VCEL Monthly Funding Update | December 2024

1 | FUNDING NEWS 

Cash for Kids - Mission Christmas 2024

Mission Christmas is BACK from Monday 18th November! We're now accepting gift applications from organisations supporting local children. Please click through and choose your area to apply, and be sure to read the Terms of Grant and Gift Application Criteria. Please note that individual families can't apply directly - a referral must come from a professional such as a teacher, social worker, GP etc.
https://cashforkids.org.uk/cost-of-living

2 | ARTS & CULTURE

Turtleton Charitable Trust
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to registered charities in Scotland for charitable projects in the fields of heritage, the arts and education, particularly focused on support for the disadvantaged and the advancement of education. 
Deadline: 31 December 2024 
https://www.turcanconnell.com/the-turtleton-charitable-trust
 
Awards for Young Musicians
Grants of £100 to £2,000 are available for the UK's most talented young instrumentalists in any genre, aged five to 17 years of age who, because of financial need, may be prevented from fulfilling their creative potential. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.youngsounds.org.uk/thrive/
 
BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund
Grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 are available to support various audience related activities in the UK, including film festivals, distribution releases, multiplatform distribution proposals, touring film programmes, large scale and ambitious film programmes.  Applications are accepted all year round but must be submitted 16 weeks before the start of any funded activity.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.bfi.org.uk/get-funding-support/bring-film-wider-audience/audience-fund
 
Creative Scotland – National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations
Grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 are available to projects lasting up to 18 months for constituted artistic, creative, or cultural organisations across Scotland to deliver a variety of creative projects and activities and enable business changes or development projects that make the organisation more financially sustainable. The fund is open all year round – with no deadlines. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-funding/national-lotteryopen-fund-for-organisations#support
 
Foundation Scotland - Cockaigne Fund Grants of up to £5,000 for charities, unincorporated organisations and individuals involved in classical and traditional music, with emphasis on community initiatives.
Deadline: Ongoing    
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/cockaigne-fund

3 | BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE

World of Opportunity Programme
Heathrow is calling for SMEs in every corner of the UK to come forward and pitch their products to the world. The UK’s hub airport is relaunching its World of Opportunity Programme which helps exporters to get their goods and services sold on international markets.  The programme is designed to support the UK’s SMEs in boosting their export potential, focusing on trade missions, research, and training. This programme will provide £2,000 grants to 12 SME businesses across the UK, with one grant awarded to a business from each region and nation. 
Deadline: 23 December 2024  
https://www.heathrow.com/company/doing-business-with-heathrow/world-of-opportunity
 
Oban Business Improvement District Frontage Grant Scheme
The Oban Business Improvement District Frontage Grant Scheme offers grant funding to any existing commercial business operating in the town that wishes to improve the appearance of its business frontage, signage or environment. The maximum grant will be £1,200 per business or 75% of the costs.  There is an expectation that businesses will use local contractors wherever possible.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.bid4oban.co.uk/business-improvement-scheme
 
Access to Work
Financial assistance is available to help organisations in Great Britain with any extra employment costs that result from employing a person with a disability.
Access to Work provides grants to employers towards extra employment costs which result from an employee having a disability. The programme aims to provide practical advice and support to disabled people and their employers, in order to overcome work related obstacles which result from disability.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
 
Kaleidoscope Investments (Ki)
Kaleidoscope is aimed at giving financial backing to help disabled entrepreneurs in the UK start their own business. The fund will assist in the development of the businesses it invests in and ensure they make a worthwhile return for investors.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.kaleidoscope.group/ourservices/kaleidoscope-investments/

Foundation Scotland - Social Investment Fund
Grant and loan investments are available to social enterprises, community organisations and charities across Scotland to benefit local communities.   Objectives supported: Prevent and/or relieve poverty, Advance community development, Advance education and urban and rural regeneration.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/social-investment-fund

Growth Impact Fund Funding is available to early stage growing social enterprises and charitable organisations in the UK to address the structural barriers that diverse organisations face.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.bigissue.com/invest/investments-funds-programmes/
 
Redundancy Payments - Financial Assistance
Assistance to help employers in the UK with severe cash flow problems to make necessary redundancy payments.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.gov.uk/staff-redundant/redundancy-pay

Scottish Community Alliance - Community Learning Exchange Fund
Grants up to £1,000 are available to local community groups in Scotland to facilitate learning exchanges with other community groups.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://scottishcommunityalliance.org.uk/community-learning-exchange/
 
LaunchMe
LaunchMe is an accelerator programme for ambitious, social enterprise start-ups in Scotland. It aims to develop a pool of strong, capable and ambitious social enterprises that can go on to secure investment, so they can achieve social impact at scale. LaunchMe is looking to support eight social enterprises with the commitment and ambition to grow and achieve greater social impact.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.firstport.org.uk/business-support/launchme/
 
The Prospectory - Idea Fund
The funding is intended to enable people to test out an innovative technical solution that can deliver a social or environmental benefit.  The fund offers grants ranging from £250 to £3,000.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://theprospectory.com/idea-fund/ 

4 | CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Foundation Scotland - Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations to support projects to address poverty and social deprivation during the current cost of living crisis, with emphasis on children, young people and women.
Deadline: 18 December 2024 (midnight)  
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-small-grantsprogramme
 
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust – Family Focus Programme
Grants are available for registered charities, Community Interest Companies, local authorities and statutory organisations for projects that explore and pilot solutions for family members-collectively and as individuals of wounded, injured and sick serving personnel or Veterans.
Deadline: 18 December 2024 (12 noon)
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/family-focus-programme-202425/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)
 
Adamson Trust
Grants for voluntary and community organisations and charities to help with the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children (aged 3 to 17 years) with physical, mental, or emotional impairments.  Individual families can apply and, in addition, applications on behalf of groups of children, organisations and other registered charities. 
Deadline: 31 December 2024  
https://www.theadamsontrust.co.uk/
 
Family Fund Trust
Grants are available to help families, or groups applying on their behalf, in the UK who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person up to the age of 18 years.
The Trust believes services to families with severely disabled children are most effective when they can be adapted to families' individual needs and personal ways of coping.  The Trust, therefore, encourages families to demonstrate the kind of support that would best meet their needs in easing the stress of caring for severely disabled children.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
 
Family Recovery Initiative Fund
The Family Recovery Initiative Fund (FRIF) offers one-off grants of up to £5000 to groups that support families affected by alcohol and drugs in Scotland.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.sfad.org.uk/communities/fund-for-families
 
BBC Children in Need - Core Grants
Grants up to £120,000 to cover core costs for up to three years are available for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people aged 18 years or under who are living in the UK.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply/
 
Buttle UK - Chances for Children
Grants of up to £2,400 are available for children and young people who have experienced a crisis that has recently had a significant and enduring impact on their wellbeing and educational engagement.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.buttleuk.org
 
Variety Club - Equipment Grants
Grants are available for specialist equipment for the direct use of children up to the age of 18 years who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged and are resident in the UK. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.variety.org.uk/what-we-do/equipment-grants
 
Percy Bilton Charity - Grants for Organisations
Grants up to £5,000 are available to UK registered charities with primary objectives to assist one or more of the following groups: disadvantaged/underprivileged young people (under 25 years old); people with disabilities (physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems); older people (aged over 60).
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.percy-bilton-charity.org/applyOrg
 
Tesco Stronger Starts Grants
Grants up to £1,500 are available to all schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with priority given to projects that provide food and support to young people.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/grant-funding
 
Happy Days Children's Charity
Funding for families with children aged 3-17 who are disabled, have a special needs or have been abused.    The aim is to help as many people as possible by funding trips, experiences, respite breaks and group activity holidays for those who need them most. Details of the different types of trips that we offer can be found on the website.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.happydayscharity.org/applications
 
Children’s Alliance
Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations across the UK to give children and young people under the age of 18 access to water for learning, developing and playing. The objective of the programme is to give essential life skills and build children’s confidence and resilience, both physically and emotionally through water-based activities.  Priority will be given to grass roots initiatives delivering water based projects for disadvantaged children.  
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://childrensalliance.org.uk/our-work/community/

5 | COMMUNITY FUNDING

 Woodward Charitable Trust - General Grants
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to fund core costs of smaller registered charities in the UK working in the following areas: isolated children and young people, disadvantaged families, and prisoners and ex-offenders.  
The funding is for charitable organisations in the UK, to support core costs in the following areas: 

  • Children and young people (up to 25 years) who are isolated, at risk of exclusion or involved in antisocial behaviour. This covers gang violence and knife crime, education and mentoring, as well as projects that work to raise self-esteem and employment opportunities and encourage an active involvement in and contribution towards the local community.

  • Disadvantaged families. This covers parenting support and guidance, mental health, food poverty, refuges and domestic violence projects.

  • Prisoners and ex-offenders and specifically projects that maintain and develop contact with prisoners' families and help with the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners and/or ex-offenders after their release.

The fund is expected to be open from 4 November 2024 to 13 December 2024 (noon).
Deadline: 13 December 2024 (noon) 
https://woodwardcharitabletrust.org.uk/general_applications/
 
Thomas Wall Trust - Grants for Registered Charities
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for UK registered charities for specific projects that improves communication skills for disadvantaged adults and supports NEET people into employment.
Deadline: 06 January 2025 
https://www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk/grants-for-registered-charities-2/
 
Thomas Wall Trust - Grants for Individuals
The individual grants programme aims to support motivated adults living in the UK to undertake education and training that will increase their chances of employment. 
Grants of up to £1,500 are available to undertake accredited vocational training up to level 3 (Qualification levels explained) and towards other costs associated with studying.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk/grants-for-individuals/
 
Robertson Trust – Wee Grants
Grants of up to £5,000 are available.  Revenue and capital funding for constituted community groups and small charities who support people who are experiencing (or are at high risk of experiencing) poverty and trauma, with an annual income of under £30,000.   
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/wee-grants/

National Lottery Community Fund - The UK Fund
Grants of £500,000 to £5 million are available to not-for-profit groups for projects which forge connections between communities to create a better-connected society across the UK.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/the-uk-fund

6 | ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION 

Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust
Grants are available to animal welfare charities for projects or activities in the UK that benefit and protect animals, relieve the suffering of animals, address the conservation of wildlife or encourage a greater understanding of animals.   Grants range from £1,000 to a normal maximum of £10,000.
Deadline:  10 January 2025 
https://www.jeansainsburyanimalwelfare.org.uk/
 
Workplace Charging Scheme for State-funded Education Institutions Grants for eligible state-funded UK education institutes to provide support towards the costs of the purchase, installation and infrastructure of electric vehicle chargepoints.
Deadline: 31 March 2025  
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/workplace-charging-scheme-for-state-funded-educationinstitutions-1
 
International Tree Foundation - UK Community Tree Planting Programme
The UK Community Tree Planting Programme supports projects run by community groups and voluntary organisations that engage communities in planting and caring for native species of trees.  Grant applications for the 24/25 season are now open
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.internationaltreefoundation.org/uk-grants
 
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation - Grants
The minimum grant size is £30,000 and available to organisations doing legally charitable work in the UK that focuses on the Foundation's funding priorities of improving the natural world, securing a fairer future, and strengthening the bonds in communities in the UK.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/applications/
 
Material Focus - Electricals Recycling Fund
Grants up to £100,000 and are available to support recycling, reuse or repair organisations that test creative and practical methods for collecting unwanted electricals within the UK.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.materialfocus.org.uk/partnerships-with-material-focus/funding-information/fundedproject-electrical-recycling-easier-across-uk/
 
National Lottery Community Fund - Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future
Grants of £500,000 to £1.5 million over three to five years are available to local not-for-profit groups and partnerships for community-driven projects. They want to reach people who are new to climate action by funding other types of organisations too. And by using people’s everyday activities as a starting point for climate action. You’ll be able to apply until at least the end of 2024. There is a plan to close to applications in early 2025. The final deadline will be announced nearer the time. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-our-shared-future
 
Swire Charitable Trust
Grants are available for UK registered charities working to deliver positive and lasting change to UK society under three programme areas: opportunity, environment and heritage.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.swirecharitabletrust.org.uk/our-funding/
 
Electric Vehicle Chargepoint and Infrastructure Grant for Landlords
Funding to install electric vehicle chargepoints as a landlord, social housing provider or property factor.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-landlords

7 | GENERAL FUNDING

Stafford Trust
The Stafford Trust supports general charitable projects.  Grants vary, but most are between £500 and £5,000.   Priority is given to charities in Scotland.   The Trustees usually meet twice per annum, in Spring and Autumn, to consider applications.
The window for new applications for the Spring 2025 meeting will close on 31st December 2024.
Deadline: 31 December 2024  
https://www.staffordtrust.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/

WCIT – IT4Good Grant Programme Grants are of up to £15,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver IT projects and activities that support the themes of education, inclusion, IT for charities, and understanding of IT. 
Deadline: 10 February 2025 (5pm) 
https://wcitcharity.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
 
SafeDeposits Scotland – Community Fund
Grants of up to £5,000 are available.  to support projects and activities that benefit local communities by addressing the following criteria:

  • Sustainability and the environment.

  • Employability and career skills.

  • Social inclusion.

  • Technology and digital inclusion.

  • Improving the local community.

Deadline: 28 February 2025 
https://communityfund.safedepositsscotland.com/
 
National Lottery Awards for All – Scotland
For arts and sports projects, applications can be made for up to £10,000 supporting projects for up to 12 months. For community-led projects (that are not primarily arts or sport focused), applications can be made for up to £20,000 per year supporting projects for up to two years.
Deadline: Ongoing    
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland

Wakeham Trust
Funding is available for projects that are small scale and would find it hard to get funding from big trusts, or are currently unfashionable or unpopular among mainstream funders, but are making a real contribution to the local community.   Normally, grants are in the region of £125 to £2,500 for projects where that amount can make a real difference.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://thewakehamtrust.org/
 
MacRobert Trust
Grants are available for UK registered charities with a preference for organisations based in Scotland which have projects that address the themes set out by The MacRobert Trust.   

  • Theme 1:   Armed Forces & Good Citizenship

  • Theme 2:   Education & Professional Excellence

  • Theme 3:   Local Community & Other MacRobert Interests

Deadline: Various  
https://www.themacroberttrust.org.uk/grants/
 
Matthew Good Foundation - Grants for Good Fund
A small number of grants are available for local community groups, charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises in the UK for projects that have a positive impact on communities, people, or the environment.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.matthewgoodfoundation.org/grantsforgood/
 
The Rozelle Trust
The Trust will generally support smaller charities, especially those working at grass roots and local community level where the funds will be able to make a significant difference.   Awards will be made to support a wide range of charitable activities to benefit young people and children, those experiencing poverty, and the disabled.
Deadline: Ongoing
http://www.rozelletrust.org/default.asp
 
Foundation Scotland
Some of the funds are available on a Scotland-wide basis, and others are aimed at specific geographical areas or themes. You’ll find grant size and criteria information on each fund’s page, together with any unique criteria. Also, every fund lists a deadline for applications, and there may be more than one round of funding each year. When searching, be sure to note all the key dates in the fund listing.
Deadline: Various 
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding

The Access Foundation
Grants are available to registered charities, CICs, educational establishments and CIOs for projects that mitigate the digital divide by making computing facilities, support and/or learning available to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://theaccessgroupfoundation.com/apply/

8 | HEALTH

Ulverscroft Foundation
The Foundation provides funding for projects in the UK that benefit visually impaired people. Grants range from around £100 to £500,000.
Deadline: 19 December 2024  
https://www.ulverscroft-foundation.org.uk/ 

Lionel Wigram Memorial Trust
Funding is available for charities that are providing services for blind, deaf and disabled people in the UK.  The trust examine all applications in December each year, and a cheque will be sent out at that time,  if successful. No other  communication will be received.
Deadline: Throughout December  
https://www.lionelwigrammemorialtrust.org/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust – Hidden Voices Programme
Grants of up to £20,000 are available for UK registered charities and CICs for collaborative projects which address the unique mental health and wellbeing needs of marginalised groups in Armed Forces communities focusing on prevention and early intervention.
Deadline: 08 January 2025 (noon) 
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/hidden-voices-programme-2024-25/
 
RNIB Technology Grants The funding is intended for UK residents who are registered blind or partially sighted people and who have been refused funding from their local authority for the items they need. The grant will support the cost of any item that is on the RNIB list of approved equipment.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/money-and-benefits/benefits-concessions-and-grants/grants-fromrnib/
 
Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust
Grants are available to UK based charities for projects that support people of all ages who are socially disadvantaged and/or have disabilities.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://ajct.org.uk/en
 
Vegetarian for Life Grants
Funding is available for charities and charitable organisations supporting older vegetarians and vegans.   
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://vegetarianforlife.org.uk/resources/grants
 
Hargreaves Foundation
Grants are available for charities and educational institutions that support those under the age of 18 years, and living with a mental health condition, disability or growing up in poverty through the mediums of sport and education.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.thehargreavesfoundation.org/
 
The Family Recovery Initiative Fund (FRIF)
One-off grants of up to £5,000 are available to organisations and groups working to support families affected by alcohol and drugs in Scotland. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.sfad.org.uk/communities/fund-for-families
 
The Pixel Fund
Grants up to £5,000 are available for registered UK-based charities and registered to support projects that promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and young adults.  
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://pixelfund.org.uk/

Barchester Healthcare Foundation
Grants are available for small local groups and small local charities to improve the quality of life and combat loneliness in older people as well as adults with a physical or mental disability in England, Scotland, and Wales.  Grants for individuals and groups available.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/apply
 
Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired
Grants to advance the education and welfare of children and young people (aged up to their mid-twenties) in the UK who have a hearing impairment.
Deadline: Ongoing  
http://www.grantsforthedeaf.co.uk/
 
Fletchers Foundation
Grants are available to charities and organisations in the UK working to support individuals or families who have suffered life changing circumstances as a result of severe personal injury, accident or medical negligence.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://fletchersfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-support/

9 | LAND & PROPERTY

Help the Homeless Grant Scheme
Grants for capital projects are available to small and medium-sized charities registered in the UK working to assist homeless people to rebuild their lives and return to the community.   The quarterly deadlines for applications for funding each year are: 5pm on 15th March/15th June/15th September/15th December.
Deadline: 15 December 2024 (5pm) 
 https://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/applying-for-funding/

Kristina Martin Charitable Trust
A total of £60,000 for the breaking the link between homelessness and poor mental health theme. The level of grant will be at the discretion of the trustees.  Priority will be given to those applications which break this link and provide meaningful differences to those affected. This theme is open to UK registered charities that provide support for housing accommodation for those that are presently homeless and ongoing support for improvement of mental health thereafter.
Deadline: 31 December 2024 
https://sites.google.com/kmct.org.uk/kmct/home
 
Veterans' Capital Housing Fund – Refurbishment Grants Programme
Grants for projects that assist in the refurbishment or extension of rental accommodation that will offer high quality support for veterans with a housing need.
Deadline: 3 January 2025 (noon) 
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/refurbishment-grants-programme/
 
Historic Environment Scotland - Historic Environment Grants Programme
Grants of up to £500,000 are available for formally constituted, not-for-profit organisations across Scotland to deliver projects and activities that support Scotland’s historic environment.
Deadline: 07 January 2025  
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/our-grants/historic-environment-grantsprogramme/#overview_tab
 
Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund – Major Capital Grants Programme
Grants for charities and registered social housing providers with at least five year’s housing experience to support new builds and significant refurbishments, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for veterans with a housing need.
Deadline: 8 January 2025 (noon)  
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/major-capital-grants-programme/
 
Scottish Government - Housing Infrastructure Fund
Grants available to registered social landlords and local authorities in Scotland for the unlocking of sites to provide new affordable housing which aligns with the 'Housing to 2040' strategy.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.gov.scot/policies/more-homes/housing-infrastructure-fund/
 
Community Ownership Fund
Round 4 grants are available to voluntary, community and charitable organisations in the UK to support them in taking ownership of local assets such as sporting and cultural venues, meeting spaces, community centres, pubs and shops that are at risk of closure. An updated prospectus and new Expression of Interest form for Round 4, the final round of the Fund, has been published. Round 4 Window 1 is open from 25 March 2024 to 10 April 2024. Round 4 Window 2 will open in late May. Specific timings for the final window will be published in due course.
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/community-ownership-fund-round-4-how-to-express-your-interest-in-applying   

National Heritage Memorial Fund
Funding for charities, not-for-profit organisations and public bodies to help with the cost of acquiring historic land, buildings, works of fine and decorative art and other objects of interest which are important to national heritage.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.nhmf.org.uk/funding
 
Scottish Land Fund
Grants between £5,000 and £1,000,000 are available to organisations in both urban and rural Scotland which are community-led, community-controlled and defined by a geographic area that can demonstrate significant positive impact for the community as a whole. Applicants will have the opportunity to test out and develop their ideas with support from a Scottish Land Fund Adviser.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/scottish-land-fund#section-2

10 | POVERTY & COST OF LIVING CRISIS 

Ironmongers' Company
Grants of up to £10,000 available for projects in the UK that provide opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 25 years to fulfil their potential.  The fund is designed for projects that deliver clearly defined educational benefits to a specific group of children or young people. Projects could, for example, support special educational needs, or foster social, emotional or life skills.
Deadline: 15 December 2024 
https://www.ironmongers.org/helping-charitable-organisations
 
Foundation Scotland - Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations to support projects to address poverty and social deprivation during the current cost of living crisis, with emphasis on children, young people and women.
Deadline: 18 December 2024  (midnight) 
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-smallgrants-programme

Adamson Trust

Grants for voluntary and community organisations and charities to help with the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children (aged 3 to 17 years) with physical, mental, or emotional impairments.  Individual families can apply and, in addition, applications on behalf of groups of children, organisations and other registered charities. 
Deadline: 31 December 2024  
https://www.theadamsontrust.co.uk/

Veterans' Foundation
Grants are available for small and medium-sized charities and not-for-profit organisations that provide support to those in need among serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and their immediate families across the UK.  Maximum value: £75,000.
Deadline: 20 January 2025   
https://www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
 
Grocers' Charity Grant
One-off grants are available to small UK registered charities for work in the specific areas of: relief of poverty, disability and inclusion, the elderly, health, military, environment and conservation, and the arts and heritage.
Deadline: Initial Enquiry Deadline Dates are generally in early January
https://grocershall.co.uk/the-charity/apply-for-a-grant/our-grant-process  

Mickel Fund
Grants are available for registered charities for projects in Scotland that address the charitable objectives of the, Fund. Any applications received will be considered at the meeting due to be held in March 2025
Deadline: 03 February 2025  
https://www.mickelfund.org.uk/
 
Trefoil – Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund
Trefoil offers holiday grants to children and families who meet our development needs criteria.
Applicants for holiday grants should be under eighteen years old and living in Scotland. Trefoil only funds holidays in the UK and does not support overseas trips.
Applications for holiday grants are open and considered all year. Please apply at least 12 weeks before your holiday.
Your applications should be supported by two references. Holiday grants are open and considered all year.
Deadline: 3 February 2025  
https://www.trefoil.org.uk/apply-here  
 
abrdn Financial Fairness Trust
Grants are available for strategic work, including policy work, campaigning and research, which has the potential to improve financial wellbeing at a national scale in the UK, especially for those on low-to-middle incomes.
Deadline: 05 February 2025 (13:00)    
https://www.financialfairness.org.uk/en-gb/our-funding-process

Thomas Wall Trust - Grants for Individuals
The individual grants programme aims to support motivated adults living in the UK to undertake education and training that will increase their chances of employment. 
Grants of up to £1,500 are available to undertake accredited vocational training up to level 3 (Qualification levels explained) and towards other costs associated with studying.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk/grants-for-individuals/
 
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme
Funding for the purchase of essential items to meet the most basic needs of children and young people in the UK who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances. Where possible, items will be provided directly rather than awarding a cash grant.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.familyfundservices.co.uk/
 
British Gas Energy Trust
Grants are available to individuals and families across Great Britain to be used to help write off their energy debts. , regardless of energy provider.
The Trust offers two funds: 

  • Individuals and Families Fund - Open to Credit and Pre-Payment Meter customers

  • British Gas Energy Support Fund – now closed

Both are intended to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households and respond to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.   You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for this fund - you can be a British Gas Customer, or a customer from another supplier with arrears of up to £1,700. 
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/

Robertson Trust - Wee Grants
Grants of £300 to £2,000 are available for up to one year for small charities and community groups in Scotland carrying out charitable work in local communities to address poverty and trauma
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/wee-grants/

COSARAF – Hardship Grants
Grants of up to £2,000 but only in exceptional circumstances will individuals receive a grant of more than £500 these are available for third party social organisations to support individuals and families across the UK who are in financial need and have exhausted all other sources of funding.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.cosaraf.org/what-we-do/hardship-grants/

Faith in Community Scotland - Greener Spaces, Fairer Places
Grants of up to £500 are available to local faith groups and other related organisations for projects that address poverty and climate change in communities across Scotland.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.faithincommunity.scot/gsfp

Family Fund Trust
Grants up to £300 are available to support families and individuals for essential personal and household needs to assist families and individuals with low incomes, particularly those living on benefits.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/

Foux Foundation
Grants are available for registered charities across the United Kingdom and Ireland to deliver a variety of projects
and activities that address health, education, youth opportunity, and the relief of poverty 
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.fouxfoundation.org.uk/

Hollyhock Charitable Foundation
Grants from £5,000 to £400,000 are available to local not-for-profit groups for projects which bring general benefit to residents and communities across Great Britain, with a focus on health, poverty, education and Christianity.   The trustees consider grants on a quarterly basis.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.hollyhockfoundation.co.uk/
 
Happy Days Children's Charity
Funding for families with children aged 3-17 who are disabled, have a special need or have been abused.  Family Day Trips
Family Holiday Breaks
Group Day Trips & Visiting Theatre
Group Activity Holidays
Deadline Ongoing 
https://www.happydayscharity.org/applications
 
Merchant Navy Welfare Board
Grants are available to support organisations serving and retired seafarers, fishers and their dependants.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.mnwb.org/Grants_to_Organisations

Randal Charitable Foundation
Both small scale-grants (under £3,000) and larger-scale grants are available for UK based charities, voluntary groups, and other not-for-profit organisations to support projects and activities that directly assist people in the most desperate need, with a particular focus on directly saving lives and improving quality of life. 
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://www.randalfoundation.org.uk/applications/

The Rozelle Trust
Financial assistance is available to smaller charities in Scotland that work to support the poor and disadvantaged in their local communities.
Deadline: Ongoing  
http://www.rozelletrust.org/default.asp
 
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
Grants of £2,000 to £10,000 are available for small and medium sized local charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK with a track record of success working to address local issues in communities of extreme urban deprivation or deprived rural areas.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk/our-grants
 
Victim Support Scotland – Emergency Assistance Fund
Grants are available to support people affected by crime across Scotland and provide a wide range of goods and services to people who would typically lack access to financial help.
Deadline: Ongoing  
https://victimsupport.scot/victims-fund/
 
Sheldon Trust
A small number of grants up to £10,000 are available for registered charities undertaking projects to relieve poverty and need in society.
Deadline: Currently open – for decision in January 2025  
https://pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charity-grants/sheldon-trust/

11 | SPORT FUNDING 

Weir Charitable Trust
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to support services/projects in the following categories:

  • Sport - Projects to encourage and increase public participation in sport (eligible activities should involve physical skill and exertion).

  • Recreational facilities - Providing or organising recreational facilities (buildings, pitches or similar) with the aim of improving the conditions of life for the people for whom the facilities are primarily intended. This is only in relation to facilities which are primarily intended for people who need them due to age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

Deadline: 28 February 2025 (5 pm) 
https://weircharitabletrust.com/
 
Sports Facilities Fund
The Sports Facilities Fund aims to support capital projects that provide opportunities for people to get involved in and participate in sport and physical activity in Scotland. Grants of to 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of £200,000 may be awarded.
Deadline: 01 April 2024 (5pm)  
https://sportscotland.org.uk/funding/sport-facilities-fund/
 
Boost Charitable Trust
Small grants are available to charities and not-for-profit organisations with a focus on helping disabled and disadvantaged individuals in the UK to participate in sport.   Boost has awarded grants across a wide spectrum of sports projects and focusing on five areas of disadvantage:

  • Financial hardship.

  • Physical and learning disabilities.

  • Mental health.

  • Medical research and relief.

  • Social exclusion.

Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.boostct.org/get-involved

SportsAid Award
Assistance for unfunded talented young sportsmen and women (12-18 years old or up to 35 for disability sports) who participate in specific sports and are preparing to compete in major international competition.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.sportsaid.org.uk/faqs

12 | YOUNG PEOPLE

Robertson Trust – Transport Grants
The new-look Transport Grants offer increased funding of between £5K-20K per year for 1-3 years. For registered charities working in Scotland.    Currently only accepting applications for Transport Grants for work which addresses our themes of Financial Security, Education Pathways or Work Pathways, or which are focused on removing transport barriers for people and places with higher rates or risks of experiencing poverty and trauma, to ensure they can participate in and connect with their communities. This is in recognition that a lack of access to affordable, reliable transport can impact the ability to participate in society and thrive.   
Deadline: Ongoing   
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/transport-grants/
 
Bus Operator Accessible Information Regulations Support Grant
Small operators of local bus services in Great Britain can apply for grant funding to increase the provision of onboard audible and visible information, in order to comply with the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://rtig.org.uk/aig/apply
 
Paths for All – Ian Findlay Path Fund
Grants are available for charities, community groups, other third-sector organisations and National Park Authorities for projects that improve path networks and promote walking, wheeling, and cycling across Scotland. Funding of between £10,000 - £100,000 is available, with 30% match funding required.   If you are at an early stage of your project, the funder can offer up to 100% of design costs.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/ian-findlay-path-fund
 
Energy Saving Trust – Plugged in Communities Grant Fund
Grants are available for community transport organisations across Scotland to cover the costs of purchasing or leasing a zero-emission vehicle.  The fund aims to support community transport organisations in Scotland to transition to zeroemissions vehicles.
Deadline: Ongoing 
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/plugged-communities-grant-fund/

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East Lothian Third Sector Update | 26/11/2024