VCEL Monthly Funding Update | April 2025
1 | FUNDING NEWS
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2 | ARTS & CULTURE
Help Musicians – Fast Track Awards
Grants are available to professional UK musicians to enable them to take advantage of opportunities that can have a lasting, positive impact on their careers, such as investing in training, equipment or recording. Maximum value: £500.
Deadline: 20 April 2025
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/get-support/develop-as-a-musician/fast-track-grants
Elephant Trust
Grants are available to artists, small organisations and galleries within the UK to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. The Trust aims to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. It is committed to helping artists and art institutions and galleries that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities.
Deadline: 20 April 2025 (midnight)
https://www.elephanttrust.org.uk/
Heritage Crafts Association - Endangered Crafts Fund
Grants are available for craft practitioners, community groups and voluntary organisations across the United Kingdom to deliver projects that protect endangered crafts and provide opportunities for makers and trainees to develop their skills.
Deadline: 25 April 2025 (17:00)
https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf/
Goldsmiths’ Foundation – Inaugural Grants Programme
Grants are available for charities and housing associations that focus on vocational skills and technical training in the creative industries in the UK. This round is focused on organisations working in the one or more of following areas:
Craft.
Design.
Art.
Architecture
The Foundation offers two different grants:
Regular Grants (inaugural grants) of between £30,000 and £50,000 available throughout the year.
Landmark grants of £100,000 per year are available once every three to four years.
Deadline: 1 May 2025
https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/inaugural-grants-programme
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
3 | BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE
Shackleton Foundation Grant
Seed funding grants and support are available to inspirational leaders and early stage social enterprises in the UK to establish their own non-profit ventures with the potential to provide solutions to intractable social problems faced by disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people.
Deadline: 28 April 2025
https://www.shackletonfoundation.org/
Startup Mull
Grants to support any early-stage business on Mull (and surrounding islands) to become established and successful. Any start-up business, working in any industry, established within 12 months and based on Mull (or nearby islands) can apply for support. Existing businesses may be considered for an award but applications must demonstrate how the grant will achieve major changes to the business. Grants between £5,000 and £10,000 are offered and paid directly to the business.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://startupmull.com/the-startupmull-grant/
Standard Innovation Voucher Scheme (Scotland)
A scheme that aims to build relationships between SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) and HEIs (Higher Education Institutes) in Scotland by supporting collaborative projects that will lead to new products and processes that will benefit the business, the institution and the Scottish economy. A wide range of collaborative projects are eligible for support, including:
Developing new products and processes.
New service development.
Improved production processes.
Experimental testing and measuring.
The award for an individual project is for between £1,000 and £7,500. This will be paid to the academic institution to offset the costs of the collaborative project.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://interface-online.org.uk/vouchers/standard-innovation-vouchers/
Pentech Ventures
Venture capital is available to UK businesses in the area of software development. Pentech invests in teams who believe they can build a category leading software company. Areas of interest include: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Big Data; Infrastructure such as Blockchain; and verticals that are enabled via the efficient use of AI and new infrastructure approaches, such as FinServ, Health, and Enterprise Transformation. Initial investment is likely to be £500,000 to £2 million, with up to £10 million invested over the lifetime of the investment.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://pentech.vc/about/
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 (link may be slow to load)
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
BBC Children in Need - Project Grants
Grants to cover project costs are available for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people aged up to 18 years and living in the UK. Project grants are awarded as restricted funding and will support the aims and delivery of a specific piece of work. This work will usually be time-limited, and based on a defined set of activities.
Deadline: 15 April 2025 (23:59)
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply/project-costs-funding-stream/
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: 15 April 2025
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply/
The Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund
Grants are available to constituted third sector organisations in Scotland that work with children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol for partnership projects with public sector organisations. Funding is intended to facilitate collaborative projects across Scotland between statutory and third sector organisations to support children, young people and families. Grants of up to £250,000 are available over three years.
Deadline: 8 May 2025 (link may be slow to load)
https://www.corra.scot/grants/the-way-forward-for-families-partnership/
True Colours Trust - UK Small Grants
Small grants are available to UK registered charities and community interest companies that are working to make a difference to the lives of disabled children (up to 25 yo) and their families in the UK. Grants of up to £10,000 are available.
Deadline: Ongoing (link may be slow to load)
https://www.truecolourstrust.org.uk/uk-small-grants
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
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/
5 | COMMUNITY FUNDING
Allen Lane Foundation
Grants are available to small registered charities, voluntary groups and charitable organisations in the UK for work that makes a difference to people's lives as opposed to simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems and should aim to reduce isolation, stigma and discrimination. The average grant is £5,000 to £6,000.
Deadline: 25 April 2025
https://allenlane.org.uk/applying-for-funding/
Armed Forces Day (28 June 2025) Events Grant
Grants are available to help organisations and individuals in the UK to host an Armed Forces Day event which can take place within two weeks of the Armed Forces Day event. The maximum grant available is £10,000. The amount of the grant will depend on the size and format of the event.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-own-event/apply-for-funding/
abrdn Financial Fairness Trust
Grants are available for strategic work, including policy work, campaigning and research, which has the potential to improve financial wellbeing at a national scale in the UK, especially for those on low-to-middle incomes. Eligible projects include:
Policy work.
Campaigning.
Research.
Public attitudinal work.
Improving practice and design.
Evaluations of existing initiatives that have not been evaluated. The grant can be used for project costs and for ongoing costs, including staff salaries and overheads.
Deadline: 3 June 2025 (1pm)
https://www.financialfairness.org.uk/en-gb/our-funding-process
Scottish Community Alliance - Community Learning Exchange Fund
The Fund aims to facilitate peer to peer learning exchanges for community groups in Scotland with the overall objective of improving the capacity and resilience of the community sector. Guidance notes, an online application form and a list of SCA member networks and their contact details are available from the Scottish Community Alliance website.
Contact the Scottish Community Alliance for further information,
Email: cle@scottishcommunityalliance.net
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.scottishcommunityalliance.org.uk/
Robertson Trust's Community Spaces Fund
Funding is intended to support the running costs of local community centres, hubs or anchor organisations that are delivering and/or hosting a range of services and activities in places with high levels of deprivation. Examples of eligible work include:
The running costs of an accessible community hub based in a town with high levels of deprivation. The hub hosts and delivers services for local people, including community meals, family activities, a youth group and drop-in sessions with partner organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and local employability service.
The running costs of a village hall in a rural community where there are no other community facilities. The hall hosts a range of groups and services, such as a parent and toddler group, a food pantry, and warm space, and provides access to IT facilities.
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 per year for up to three years are available to registered charities working in Scotland. Organisations should demonstrate the various services they deliver and/or host related to preventing or reducing poverty and trauma for local people.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/community-spaces-grants/
Royal Countryside Fund – Supporting Rural Communities
The UK-wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme launched on Friday 10th January 2025.
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.
Support will be focused on isolated rural areas where the activity is required due to a lack of alternative services. Projects must be community led and show that they actively listen to, understand and respond to the needs of their local community. The fund is also looking for community organisations that demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics:
Working towards a long-term vision
Facilitating collaboration/connectedness
Demonstrating innovation.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/supporting-rural-communities-uk/
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
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/
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/
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
Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund
Grants are available for community organisations to install a water bottle refill station in a busy or environmentally important coastal location. Maximum value £2,500.
Deadline: 25 April 2025
https://www.sea-changers.org.uk/coastal-fountain-fund
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: o 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/
Plug-in Vehicle Grant (PIVG) Scheme
As announced by the Chancellor at the Autumn Budget, £120 million will be provided in 2025-26 to support the purchase of new electric vans via the Plug-in Vehicle Grant and to support the manufacture of wheelchair accessible EVs. The amount of the grant depends on which category the vehicle is in.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/grants-for-plug-in-vehicles
Exchange Market
A pilot funding scheme rewarding arable farmers in the UK for reducing emissions within their supply chains through tailored, verified plans. 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 (website may be slow to load)
https://www.soilassociationexchange.com/exchangemarket
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. You’ll be able to apply until Spring 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
BridgeAI Innovation Exchange: Empowering AI Innovation
UK registered organisations can apply for grants to fund AI projects tackling industry challenges in agriculture, construction, creative sectors, and transport through collaboration between AI developers and industry leaders. The total project costs will be up to 100% funded, up to the maximum grant of £50,000. This competition is open to single applicants. To lead a project an organisation must be either a UK registered small or medium sized enterprise (SME), or research organisation. Subcontractors are allowed in this competition. They can be from anywhere in the UK and applicants must select them through their usual procurement process.
Deadline: 23 April 2025 (11:00)
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2141/overview/0b4e5073-a63c-44ff-b4a784db8a92ff9f
WCIT – IT4Good Grant Programme
Grants 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. The purpose of the Fund is to use the power of tech for impact through digital inclusion, education, charitable, and public engagement initiatives across the entire UK. Grants of up to £15,000 are available.
Deadline: 7 May 2025
https://wcitcharity.org.uk/
People's Postcode Trust – Scotland
The aim of People's Postcode Trust is to support smaller charities and good causes in the Scotland to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet. Grants range from £500 to £25,000. Local charities and other not-forprofit organisations based and working in Scotland can apply.
There will be three funding rounds in 2025:
Round 2: opens 24th June 9am and closes 1st July 12 noon Applications open at 9am and close at 12 noon.
The application form will be available on their webpage when the funding round is open. Deadline: 1 July 2025 (link may be slow to load)
https://www.postcodetrust.org.uk/
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/
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 (link be may slow to load)
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/
Clothworkers' Foundation
The Foundation aims to use its funding to improve the quality of life for people and communities that face disadvantage and marginalisation. Funding is available for capital costs, including: digital/audio visual equipment.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.clothworkersfoundation.org.uk/
Robertson Trust - Wee Grants
Grants are available for small charities and community groups in Scotland carrying out charitable work in local communities to address poverty and trauma – and support for digital access. Projects might include ESOL classes, digital skills, and support for people looking for work.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/wee-grants/
8 | HEALTH
Hedley Foundation
The scheme is intended to support smaller charitable organisations undertaking projects for young people, the disabled, terminally ill patients and others in need. The main objective of the Trustees' grant-making is to improve lives and to lift people's aspirations. Grants of up to £5,000 are regularly made and occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved. Smaller charities may receive smaller grants of £250 upwards.
Deadline: 4 June 2025
https://www.hedleyfoundation.org.uk/
Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme
Grants are available for activity providers, communities, networks and organisations across the UK to develop new opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to become and stay active or help increase their levels of physical activity. Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available. Applications will be accepted from activity providers, national governing bodies, Parkinson’s groups and branches, and sports and healthcare professionals.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/grants-physical-activity-providers
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/
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. 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
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. Window 1 is open from 25 March 2024 to 10 April 2024. Round 4 Window 2 will open in late May.
Deadline: 10 April 2024
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/community-ownership-fund-round-4-how-to-express-your-interest-in-applying
Lintel Trust - Small Grants Programme
Grants of either £500 or £1,000 are available for small, local not-for-profit groups and organisations in Scotland that have a have a close connection with a housing association, housing co-operative or other social housing provider for small grassroots community projects that reach out to people who are excluded from community activities. Projects must fall under one of the following themes:
Social isolation.
Support for older people.
Digital participation.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://www.linteltrust.org.uk/apply-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/
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 (link may be slow to load)
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/scottish-land-fund#section-2
10 | 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: 30 April 2025
https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/
NFU Mutual Charitable Trust
Grants up to £50,000 are available to large charitable groups and organisations in the UK for projects that further the objectives of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, particularly those that educate young people in rural areas and the relief of poverty in rural areas. The Trustees meet twice a year to consider applications received. These meetings are currently held in June and November. For the November meeting applications must be submitted by 4th October 2024.
Deadline: 23 May 2025
https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/applications-for-funding/
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: 30 June 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: 30 June 2025
https://www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
Foundation Scotland - Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations to support projects to address poverty and social deprivation during the current cost of living crisis, with emphasis on children, young people and women.
Deadline: Programme Opens 1 April 2025
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-smallgrants-programme
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 September 2025 (tbc)
Deadline: September 2025
https://www.mickelfund.org.uk/
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
General Grants, Holiday Hunger Grants and Children Mental Health Grants are available to charities, community groups and professionals to help disadvantaged children across the UK during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Mission Christmas for gift applications opens in August each year.
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 (link may be slow to load)
https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/our-story/feeding-people-in-need/support-for-school-breakfastclubs/grants-for-schools.html
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
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/
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/get-support/emergency-assistance-fund/
Family Action - Welfare Grants Programme
The Welfare Grants Programme is aimed at people who already receive means-tested benefits but still need a little helping hand to afford basics or replace essentials like a broken washing machine. Together with emotional support this can help individuals and families avoid a bigger crisis and get back on track. Grants Open UK wide: The fund is open for applications for people over the age of 60 who live anywhere in the UK including Greater London. On the 5th March 2025 there is the intention to reopen grant applications for people living anywhere in the UK who have a diagnosed mental health illness or who have recently experienced domestic abuse. Applications can only be made by a suitable referring organisation such as a statutory agency or charity that provides health or social care, housing associations, probation services and GP’s. Members of the public cannot apply themselves directly.
Deadline: Ongoing
https://family-action.org.uk/services/welfare-grants-programme/
11 | SPORT FUNDING
Scottish Football Association - Football Facilities Fund
Grants are available for the provision or upgrading of football facilities in local communities throughout Scotland. where there is an evidence-based need for investment under the following funding streams:
Community Football Spaces for grassroots and community football clubs who have facility aspirations.
Member Support to support clubs with Scottish FA Membership to either retain or improve their Club Licensing status.
Projects that can illustrate impact at both grassroots and member club level may attract investment from both streams. Funding is at the discretion of the SFA. The SFA starting principle for match funding is 50%. However, applications with less partner funding will still be considered.
Deadline: 21 April 2025
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football-development/scottish-football-facilities-fund/
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.
Deadline: 23 May 2025 (17:00)
https://weircharitabletrust.com/
Rowing Foundation Grants are available for equipment that will support the participation of young people and disabled people in rowing in the UK.
The funding is intended to help organisations and clubs involved in 'on water' elements of the sport of rowing who may be too small to apply for larger sources of funding, such as a National Lottery grant. The foundation also offers funding towards the costs of the refurbishment of boats used by juniors.
Deadline: 6 June 2025
https://therowingfoundation.org.uk/
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
BBC Children in Need - Project Grants
Grants to cover project costs are available for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people aged up to 18 years and living in the UK. The project grants stream can support organisations for up to three years. The maximum grant is £120,000.
Deadline: 15 April 2025 (23:59)
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply/project-costs-funding-stream/#
Impetus Skills Grant Round
Two unrestricted grants are available for non-profit organisations in England, Scotland or Wales to partner with Impetus to support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) into employment through skills.
Applications will be accepted from 12 March 2025 (noon) until 17 April 2025 (23:59).
Deadline: 17 April 2025 (11:59pm)
https://www.impetus.org.uk/skills-grant-2025
Foundation Scotland - Volant Charitable Trust Large Grants Programme
Grants are available for registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations in Scotland undertaking projects to help poverty and social deprivation, particularly supporting children, young people and women. Grants up to £15,000 per year for up to three years are available. The maximum grant, therefore, is £45,000. The funding can be used for one-off projects or multi-year applications.
Deadline: 18 April 2025 (midnight)
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-large-grantsprogramme
Shackleton Foundation Grant
Seed funding grants and support are available to inspirational leaders and early stage social enterprises in the UK to establish their own non-profit ventures with the potential to provide solutions to intractable social problems faced by disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people. Seed funding: a single grant of £15,000 to get the idea started.
Deadline: 28 April 2025 (5pm)
https://www.shackletonfoundation.org/who-we-fund/#how-to-apply
Kellogg’s School Breakfast Club Grants Programme
Kellogg’s, is accepting applications for the Breakfast Club Grants Programme. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to schools across the UK to help fund breakfast clubs aimed at pupils between reception class and year 13 to ensure that those who need it most receive a morning meal. Only one grant per school in each academic year is available.
Deadline: Ongoing (link may be slow to load)
https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/our-story/feeding-people-in-need/support-for-school-breakfast-clubs/grants-forschools.html
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/
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
