greater need. 

There is particular interest in projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity, such as: 

  • People living on low incomes. 
  • Disabled people or those with long-term health conditions. 
  • Older people. 
  • People from culturally diverse communities. 
  • Pregnant women and parents with very young children. 
  • Girls aged 5-16. 
  • LGBTQ+ people. 
  • People who are in foster care. 
  • People who provide care without pay. 

Projects and activities need to address Sport England’s four ambitions: 

  • Encouraging positive experiences of sport and physical activity. 
  • Involving the community in planning and delivery. 
  • Prioritising environmental sustainability. 
  • A good use of public money. 

The money could be used for equipment, facilities, learning and development, delivery costs or emergency relief. 

Henry Smith - Improving Lives

The Improving Lives grant programme provides grants to charitable organisations that help people when other sources of support have failed, are inappropriate, or are simply not available. 

It supports established organisations delivering services directly to beneficiaries. They are looking for services which can demonstrate a track record of success, and evidence the effectiveness of the work. 

There are 6 funding priorities: 

  • Help at a critical moment 
  • Positive choices 
  • Accommodation / housing support
  • Employment and training 
  • Financial inclusion, rights and entitlements 
  • Support networks and family 

The amount requested must be between £20,000 and £60,000 per year. The maximum length of funding that can be requested is three years. The grants are for revenue costs and direct service delivery. 

Masonic Charitable Foundation - Children and Later Life Programme

Following a period of closure to review its grants processes, the Foundation has reopened its Small and Large Grants applications on a rolling basis. 

This announcement relates to grants in two main areas: 

Creating the best start in life for disadvantaged children and young people 

Reducing isolation and loneliness for older people. 

Charities registered with the Charity Commission can apply as long as their beneficiaries are in England. 

The Foundation offers large grants starting from £10,000 up to around £60,000, and small grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. 

Organisations with an income of less than £500,000 can apply for a small grant covering core funding, while those with an income exceeding £500,000 can apply for a large grant covering project and delivery costs. 

Final decisions are expected in around two to three months for small grant applications, and around three to four months for large grants. 

BBC Children in Need - Emergency Essential Programme

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances, and is delivered by Family Fund Business Services. The programme provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal and other items or services critical to a child’s wellbeing. 

All applications must be made by a registered referrer. 

There is no deadline for applications, but each region or nations has a tier allocation, which may be subject to change, as the current funding year progresses. 

The National Lottery Community Fund - Social Enterprise Support Fund

The funding is for social enterprises that reach the most marginalised communities and promote inclusion and it can be used for helping you get your social enterprise back on track or helping you work with communities that are recovering from the impacts of Covid-19. You can apply for grants from £10,000 to £100,000 - most grants will be between £10,000 and £50,000. 

Your social enterprise must have been incorporated for at least a year and most of your beneficiaries should be in England. Your annual income was between £20,000 and £1.8 million pre-COVID-19 or in your last financial year. Your social enterprise should be substantially reliant income from trading (e.g. sales and contracts) to deliver social impact. If your trading has been affected by COVID-19, you should have a clear plan for growing or returning to substantial trading income. 

Your social enterprise must be incorporated. It may be a charitable company, a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), a Community Interest Company (CIC) or a Community Benefit Society (CBS/Registered Society). 

It may also be a company limited by guarantee (CLG), a company limited by shares (CLS), a co-operative society, or other registered society, if, within its governing document, it has: 

  • a clear social purpose, such as an Objects or Social Purpose clause 
  • a restriction on distribution of profits, to the extent that at least 51% of surpluses are reinvested for its social purpose 
  • an ‘asset lock‘, which is a restriction on the distribution of assets 

FUNDING: Greene King Proud To Pitch In – apply by 1 Nov

Pub retailer and brewer Greene King has pledged nearly £350,000 in funding to support grassroots sport within local communities across the UK.

Grants of up to £4,000 are available through their Proud To Pitch In Campaign, which raises funding through the sale of Greene King IPA for activities such as football, rugby, cricket, roller hockey or netball.

Every pint of Greene King IPA sold will add 10p to the fund, supporting local clubs from the ground up, providing them with the tools they need to continue to play the sport they love.

Applications can be made by grassroots and community sports clubs running activities for people aged 18 and over.

Examples of projects that have previously received funding include:

  • renovations of a club’s facilities, making them more inclusive and accessible
  • coaching qualifications and referee courses
  • new equipment.

The aim of this fund is to support sports focused projects that positively impact their club and/or the local community, and would tangibly benefit from funding. The fund is particularly focussed on sports projects that have a long term impact.

Application is made through Action Funder, where organisations sign up, register and post a project they are seeking funding for. The project will automatically match with any funds for which it meets the criteria for. For this fund, projects applicants should tick the ‘physical health and sport’ focus area and limit funding requests to £4,000.

Applications can be made at any time until the 1 November 2024. Grants will be distributed regularly.

For more details and to apply, visit the Greene King Proud to Pitch In webpage here.

FUNDING: Rowing Foundation – next deadline 4 Nov

The Rowing Foundation offers small grants for projects that support rowing, particularly for young people.

They are a registered charity with the purpose of promoting the participation in rowing of young people (those under 18 or still in full time education) and the disabled of all ages.

Grants are offered of up to £4,000, for up to 50% of overall project costs, to support rowing, where the requirement may be too small or otherwise ineligible for an approach to the National Lottery or other similar sources of funds.

Preference is given to encouraging participation by the young or disabled of all ages, by the provision of on the water equipment – such as boats, sculls, ergos, oars and essential safety equipment.

All equipment purchased under this scheme will be required to display a sticker indicating the contribution of the Rowing Foundation, which will be supplied by the Foundation.

Groups should be affiliated to British Rowing.

The Trustees meet three times per year to consider applications received for Equipment Grants. Their next meeting is in June and the deadline for this meeting is 12 Noon on Monday 20 May 2024.

The Foundation also runs a refurbishment rolling grant programme, specifically for boats used by juniors, for which applications can be made at any time..

Find out more at the Rowing Foundation website.

FUNDING: Bernard Sunley Foundation Small Grants – no deadlines

Organisations can apply at any time for small grants that raise the quality of life for people in England and Wales.

Charities, specialist schools, CIOs, and other not-for-profit organisations including scout and guide groups, and housing associations can apply for up to £5,000. The grants are considered on a monthly basis and normally awarded to projects costing up to £100,000.

Medium grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 and large grants of £20,000 and above are also available.

The Foundation aims to provide greater opportunities for the young, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged by supporting capital projects in the areas of community, education, health and social welfare.

The types of projects that could be supported include improvements to village halls, supporting children and adults with special educational and learning needs, improvements to hospices and treatment clinics, and supporting day centres for the elderly.

Applications can be made at any time.

Decisions are given within three months for small grants and within six months for others.

Find out more from at the Bernard Sunley Foundation website.

Funding with Rolling Deadlines

UK Youth -  Cost of Living Fund The UK Youth Fund in partnership with Pears Foundation will provide targeted funding to youth organisations delivering high quality youth work to ensure doors stay open, bills get paid and youth workers receive the salaries they deserve. This will help to ensure young people aged 8 – 25 years old continue to be supported at this most difficult of times by the youth organisations and youth workers on whom they’ve come to depend. This new fund is a three-year unrestricted grant programme aimed at mitigating the devastating impact the cost of living crisis is having on the youth sector. Grants of approximately 10% of the current turnover of the applicant organisation per year are available (For example, an organisation with a turnover of £250,000 can apply for up to £25,000 a year). Applicants have to be a charitable or not-for-profit organisation in operation for at least two years and with a turnover of less than £500,000 in the last financial year. Rolling Deadline.   Aviva Community Fund Organisations can receive up to £50,000 in match funding from the Aviva Community Fund. Eligible organisations must have been operating for at least 12 months.  Funding areas:
  1. Financial Wellbeing: helping people take control of their wellbeing by giving them the tools to be more financially independent and ready for anything.
  2. Climate Action: Promoting healthy, thriving communities by preventing, preparing for and protecting against the impacts of climate change.
Henry Smith - Improving Lives The Improving Lives grant programme provides grants to charitable organisations that help people when other sources of support have failed, are inappropriate, or are simply not available. It supports established organisations delivering services directly to beneficiaries. They are looking for services which can demonstrate a track record of success, and evidence the effectiveness of the work. There are 6 funding priorities:
  • Help at a critical moment
  • Positive choices
  • Accommodation / housing support
  • Employment and training
  • Financial inclusion, rights and entitlements
  • Support networks and family
The amount requested must be between £20,000 and £60,000 per year. The maximum length of funding that can be requested is three years. The grants are for revenue costs and direct service delivery.    

City Bridge Foundation - Small Grants City Bridge Foundation, previously City Bridge Trust, has reopened the programme after a five-month hiatus and an extensive review, and is now taking applications from constituted voluntary organisations as well as registered charities. Grants are now on offer not just for environmental projects and those benefitting older people and disabled people, but also for projects aimed at LGBTQIA+ communities and refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. The foundation has raised the bar for small organisations to those with an income of up to £200,000 a year, rather than £100,000, while the maximum grant limit has doubled to £20,000, or up to 50% of an organisation’s income.   

Tesco Bags for Help Grants of up to £1,500 are available to support community projects involving Children and Young people or Food Insecurity in the broadest sense including equipment, activities, holiday/breakfast clubs, cookery classes, food growing courses, food packages etc. Shortlisted projects are displayed in their local Tesco stores for a 3 month voting period, and the top-placed project will receive up to £1500, the 2nd - £1000 and the 3rd - £500. Funding must be used within a year.   Organisations that have been nominated by a Tesco employee via this portal not only stand a very good chance of being selected at shortlisting, but because of this local endorsement would not necessarily need to fit the themes of children and young people or food insecurity.      

BBC Children in Need - Emergency Essentials Programme BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances, and is delivered by Family Fund Business Services. The programme provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal and other items or services critical to a child’s wellbeing. All applications must be made by a registered referrer. There is no deadline for applications, but each region or nation has a tier allocation, which may be subject to change, as the current funding year progresses.  

Paul Hamlyn Foundation - Migrant Fund Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Migration Fund has reopened after a pause and is now focused on supporting not-for-profit organisations in the UK who are working towards the Foundation’s vision of a world in which everyone is free to move and no one is forced to move. Grants of up to £60,000 per year for three to four years (a total of £240,000) or grants up to £50,0000 per year for five years (a total of £250,000) are available to support core costs and specific programme costs. Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations of any size working anywhere in the UK who are working towards:
  • Embedding anti-racist practice across their organisation and work.
  • Adopting an organisational culture that centres care and wellbeing.
  • Shifting power to migrants and diaspora communities so their interests, perspectives and contributions are centred across the organisation’s work.
  • Building solidarity and collaboration across communities, while working towards transformational change that benefits us all.
  • Unlearning and challenging the harm, inequity, and oppression within their organisational structures and work.
  • Learning, reflecting and being responsive to change
Priority will be given to applications from organisations:
  • Led by migrants and diaspora communities.
  • That work with historically underfunded groups and regions.
  • With an annual turnover under £500,000.
  • That have less access to funding from other sources.
Newly established and unincorporated groups who meet the Fund’s criteria are welcome to apply.   

The National Lottery Community Fund - Social Enterprise Support Fund The funding is for social enterprises that reach the most marginalised communities and promote inclusion and it can be used for helping you get your social enterprise back on track or helping you work with communities that are recovering from the impacts of Covid-19. You can apply for grants from £10,000 to £100,000 - most grants will be between £10,000 and £50,000. Your social enterprise must have been incorporated for at least a year and most of your beneficiaries should be in England. Your annual income was between £20,000 and £1.8 million pre-COVID-19 or in your last financial year. Your social enterprise should be substantially reliant upon income from trading (e.g. sales and contracts) to deliver social impact. If your trading has been affected by COVID-19, you should have a clear plan for growing or returning to substantial trading income. Your social enterprise must be incorporated. It may be a charitable company, a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), a Community Interest Company (CIC) or a Community Benefit Society (CBS/Registered Society). It may also be a company limited by guarantee (CLG), a company limited by shares (CLS), a co-operative society, or other registered society, if, within its governing document, it has:
  • a clear social purpose, such as an Objects or Social Purpose clause
  • a restriction on distribution of profits, to the extent that at least 51% of surpluses are reinvested for its social purpose
  • an ‘asset lock‘, which is a restriction on the distribution of assets
 
Trust for London Funding is available for organisations carrying out charitable work (whether registered as a charity or not) that strive for economic and social justice under the new Trust for London 2030 strategy. Under the economic justice aim, they want to fund work under four priority areas:
  • Decent work
  • Tackling the housing crisis
  • Improving social security
  • Ending the poverty premium
Under the social justice aim, they want to fund work under three priority areas:
  • Ending migrant destitution
  • Racial justice
  • Disability justice
The Trust provides two different types of funding:
  • Project funding: Funding for discrete and timebound pieces of work.
  • Unrestricted funding: If you’re a registered charity working solely to tackle poverty in London you can apply for unrestricted funding. By unrestricted, they mean funding that can be used flexibly for general operational costs in your organisation. 
 Grants usually range from £40,000 to £80,000 a year for up to five years. 

Google Ad Grants Google Ad Grants provide over £7,500 per month of free Google Ads advertising to eligible Not For Profit organisations. The adverts will appear on relevant Google search result pages and can boost organisations’ visibility to their key audiences. The programme is designed to help people connect with causes to make a greater impact on the world.     

Windrush Justice Programme Grants of £22,000 across two years are available to organisations already providing advocacy support to victims of the Windrush Scandal. For this fund, advocacy support is taken to mean:
  • Assisting people with applications to the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
  • Supporting applications to the Windrush Scheme (formally the Windrush Taskforce).
  • Signposting to other organisations offering support (for example, signposting more complicated cases to solicitors providing pro bono support).
UK based organisations may apply, including Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC), Company limited by guarantee, Constituted voluntary organisations and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO). To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Have at least 51% of their Trustees/Governing body who are Black, Asian or mixed heritage.
  • Be already providing advocacy support to those seeking to access the Windrush Compensation Scheme
The funding can be used to pay for case workers, cover administrative costs, venue costs, awareness-raising events, and staffing costs. Round 3 is currently open for applications. There is no deadline as this is a rolling round. 

National Lottery Community Fund - Bringing People Together Large grants of up to £300,000 for up to two years are available to voluntary and community organisations for projects that will build stronger connections across communities and improve the infrastructure and conditions that are needed to strengthen these connections. The programme seeks to fund ideas that enable communities to thrive by creating the conditions, infrastructure and social fabric that enable better and longer lasting ways of bringing people and communities together. This will be achieved by supporting:
  • Bold and experimental responses to bringing people together using new, or new combinations of approaches.
  • New projects or projects that build on existing work.
  • A range of projects reflecting a mix of communities and places from across the UK.


Community Knowledge Fund The Community Knowledge Fund is making grants worth between £10k and £100k available to community groups and organisations around the UK to support them to play a stronger role in research and innovation. Funds will help develop and test new ideas and approaches to creating, sharing and using the knowledge held within communities to make progress on local and national challenges.  Communities will be able to apply for grants of £10k to develop their initial ideas, create the right conditions for research and innovation, and begin early testing. They will then be able to apply for additional funding of up to £100k to further test and grow their ideas in Phase 2. The Community Knowledge Fund is an open fund, meaning they’re interested in hearing what matters to you and what ideas you have, but they are particularly interested in two areas - one is ‘environment and sustainability’ and the other is ‘community safety and resilience’.    
Sports England - Movement Fund The new fund replaces Sport England’s existing Small Grants Programme and Active Together fund. The Movement Fund aims to get more people active and increase sports participation across England, closing the ‘significant activity gap’ between people based on where they live, how affluent they are, their sex, ethnic background or whether they have a disability or long-term health condition. The launch coincides with the introduction of Sport England’s new Movement Hub pilot – which aims to make it easier to find existing tools and resources. Grants of between £300 and £15,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations working with people living in England. The funding is intended for local not-for-profit groups and organisations whose projects promote physical activity, including active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sporting activities. Priority will be given to projects in communities where there is a greater need. There is particular interest in projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity, such as:
  • People living on low incomes.
  • Disabled people or those with long-term health conditions.
  • Older people.
  • People from culturally diverse communities.
  • Pregnant women and parents with very young children.
  • Girls aged 5-16.
  • LGBTQ+ people.
  • People who are in foster care.
  • People who provide care without pay.
Projects and activities need to address Sport England’s four ambitions:
  • Encouraging positive experiences of sport and physical activity.
  • Involving the community in planning and delivery.
  • Prioritising environmental sustainability.
  • A good use of public money.
The money could be used for equipment, facilities, learning and development, delivery costs or emergency relief.   

Prince of Wales 's Charitable Fund The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund has opened its small grant programme to UK registered non-profit organisations supporting grassroots projects in diverse and deprived communities. The small grants programme awards single or multi-year grants to a maximum value of £5,000. The average award is £1,500. Applications will be considered from organisations with an income of up to £1 million that have completed at least two years of activity and are able to submit accounts or income and expenditure statements. This is a rolling programme - Please note that the Small Grant Committee considers applications in February, May, July and October.    

Cameron Grant Memorial Trust Applications for a grant of between £100 and £2,500 will be considered. The grant can be used to trial a new service, create an asset, a technology, a performance, fund research, or otherwise experiment in any way that supports the treatment mental health. The emphasis will be on innovation – using new methods, channels, technology, ideas or approaches to reach out and effect change. Ideas should typically fit into one of the following categories:
  • Destigmatising mental health
  • Reducing barriers to mental health care
  • Improving mental wellbeing

Note the grants are for project-based activities that demonstrate clear innovation. They will not be made to fund ongoing operational expenses or salaries. Rolling deadline   The Fat Beehive Foundation - Digital Fund The Fat Beehive Foundation is providing small grants of up to £2500 for websites and digital products for small UK registered charities to help these organisations carry out their work in a more efficient and effective way. Charities must have an average income of less than £1 million a year. 

The Hobson Charity   The Hobson Charity, established in 1985, focuses on supporting urgent Cost of Living and frontline services in the UK. Its objectives include relieving poverty, advancing education, and supporting other charitable purposes. The charity does not fund salaries, core running costs, or repeat/multi-year requests, except in exceptional circumstances. Project leaders must actively raise funds elsewhere and specify the amount requested. Trustees consider other project supporters, funds raised, and pending applications. There is no set grant limit & you can apply at any time
National Lottery Heritage Fund - Grants are available to support projects of up to five years that care for and sustain heritage in the UK. This could include nature and habitats, historic buildings and environments, or cultures, traditions and people’s memories. Applications for grants of between £10,000 and £250,000 are open all year round. Applications for more than £250,000 have quarterly application deadlines.
Community Ownership Fund - is accepting expressions of interest from community groups to buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community. Voluntary and community organisations from across the UK can apply as long as they are incorporated organisations set up to deliver charitable purpose, social purpose or public benefit and have a viable plan for taking ownership of a community asset at risk and running it sustainably for community benefit. this is the fourth and final round. Ongoing.