VCEL Monthly Funding Update | January 2025
Welcome to the latest funding update from Volunteer Centre East Lothian.
1 | FUNDING NEWS
Council facing continued financial pressures
An update on the financial position facing East Lothian Council was detailed at today’s (Tuesday 31 October) full Council meeting.
Elected Members heard that the Council is continuing to operate within the most extreme and challenging financial environment that it has ever faced with significant challenges in 2023/24 and an estimated recurring financial gap in excess of £70 million over the next five years which is equivalent to a quarter of the Council’s annual running costs.
Council facing continued financial pressures | East Lothian Council
Community groups urged to apply for grants from fund
East Lothian Council’s One Council Partnership Fund has opened for applications from groups which work in local communities helping address poverty and inequality, as well as those helping young people, the most vulnerable and combating climate change.
The annual grants will be awarded in the next financial year and councillors have still to agree the amount available as part of their budget; however, last year the fund handed out more than £1 million to community projects.
Community groups urged to apply for grants from fund | East Lothian Courier
2 | ARTS & CULTURE
Universal Music UK Sound Foundation School Fund
Funds of £1,000 are available. The scheme aims to support the access to music for schools, students and teachers by supporting the purchase of musical instruments and equipment.
Deadline: 22 January 2025 (13:00)
https://www.umuksoundfoundation.com/umuksf-school-awards/
Golsoncott Foundation
Funds of up to £3,000 are available from the Foundation whose declared objective is to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public in the arts generally and, in particular, the fine arts and music.
Deadline: 2 February 2025
https://www.golsoncott.org.uk/about-us.html
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
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
3 | 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/
4 | CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Challenger Children's Fund
Small grants are available to help meet the needs of physically disabled children (under the age of 18) in Scotland. Grants of up to £750 may be considered. More may be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Deadline: 31 January 2025
https://www.ccfscotland.org/
Trefoil – Organisational Grants
Grants are available for registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects and activities that support children with additional needs across Scotland. Trefoil is a large grant-making charity registered in Scotland. It is dedicated to supporting the development of children and young people with additional needs in Scotland to enable them to maximise their capabilities and achieve as much independence as possible.
Deadline: 3 February 2025
https://www.trefoil.org.uk/apply-here
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/
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 grass roots initiatives delivering water based projects for disadvantaged children.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://childrensalliance.org.uk/our-work/community/
5 | COMMUNITY FUNDING
Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd Fund
A challenge fund which aims to support innovative community projects which will increase the use of, and confidence in, Gaelic in communities across Scotland. Maximum value £10,000.
Deadline: 28 January 2025
https://www.gaidhlig.scot/en/funding/funding-schemes/taic-freumhan-coimhearsnachd/
National Centre for Resilience - Community Council Fund
This fund aims to support Scottish Community Councils by providing funding to develop local resilience plans that address natural hazards such as heavy snow, landslides, high winds, and other disruptive events, and subsequently enhance their local community’s preparedness and response to natural hazards. Grants of up to £500 are available.
Deadline: 31 January 2025
https://ncr.glasgow.ac.uk/?page_id=229
National Centre for Resilience - Third Sector Community and Practice Fund
Grants are available for community groups and third-sector organisations across Scotland to deliver projects and activities that enhance resilience to natural hazards in local communities. Grants of up to £15,000 are available.
Deadline: 31 January 2025
https://ncr.glasgow.ac.uk/?page_id=229
Money Saving Expert (MSE) Charity
A limited number of grants are available to small to medium-sized UK not-for-profit organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money. The maximum grant is £10,000. The MSE Charity will consider full project cost recovery, but costs must only relate to the project itself and not the organisation's core funding.
Deadline: 31 January 2025
https://www.msecharity.com/
Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
The next round of funding for the main grants for the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund opens again on 1st November. The main grants are for £751 to £10,000 (up to £20,000 for village halls) and are available to constituted groups that are within the five community council areas surrounding the wind farm: Avich & Kilchrenan, Taynuilt, Glenorchy & Innishail, Kilinver & Kilmelford and Kilmore. Decisions on the applications will be made by the Steering Group at the end of March.
Deadline: 31 January 2025
https://carraigghealwindfarm.co.uk//community-2.html
Bank of Scotland Foundation - Empower Programme
Unrestricted grants are available to registered charities in Scotland that support vulnerable groups. Maximum value £150,000. The funding can be used for core costs, delivery costs, project costs and/or general running costs.
Organisations should demonstrate:
The vulnerabilities of the people they support.
How their work makes or will make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.
The necessity for the funding and what unrestricted funding would allow the organisation to do. Examples of vulnerable groups include people:
With limited English language skills.
With poor mental health.
Experiencing homelessness.
Experiencing poverty.
Experiencing unemployment.
Deadline: 2 February 2025
https://bankofscotlandfoundation.org/funding-programmes/empower
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/
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
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/
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/
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
7 | GENERAL FUNDING
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/
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
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/
8 | HEALTH
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/
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/
9 | 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-grantsprogramme/#overview_tab
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
10 | POVERTY & COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Robertson Trust - Nurturing Relationships
Grants are available to registered charities working to support nurturing relationships within families and communities, to help break the cycle between persistent poverty and intergenerational trauma, and to support recovery.
Small Grants - £30,000 to £200,000.
Large Grants - £200,000 to £2 million.
Deadline: 24 January 2024
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/nurturing-relationships/
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/
Britford Bridge Trust
Grants are available to UK registered charities involved in the prevention or relief of poverty. Grants are typically between £10,000 and £50,000. In exceptional circumstances the trustees may award larger grants. The deadlines for the quarterly meetings are: 30 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year.
Deadline: 30 March 2025
https://thebritfordbridgetrust.org/about/
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
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/
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/
Family Action - Welfare Grants Programme
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. Groups in Scotland can apply for help with the higher costs of living. Fund is currently closed to applicants living in Wales and Northern Ireland. Applications are encouraged from Scotland. Welfare Grants Programme has now closed for new applications due to overwhelming demand.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://family-action.org.uk/services/welfare-grants-programme/
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/
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
12 | YOUNG PEOPLE
Trefoil – Organisational Grants
Trefoil organisational grants are for registered charities or nor-for-profit organisations that help young people with special needs in Scotland. Trefoil does not fund overhead costs e.g., salaries or capital projects.
Deadline: 3 February 2025
https://www.trefoil.org.uk/apply-here
7stars Foundation
Grants are available to support young people challenged by abuse and addiction, those who are young carers, and those who are homeless or without a safe place to call home.
Project grants of up to £2,500 are available.
Shine Bright grants of up to £1,500 are available.
Social Impact grants of up to £1,500 are available.
Deadline: 5 February 2025
https://the7starsfoundation.co.uk/apply-for-funding
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
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/
