VCEL Monthly Funding Update | February 2024
FUNDING NEWS
Budget development update presented to Cabinet
An update on the funding settlement for local government and its implications for East Lothian Council’s 2025/26 budget was provided at a Cabinet meeting this week.
Most of the council’s revenue budget is made up by grant support from central government. Council tax only accounts for 25% of the income received.
Full details of the local government settlement are still to be confirmed. Based on provisional information, elected members heard that the council may see a funding uplift of £12.609 million, some of which is for meeting the cost of new policy commitments. Around £6.7 million is available to cover some of the increasing cost of council services.
Budget development update presented to Cabinet | East Lothian Council
ARTS & CULTURE
Idlewild Trust
The Trust offers grants to registered charities working in the following two areas:
Arts Grants: Nurturing Early Stage Professionals - grants support training opportunities for emerging professionals, working creatively and backstage, within the performing and visual arts, post-training, and at an early stage in their career.
Conservation Grants: Objects and Works of Art - grants support the conservation of cultural heritage of recognised national and international importance in museums, libraries, galleries, historic buildings, or landscapes accessible to the public.
The maximum grant available is £7,000.
Deadline: 14 February 2025 (midday)
https://www.idlewildtrust.org.uk/our-programmes
Gilchrist Educational Trust - Grants to Organisations
Grants are available to support organisations in the UK that are undertaking projects which fill up educational gaps or make a particular aspect of education or learning more widely available. Funding of £500 - 4,000 is available for projects that will:
Benefit a number of people.
Fill an academic educational gap or make a particular aspect of education or learning more widely available. The funds must be used for a particular academic educational project or for a specific purpose such as furniture or equipment.
Deadline: 28 February 2025
http://www.gilchristgrants.org.uk/
Hinrichsen Foundation
Funding is available to support organisations and individuals undertaking projects to promote music, particularly contemporary music, in the UK. There are two levels of funding available:
One-off small grants typically between £500 and £3,000.
Multi-year partnerships (only accepted in the May funding round).
Deadline: 14 March 2025
https://www.hinrichsenfoundation.org.uk/
Creative Scotland - Youth Music Initiative CPD and Training Fund
Funding is available for individuals and organisations who work with children and young people on out-of-school music projects in Scotland to undertake training and professional development opportunities. The funding is intended to support individuals, organisations and networks to undertake training and continuing professional development that will strengthen youth music in Scotland for the benefit of young people. Training and CPD should deliver the following outcomes:
People delivering youth music develop their skills and confidence.
The development, strengthening and increased sustainability of the youth music sector.
The provision of increasingly high quality, efficient, innovative youth music services.
Awards to individuals will typically range from £100 to £1,000, while awards for organisations will generally range from £500 to £5,000.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://www.scottishmusiccentre.com/ymi-cpd
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
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
BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE
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. To be eligible to apply, applicants can access the fund through the SCA’s member networks.
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/
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Kelly Family Charitable Trust
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for UK registered charities, working locally or regionally in the United Kingdom, whose activities nurture and support family life. Funding is for charities to support initiatives that encourage families to work together to overcome challenges.
Deadline: 1 March 2025
https://kfct.org.uk/
Henry Smith Charity - Holiday Grants for Children
Grants of up to £2,800 are available for schools, youth groups, not-for-profit organisations, and charities to provide access to one-off recreational trips or holidays for groups of children aged 13 years and younger who experience disadvantage or disability and live in an area of high deprivation.
Deadline: 19 March 2025
https://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/
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. Applications are accepted from individual families and on behalf of groups of children, registered charities and other organisations.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
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://buttleuk.org/apply-for-a-grant/
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 disadvantaged children. Applications can be made twice per year in September and March.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://childrensalliance.org.uk/our-work/community/
COMMUNITY FUNDING
Better Community Business Network Grant Initiative
A small number of grants are available each year to small not-for-profit groups with projects that address a community issue or support a local community initiative; and provide benefits to the local community. Funding is intended to improve the quality of life and expectations of people and their communities, especially those who come from disadvantaged or socially deprived backgrounds. Grants of up to £3,000 are available.
Deadline: 16 February 2025
https://bcbn.org.uk/grant-initiative/
Royal Countryside Fund – Supporting Rural Communities
This new differentiated funding will support transformative, community-led initiatives across the UK, unlocking the huge potential for positive change in rural communities. The aim is to support innovative solutions that will “power up, not prop up” communities, inspiring change and encouraging economic vibrancy.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £25,000 over a period of 24 months to deliver activities along the themes of:
Keeping young people in the countryside
Powering up rural communities
Increasing environmental sustainability
Building emergency resilience in rural areas.
Deadline: 21 February 2025
https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/supporting-rural-communities-uk/
Hedley Foundation
Grants up to £5,000 are available to smaller charities operating across the spectrum of social need in the UK. The Foundation supports the following:
Youth: to help disadvantaged young people, supporting youth projects through education, the arts, sport and adventurous activities.
Disabled: to improve the quality of life of those with a mental or physical disability.
The elderly and terminally ill: to improve the quality of life of the elderly and those receiving end of life care.
Miscellaneous support: other social welfare projects such as those for carers, the homeless and ex-offenders.
Deadline: 26 February 2025
https://www.hedleyfoundation.org.uk/
SUEZ Communities Fund Scotland
Grants are available to non-profit making organisations in Scotland for projects under the categories of Land Reclamation (Object A), Community Recycling (Object B), Public Amenities (Object C), Biodiversity (Object D) and Historic Buildings (Object E). Maximum value £25,000.
Deadline: 26 February 2025
https://grantscape.org.uk/fund/suez-communities-fund/suez-communities-fund-scotland-2/
Weir Charitable Trust
Grants are available to small charities or community groups in Scotland for work addressing sport, health, culture, animal welfare, or recreational facilities. Maximum value £25,000. Grants 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.
Animal welfare - The advancement of animal welfare.
Health - The advancement of health, including prevention or relief of sickness, disease or human suffering.
Culture - Supporting the heritage - tangible or otherwise - of Scotland, through projects that encourage participation in and preservation of Scotland's distinctive culture.
Deadline: 28 February 2025 (17:00)
http://www.weircharitabletrust.com/
Matrix Causes Fund
Grants are available to UK charitable organisations promoting access to justice, equality of opportunity or sustainability. Funding is intended to promote access to justice (particularly for people trying to get support for their basic needs), equality of opportunity or a sustainable environment. Two levels of funding are available:
One-off grants of up to £5,000.
Grants of up to £3,000 a year for three years.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://www.matrixlaw.co.uk/csr/matrix-causes-fund/
National Lottery Awards for All - Scotland
The National Lottery Awards for All programme is a partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, Sportscotland and Creative 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.
Groups can only hold one National Lottery Awards for All grant at a time.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland
UK Community Foundations
Grants for projects in all sectors of the local community. Each foundation has its own character appropriate to the location and grants may be made to a wide range of activities including: health; children and young people; arts and culture; the environment; services. Community foundations can meet all areas of community need, including but not limited to:
Arts and culture.
Education.
Environment.
Health.
Community development.
Children and young people.
Older people.
Employment and training.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/
Cruden Foundation
This fund aims to support charitable projects and activities in Scotland for the benefit of people living there. Funding is intended to support projects with a strong focus on community welfare, medical support and research, the arts, education, and conservation. Most grants are in the £2,500 to £5,000 range, although both smaller and larger grants can also be requested.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://crudenfoundation.org/
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
ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION
Naturewatch Foundation - Pet Rescue Grant
One or two grants are available each year for not-for-profit UK animal rescue charities working with dogs, cats and/or rabbits who have been affected by the illegal pet trade. The funding is intended to help frontline animal welfare services provide a second chance to pets who have been exploited for profit. A main grant of £10,000 is available annually to UK-registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs). Additionally, a mini-grant of £1,000 is available to unincorporated nonprofits, including unregistered charities and community groups.
Deadline: 21 February 2025
https://naturewatch.org/campaigns/companion-animals/what-were-doing/pet-rescue-
grant/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1MD3zJuMiwMVsKRQBh2QAjbSEAAYASAAEgL_f_D_BwE
Rewilding Britain - Rewilding Innovation Fund
This fund aims to foster new and ambitious community rewilding projects, and to remove barriers to rewilding projects within Britain, whether they’re at the early planning stages or want to move a project one step wilder. Funding will be awarded to projects with potential for the highest impact for people and nature. Grants of up to £15,000 are available.
Deadline: 28 February 2025
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/how-to-rewild/funding-for-rewilding/rewilding-innovation-fund
Sea-Changers Innovation Fund
Grants are available to UK-based charities and not-for-profit organisations to support new ideas and experimental solutions in the field of marine conservation. This includes any innovation that may:
Address the root causes of marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK.
Prevent or reduce negative impacts on UK coastal and marine environments and/or species.
Add to the body of knowledge about marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK and ways to overcome them.
Deadline: 28 February 2025
https://www.sea-changers.org.uk/
RS MacDonald Charitable Trust
Funding is available for registered charities in Scotland in animal welfare. Defined as:
The care and welfare of non human living creatures which are either in danger, facing danger, the victims of, or in danger of being the victims of, physical abuse.
The encouragement of welfare conditions for non human living creatures with a view to the reduction of the likelihood of physical abuse.
The funding is available as follows:
Small Grants: up to £15,000 is available.
Main Grants: grants more than £15,000, with an average award of around £37,000. These are awarded twice a year.
Deadline: 6 March 2025 (11am)
https://www.rsmacdonald.com/our-grants/
Inspiring Scotland - Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund
Grants are available for community groups in Scotland to develop local ecosystem restoration projects. Grants of up to £13,500 are available. The Fund aims to:
Inspire and allow communities to explore and develop ambitious ecosystem restoration projects locally.
Raise awareness about the importance of local ecosystem restoration and address barriers faced by community-led efforts.
Projects must focus on one or more of the following priorities for ecosystem restoration:
Connecting nature corridors: connecting areas of habitat or patches of greenspaces to support to nature revival and restoration.
Habitat and species restoration (eg, creating flower-rich grassland). This includes restoration of unused and derelict land, including farmland.
Freshwater and wetland restoration (eg, pond creation or river restoration).
Coastal and marine initiatives which promote restoration, recovery, enhancement or resilience in Scotland’s coasts and seas.
Control of invasive non-native species (INNS) impacting on nature (eg, early-stage community action to plan removal of isolated invasive plant species).
Urban nature: Enhancing and connecting nature within villages, towns, or cities (eg, creating pollinator friendly habitat spaces).
Deadline: 3 March 2025
https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/neighbourhood-ecosystem-fund/
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
The Mushroom Trust
This fund aims to support the creation, enhancement, and upkeep of green spaces throughout Scotland. This includes both the creation of urban spaces, such as public parks, community gardens and allotments, as well as other environmental and conservation projects, such as ancient woodland restoration projects.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://mushroomtrust.com/projects/
Pets Foundation - Rescue Centre Grants
Grants are available for charities and non-profit organisations in the UK whose main objective is the rescue and rehoming of domestic pets in the UK.
The Pets Foundation provides three grant programmes:
Rescue Centres – to support organisations whose main activities are the rescue and rehoming of UK pets.
Pets Assisting People – to support organisations whose main activities are one or more of the following:
The provision of temporary or ongoing assistance to ensure pets can remain with their owners, where rehoming takes place only when it is not possible to reunite the pet with their owner.
Changing the lives of adults and children through the provision of animal-based activities or practical assistance.
Preventing Pet Relinquishment – to support projects that aim to keep pets with their owners and out of rescue.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.petsfoundation.co.uk/grant-programme/
Exchange Market
A pilot funding scheme rewarding arable farmers in the UK for reducing emissions within their supply chains through tailored, verified plans. The Soil Association Exchange collaborates with farmers to create verified emissions reduction plans, with annual payments based on transparent and verified outcomes. Farmers can join Exchange Market by having a completed Exchange baseline and a recent Farm Carbon Toolkit assessment. The Soil Association Exchange will then work with applicants to create a verified emissions reduction plan. With annual payments based on verified results, the programme ensures transparency and accountability at every step. Farmers in the scheme can earn up to £60 per tonne of carbon reduced annually, with 50% of payments provided upfront to support their transition.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.soilassociationexchange.com/exchangemarket
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/funded-project-electricalrecycling-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
GENERAL FUNDING
Naturesave Trust
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to community groups, charities and social enterprises for environmental projects across the UK. The theme for the current round is sustainable and active travel. The latest round of funding is targeted towards projects and initiatives that actively promote sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to travel and transport. The funders are looking to support the following types of projects:
Vehicles – clean fuel, batteries or both. This can include electric vehicles, hybrid power systems and fuel cells.
Infrastructure – such as public transportation systems.
Energy source – using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels like coal.
Activity – walking, cycling or using a scooter instead of driving.
Deadline: 27 February 2025
https://naturesave.co.uk/naturesave-trust/
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/
Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust offers grants to registered charities active in Great Britain.
The funding is intended to support projects relating to young people, people with disabilities, the environment and the arts. Grants usually range from £500 to £2,500. However, larger grants may be awarded under exceptional circumstances.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.gfct.org.uk/
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
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
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/
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/
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
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/
HEALTH
Inman Charity
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for UK registered charities carrying out medical, social welfare or general welfare activities within the UK.
Deadline: 28 February 2025
https://www.inmancharity.org/
Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
Grants are available to voluntary organisations, charities and schools in the UK to assist with the care and relief of children, young people and adults with learning disabilities in the UK. The Charity operates the following grant schemes:
Small Grants: from £250 up to £9,000.
General Grants: over £9,000.
Deadline: 1 March 2025
https://www.bailythomas.org.uk/
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: 15 March 2025
https://www.ulverscroft-foundation.org.uk/
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 illness ( born with or acquired), severe personal injury, accident or medical negligence.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://fletchersfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-support/
LAND & PROPERTY
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: 28th/ 29th February 2025
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/our-grants/historic-environment-grants-programme/
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 March 2025 (5pm)
https://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/applying-for-funding/
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
POVERTY & COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
Grants up to £5,000 are available to registered UK charities that work with communities in the UK for projects that address specific categories set out by the Trust each year.
In 2025, the focus in rounds 1 & 2 is on The Arts: Improving Access.
Deadline: 28 February 2025
https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/
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 March 2025
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: 31 March 2025
https://www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
National Lottery Community Fund - Fairer Life Chances (Scotland)
Grants are available to voluntary and community and public sector organisations in Scotland for projects that support children, young people and families, or help people to be healthier and have better access to support, with a focus on those experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. Grants of between £20,001 and £500,000 are available. However, it is expected that most grants will be for £250,000 or less.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/fairer-life-chances#section-3
Cash for Kids - Cost of Living Grants
Grants are for £50 per child per household are available to charities, community groups and professionals to help disadvantaged children across the UK during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://cashforkids.org.uk/cost-of-living
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/
Kellogg's Breakfast Club Grants
Kellogg’s is awarding grants of £1,000 to school Breakfast Clubs, to help them provide breakfast to those children who need it most. Eligible breakfast clubs must be based in a school in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and aimed at pupils between reception class and year 13.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/our-story/feeding-people-in-need/support-for-school-breakfastclubs/grants-for-schools.html
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.
Deadline Ongoing
https://www.happydayscharity.org/applications
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: Ongoing
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/576960ce8419c2500dd8401b/t/66e4087691daf96bdf54fb99/1726220407 353/Trefoil%2BHoliday%2BHoliday.pdf
Junius S Morgan Benevolent Fund
One-off grants of £500 are available are available to current and retired nurses, midwives and nursing associates living the UK and who are experiencing financial hardship for a variety of reasons. There is also a Domestic Abuse Fund to support survivors of domestic abuse who are experiencing financial crisis or hardship as a result of their experience of domestic abuse. Individuals applying to the fund must have worked as a nurse, midwife, or nursing associate in the UK.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.juniusmorgan.org.uk/grants/
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/grant-giving/
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 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/
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/
Rowing Foundation
Grants of up to £4,000 are available for equipment that will support the participation of young people and disabled people in rowing in the UK. Applications will be considered from clubs, schools, or other organisations that are involved in the water elements of the sport of rowing. Most of the grants go to UK Rowing Clubs – but the funders may also support any club or organisation involved in 'on water rowing-type' activities.
Applications for boat refurbishment grants are for any boat belonging to a UK rowing club which is used exclusively for Juniors or those in full-time education.
Deadline: 10 March 2025 (noon)
https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/
Scottish Mountaineering Trust
Grants are available for organisations and individuals to promote public recreation, knowledge and safe enjoyment of the mountains of Scotland. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
Footpath repair and maintenance.
The promotion of mountaineering education and training particularly aimed at young people.
Building renovation or maintenance.
Expeditions where a scientific or otherwise charitable purpose can be demonstrated.
Deadline: 21 March 2025
https://thesmt.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant-new-form-and-guidance/
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
YOUNG PEOPLE
KFC Youth Foundation Community Grants Programme
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to support grassroots organisations providing safe social spaces, mentoring, work, or social skills for young people aged 11 to 25 years old in the UK. The funding is intended for projects and activities that:
Support those in a position of economic disadvantage
Empower all young people to fulfill their potential and build a positive future
Will demonstrate positive results within 12 months of the receipt of funding
Deadline: 14 February 2025 (23:49)
https://www.kfcyf.org.uk/grants
Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
Grants are available to voluntary organisations, charities and schools in the UK to assist with the care and relief of children, young people and adults with learning disabilities in the UK. The Charity operates the following grant schemes:
Small Grants: from £250 up to £9,000.
General Grants: over £9,000.
Deadline: 1 March 2025
https://www.bailythomas.org.uk/grants/general-programme/general-guidelines
Barcapel Foundation
The Foundation supports all areas of development for young people, with a particular emphasis on those from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The Foundation looks favourably upon any charity, organisation, individual or endeavour that seeks to:
Motivate young people to fulfil their potential.
Challenge them to be the best that they can.
Teach them that they are the architects of their own future.
Deadline: 21 March 2025
https://barcapelfoundation.org/
Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust - General Grants
A small number of grants are available to small UK registered charities working to support people with a learning disability to learn skills to help them live more independent lives after they leave formal education. Maximum value £5,000. Priority will be given to applications from projects which additionally meet at least two of the following criteria:
Designed for, and aimed, at people with learning disabilities aged 18 to 25 outside the school environment.
Those age 16+ who are not in formal education, training or work will also be considered.
Have been adversely affected by Covid-19 and its implications.
Offer the opportunity for people to gain transferable life skills, which may include how to access support.
Offer employment experience.
Build in accredited training.
Enable social interaction with other people and allow self-expression and confidence building.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://www.margaretdobsontrust.org/
National Lottery Community Fund - Fairer Life Chances (Scotland)
Grants are available to voluntary and community and public sector organisations in Scotland for projects that
support children, young people and families, or help people to be healthier and have better access to support, with a focus on those experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. The Fund is intended for projects working to achieve the following objectives:
Children, young people and families thrive.
People have better relationships, connections, and physical or mental health.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/fairer-life-chances#section-3
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. The Foundation aims to distribute a total of around £2 million in grants per year. There is no minimum or maximum grant size.
The following organisations can apply:
Registered Charities or Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
Schools and Further Education Colleges (usually exempt charities).
NHS Trusts.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.thehargreavesfoundation.org/
Trefoil – Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund
Trefoil offers holiday grants to children and families who meet the 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.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/576960ce8419c2500dd8401b/t/66e4087691daf96bdf54fb99/1726220407353/Tr efoil%2BHoliday%2BHoliday.pdf
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust
Grants for trips or projects associated with the Scouts or Guides movement within the UK. Please note the Trustees are unable to consider applications for trips or events submitted within four months of your proposed departure or event date due to processing times.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://lesliesellct.org.uk/
National Lottery Community Fund - Young Start Fund
Grants of between £20,001 and £100,000 for up to three years are available to voluntary and community organisations in Scotland for work that helps young people (aged 8 to 24) to become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start
Foux Foundation
Grants are available for registered charities across the United Kingdom and Ireland (and worldwide) 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/
