Welcome to August’s funding update.
This update is split into two parts. Section A features funders with upcoming deadlines. You’ll find funders with a local or regional focus first, and national funders second. The funders are listed in order of deadline date, soonest first.
Section B features funders who welcome applications at any time. Again, you’ll find funders with a local or regional focus first, and national funders second.
Many grants to support groups and individuals with the cost-of-living crisis have now closed. You will find those that our still open in our April funding update.
This update can only provide a snapshot of these funders so we recommend visiting the funders’ websites for full details before you apply. Most funders in this list have a website, which you can access by clicking on the name of the funder. Full contact details have been provided for funders that do not have a website.
A. Get in quick – deadlines are coming up!
1. Funders with a local / regional interest
Postcode Local Trust – West of England
Deadline: 5th September 2023
Who can apply: Not-for-profit organisations including constituted voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: Non-charities and CICs with no asset lock can apply for between £500 and £2,000. Registered charities and CICs limited by guarantee with an asset lock can apply for between £500 and £25,000
Priorities: The funding aims to support smaller charities and good causes in the west of England to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.
The funding is for projects that have a clear alignment with one of the Trust’s themes:
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Enabling participation in physical activity
- Enabling community participation in the arts
- Preventing or reducing the impact of poverty
- Supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality
- Improving biodiversity and responding to the climate emergency
- Improving green spaces and increasing access to the outdoors
How to apply: The application window will open at 10am on 4 September for a minimum of 24 hours. Guidance notes are available from the Postcode Local Trust website
West Midlands Railway – Your Community, Your Fund
Deadline: 14th September 2023
Who can apply: Not-for-profit organisations including constituted community and voluntary organisations working in and around West Midlands Railway line and stations
Size of grant available: Up to £10,000
Priorities: To be eligible, projects for the current funding round must:
- Serve the local community in and around the West Midlands Railway line and stations
- Be ready to launch in Autumn 2023 and be completed by 28 February 2024
- Be aligned to at least one theme featured in the Community Rail Strategy which includes
- Youth engagement
- Health and wellbeing
- Passenger safety and tackling anti-social behaviour
- Rail recovery
- Address areas of social need, creating economic and social regeneration
- Benefit both rail passengers and local communities, demonstrating diversity and inclusivity and not be for commercial gain
- Have project costs that are in proportion with the social and regeneration outcomes it will provide
- Demonstrate outputs that will create safe, uplifting, and welcoming environments for rail passengers
How to apply: The criteria and online application form can be found on the West Midlands Railway website
Bentley Advancing Life Chances Small Grants Programme
Deadline: 22nd September 2023
Who can apply: Applications are accepted from all types of not-for-profit organisations with income less than £1 million, including constituted community groups, charities and CICs (with a minimum of 3 unrelated directors). Organisations must be based within a 20-mile radius of the nineteen specified Bentley locations across the UK. Dudley is within the footprint of Bentley’s Birmingham location
Size of grant available: Grants of between £100 and £500 are available
Priorities: In working to advance life chances, the fund’s priority is to support organisations working with vulnerable people, disadvantaged and under-represented communities. The programme’s areas of focus are:
- Access – Remove the barriers and improve access to services, education and employability
- Empowerment – Development of the life skills that enable people to be more self-confident, successful and thrive in life
- Quality of Life – Provide support to live a healthier life both physically and mentally
- Better Future – Safeguarding the environment, improving nature-deprived areas, drive improvement to ‘place’ and boosting community spirit
How to apply: An online application form is available to complete on the Charities Aid Foundation website
Further deadlines: 22nd December 2023
Saintbury Trust
Deadline: 30th September 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities that are both based and operate (wholly or mainly) within the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and North Gloucestershire are eligible to apply. Dudley groups must be based within the DY1, DY2 or DY4 postcode areas
Size of grant available: Discretionary
Priorities: The trustees have a particular interest in the following:
- The arts
- Heritage
- The environment
- Helping those with disabilities
How to apply: The trustees meet twice a year to consider applications; the usual closing dates for applications for the spring and autumn meetings are 28 February and 30 September respectively. Application forms are available to download from the Trust’s website. Applications should be submitted by email; the Trust does not accept postal applications. Email: admin@thesaintburytrust.co.uk
2. National funders
Grocers’ Charity – Memorial Grants
Deadline: 8th September 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities in the UK with a turnover of under £500,000 are eligible to apply
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The Charity supports the following areas:
- Relief of poverty
- Children and young people
- The elderly
- Disability
- Health
- Military
- Heritage and the arts
- Environment
How to apply: The closing date for Initial Enquiry forms is 8th September 2023. Successful applicants will then receive the relevant deadline for their application. Applicants should complete the online eligibility checklist for the relevant area to access the online enquiry form. Contact the Grocers’ Charity’s for further information
Cash for Kids – Sports Challenge
NB. This is a fundraising challenge. Successful applications will receive support with their fundraising between 16th September and with extra funding awarded to groups that are top fundraisers during the period
Deadline: 11th September 2023
Who can apply: Charities and constituted community groups that deliver sport in their communities, including community sports clubs
Priorities: The Cash for Kids Sports Challenge is a fundraising competition for grassroots sports groups. If selected, groups will be encouraged to raise as much money as possible to benefit disadvantaged and disabled children and young people in their area. The aim of the Cash for Kids Sports Challenge is to encourage participation of disabled or disadvantaged children and young people to engage in sport. Applicants must compete in a fundraising challenge to potentially receive more funding for their project. The selected applicant organisations will retain the total money raised during the fundraising period. The top three fundraising groups will receive an additional £5,000, £2,500 and £1,500
How to apply: Applications must be submitted online at the Cash for Kids Sports Challenge website
Peter Sell Annual Award
Deadline: 14th September 2023
Who can apply: Eligible organisations must be part of the Scouts or Guides associations. Proposals that encourage people who have no previous engagement with scouting or guiding are encouraged
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The aim of the Peter Sell Annual Award is to engage and involve young people in the Scout and Guide associations
How to apply: Applications should be no more than two sides of A4 in 12 point (or larger font) and be submitted by email, and include the the information required on the Peter Sell Annual Award website
Community Justice Fund – Improving Lives Through Advice Grants Programme
Deadline: 15th September 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities which have a proven track record of providing legal advice in the areas listed in the priorities section
Size of grant available: There are 3 grant levels depending on the size of the applicant organisation:
- Annual income above £250,000 – grants of up to £100,000 per annum – maximum grant of £500,000 over five years
- Annual income between £150,000 – £250,000 – grants of up to £75,000 per annum – maximum grant of £375,000 over five years
- Annual income below £150,000 – grants of up to £50,000 per annum – maximum grant of £250,000 over five years
Priorities: Grants to ensure continued access to specialist social welfare legal advice to some of the most marginalised communities in England, aiming to transform lives, address systemic issues, and empower individuals, families, and communities in need by funding organisations working at the frontline. Grants will be awarded to organisations with a proven track record of giving legal advice in one or more of the following areas of law:
- Asylum
- Community care
- Debt
- Disability
- Discrimination
- Education
- Employment
- Housing
- Immigration
- Mental health
- Public and administrative law
- Welfare benefits
Multi-year core costs grants will be given to organisations who can help achieve the following outcomes:
- Advice to people from marginalised communities is sustained and improved: The focus is on organisations working to improve access to advice for people, places and communities who experience the greatest need dues to poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination
- More people from marginalised communities are empowered to identify, understand and resolve their legal problems: Funding so that specialist advice organisations can connect with communities through greater sharing and advice coordination, with the result that people are empowered in their legal matters and supported through the process
- Organisations have more capacity to engage in influencing, partnerships and fundraising work, which helps them meet the needs of their communities: Grants to enable specialist advice organisations to have the capacity and resource to engage with their communities and continue to offer vital advice and support where it is needed most. Longer term funding means that organisations can develop partnerships, work to leverage further funding and influence policy and/or practice (but will not use this funding for lobbying, or to influence Government or political parties)
- Organisations are better able to demonstrate the difference they make to people’s lives: Organisations that sit at the heart of their communities (and communities of interest) and which have been developed for and by those communities are often better placed to demonstrate their impact and the difference they make to people’s lives. Grants for organisations with a track record and commitment to learning, evaluation and using advice as a tool for community wide impact
How to apply: There is a two-stage application process:
- Deadline for expressions of interest – 15th September 2023. Notification of decisions expected at the beginning of October 2023
- Successful applicants will be invited to submit a second stage application which will open on 9 October 2023 and close on 17 November 2023. Notification of decisions is expected in December 2023
The guidelines, FAQs and online expression of interest form can be found on the Community Justice Fund’s website
Help the Homeless Grant Scheme
Deadline: 15th September 2023
Who can apply: UK registered charities only. This fund is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized registered charities with an annual turnover of under £500,000
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: Funding is targeted at projects to find practical ways to help disadvantaged individuals return to the community through training or residential facility provision, rather than merely providing short term shelter. The reasons for being homeless vary enormously, but may include ill-health, those who are discharged offenders, addictions, family breakdown or other adverse circumstances. Homelessness is not just about the people that the public sees and thinks about – principally “rough sleepers” living on the streets – but a whole range of people who lack a stable home
How to apply: Application forms are available to download from the Help the Homeless website and should be submitted by email with a copy of the organisation’s most recent audited annual accounts. There should be a minimum period of two years between the receipt of a grant and a further application.
Further deadlines this year: 15th December
Thomas Wall Trust – Grants for Registered Charities
Deadline: 18th September 2023
Who can apply: UK charities registered with the Charity Commission for at least three years and with an annual turnover between £10,000 and £500,000
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The Trust views communication skills as critical capabilities for people who want to improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances. The funding is for registered charities that are working to develop communication skills for people from disadvantaged groups who want to improve their employment prospects. As an inclusive charity, the Trust welcomes proposals which target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups demonstrably facing major hurdles to employment, such as women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers
How to apply: The deadline to apply is 18th September 2023, for assessment at the November 2023 meeting. There is a two-stage application process:
- Stage one: complete an online expression of interest form (available on the Trust’s website) which requires some basic contact details and a description of what the funding is required for
- Stage two is by invitation only and involves completing a more in-depth application form and to submit a project plan, budget, latest set of financial accounts and any relevant policies
Successful applicants will be notified in writing along with the terms and conditions of the grant and asked for their payment details. Groups that would like to contact the Trust will need to use the Trust’s online message form which is on Trust’s website contact page
Deadline: 22nd September 2023
Who can apply: Collaborations of at least three organisations, started and led by small and local registered charities
Size of grant available: Up to £100,000
Priorities: Grants are available to not-for-profit groups working in collaboration to influence change at the local or regional level around issues related to the social security system, accommodation for people with complex issues and improving support for asylum seekers in England and Wales. Grants can support a range of influencing activities such as research, policy development, analysis and activity to engage decision-makers including local authorities, metro mayors, regional bodies, statutory agencies, housing associations, as well as the media and public. Within the three areas of work for this fund, there are several specific programme objectives:
Who can apply: Collaborations of at least three organisations, started and led by small and local registered charities
Size of grant available: Up to £100,000
Priorities: Grants are available to not-for-profit groups working in collaboration to influence change at the local or regional level around issues related to the social security system, accommodation for people with complex issues and improving support for asylum seekers in England and Wales. Grants can support a range of influencing activities such as research, policy development, analysis and activity to engage decision-makers including local authorities, metro mayors, regional bodies, statutory agencies, housing associations, as well as the media and public. Within the three areas of work for this fund, there are several specific programme objectives:
- Making the social security system work better for people facing the greatest challenges
- Ensure benefits are not taken away unfairly
- Increase the availability of support for people facing crisis/destitution
- Improve the quality and appropriateness of employment support to those facing complex issues
- Making sure people facing complex issues have access to suitable accommodation
- Improve the affordability of accommodation
- Improve the appropriateness of accommodation
- Increase the availability of accommodation
- Improving support and services for asylum seekers and refugees
- Increase the availability of support for asylum seekers and refugees
- Improve the appropriateness of support for asylum seekers and refugees
How to apply: Potential applicants are encouraged to arrange a phonecall with the funders to discuss their suitability before completing the expression of interest. The deadline to arrange this is 8 September 2023. The deadline for expressions of interest is 22 September 2023. Applicants should ensure they submit the following completed documents:
- Expression of Interest form
- Applicant Information form
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion form
For shortlisted groups, final applications will be required by 26 January 2024. Full guidance and an Expression of Interest form can be found on the Lloyd’s Bank Foundation website.
Deadline: 24th September 2023
Who can apply: All types of not-for-profit organisations including constituted community groups, registered charities and social enterprises. All organisations must have a turnover less than £300,000
Size of grant available: Up to £2,500
Priorities: Grants are available to support grassroots organisations providing safe social spaces, mentoring, work, or social skills for young people aged 11 to 25 years old. The funding is intended for projects and activities that:
Who can apply: All types of not-for-profit organisations including constituted community groups, registered charities and social enterprises. All organisations must have a turnover less than £300,000
Size of grant available: Up to £2,500
Priorities: Grants are available to support grassroots organisations providing safe social spaces, mentoring, work, or social skills for young people aged 11 to 25 years old. The funding is intended for projects and activities that:
- Benefit young people aged 11-25 years old
- Support those in a position of economic disadvantage (ie, care leavers, those experiencing homelessness, young carers, young parents, refugees, young people at risk of or with experience of the criminal justice system)
- Empower young people to fulfil their potential and build a positive future by providing spaces that allow young people to feel safe and secure, helping them to unlock talent, build life skills, provide mentoring and improve their chances to gain meaningful employment
- Empower all young people to fulfil their potential and build a positive future
- Are local to a KFC restaurant
- Will demonstrate positive results within 12 months of the receipt of funding
How to apply: There is a two-stage application process:
- Expression of Interest:
- Applicants should first submit a two minute video about their organisation.
- Applicants should then complete and submit an Expression of Interest form, via the link on the KFC Foundation’s website.
- Successful groups will be notified of their outcome and invited to complete a full application.
Guidance notes are available on the KFC Foundation’s website.
DHSC Suicide Prevention Grant Fund 2023-2025
Deadline: 1st October 2023
Who can apply: Any kind of not-for-profit organisation including community groups, registered charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: Up to £750,000
Priorities: Revenue grants are available for non-profit organisations to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England from 2023 to 2025. The funding is for organisations that provide suicide prevention services, activities or interventions that are free of charge to their communities. Applicants must meet the strategic objectives of the fund which are to support:
Who can apply: Any kind of not-for-profit organisation including community groups, registered charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: Up to £750,000
Priorities: Revenue grants are available for non-profit organisations to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England from 2023 to 2025. The funding is for organisations that provide suicide prevention services, activities or interventions that are free of charge to their communities. Applicants must meet the strategic objectives of the fund which are to support:
- Non-profit organisations to configure their suicide prevention services and activities to better meet the increased demand seen in recent years
- A range of diverse and innovative activity that can prevent suicides, both at a national and community level
There is particular interest in funding suicide prevention activity targeted at the following:
- Groups of concern
- Children and young people
- Middle-aged men
- People who have previously self-harmed
- People in contact with mental health services
- People in contact with the justice system
- Autistic people
- Pregnant women and new mothers
- Geographic areas where demand for services is greatest and where there are disparities in provision and access to services, compared to other regions in England
- Marginalised groups, such as ethnic minority groups including Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities, and LGBTQ+ communities
Organisations are encouraged to apply even if their proposed work does not meet some or any of the criteria above, provided their project meets the strategic objectives of the fund and they can make a convincing case of the need for funding
How to apply: The application guidance, online application form and grant funding agreement template can be found on GOV.UK website. Applicants will need to create an account to access the application form on the Find a Grant service
Steel Charitable Trust
Deadline: 11th October 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities and legally exempt charities with a turnover of more than £50,000
Size of grant available: £10,000-£25,000
Priorities: The Trust awards funding in the following five core categories:
- Arts and heritage
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Social or economic disadvantage
Applications made until October 2023, for the Health category, should have a focus on one of the following:
- Programmes and activities that aim to support, maintain and improve mental health in any demographic
- Health care for older people
Applications made until October 2023, for the Social or Economic Disadvantage category, should have a focus on one of the following:
- Disadvantaged children
- Housing and homeless people
How to apply: An eligibility checker, guidelines and application are on the Steel Charitable Trust website
Deadline: 16th October 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities, CICs, companies limited by guarantee with asset lock, co-operative societies with asset lock. Preference is given to organisations with annual income between £10,000 and £1million
Size of grant available: Up to £75,000
Priorities: The funding is intended for charities and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that are experiencing increased demand for critical services and increased costs in delivering them. The main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals. To be eligible, applicants must already run critical services around at least one of the following:
Who can apply: Registered charities, CICs, companies limited by guarantee with asset lock, co-operative societies with asset lock. Preference is given to organisations with annual income between £10,000 and £1million
Size of grant available: Up to £75,000
Priorities: The funding is intended for charities and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that are experiencing increased demand for critical services and increased costs in delivering them. The main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals. To be eligible, applicants must already run critical services around at least one of the following:
- Food and emergency supplies, eg, food and baby banks or the provision of hot meals, clothes or toiletries.
- Emergency shelter, eg, night shelters or other accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
- Safe spaces, eg, domestic abuse services and youth services.
- Warmth, eg, warm rooms and spaces.
- Financial and housing advice, eg, giving people advice because of the increased cost of living.
Organisations must also be facing both:
- Increased demand for these critical services, and
- Increased costs of delivering these critical services.
How to apply: Guidelines and the online application form can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Music for All – Community Project Funding
Deadline: 27th October 2023
Who can apply: Groups, schools and organisations that are bringing music to their communities
Size of grant available: Discretionary depending on the project area applicants apply under
Priorities: The grants programme aims to give a helping hand to projects and initiatives across the UK that are seeking to bring music to their communities. The funding is for groups that need assistance to fulfil their potential in developing truly sustainable music programmes. Support will be available in the following distinct areas:
Who can apply: Groups, schools and organisations that are bringing music to their communities
Size of grant available: Discretionary depending on the project area applicants apply under
Priorities: The grants programme aims to give a helping hand to projects and initiatives across the UK that are seeking to bring music to their communities. The funding is for groups that need assistance to fulfil their potential in developing truly sustainable music programmes. Support will be available in the following distinct areas:
- Projects based on electric guitars – this award is open to applications from groups requiring electric guitars, working to support communities in deprived or marginalised areas and developing music education for those living in the area. (Please note that these electric guitars are not supplied with amplifiers)
- Ukulele and keyboard bundle offer – this award is open to applications from community and educational groups working with deprived or marginalised communities and developing music education for those living in the area. Please note that a bundle offer of ukuleles will be awarded with one keyboard to each successful applicant. (NB no cases are provided)
- Harris Foundation Schools Progression Award – a grant of up to £5,000 is available for schools looking to deepen their music provision and support/or continue to support groups of music makers within their school. This funding proposal should add additional sophistication to existing music education provision and allow more pupils to appreciate the many benefits of music making. Funds can be used to support any type of ensemble including bands, orchestras or informal groups and should be put towards the purchase of instruments, studio equipment, specialised teaching support or other items specifically designed to support the establishment and/or continuation of music groups
- David Hughes Award – A grant of up to £2,000 is available to disadvantaged keyboard and piano players. Applicants must be able to evidence their financial limitations and ways in which the award will support and advance their progress
- Projects supporting young people aged 11-16 – grants of up to £2,150 are available for community-based groups providing music-making opportunities to make music to young people aged between 11-16. Applications from groups operating in caring as well as more formal educational settings are welcomed. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ways in which their project/group nurtures underprivileged young talent
- Working with groups with mental health challenges and/or affected by loneliness/isolation – grants of up to £1,500 are available for community group applicants providing music-making opportunities to those experiencing mental health challenges and/or affected by loneliness/isolation. Applicants for this award will need to demonstrate how music is used within their project work and, where possible, be able to illustrate previous successful examples of their work as well as demonstrate how funds will be used to provide meaningful and positive support for their group and enable active participation in music making
- Working with diverse communities from the Global Majority, in partnership with Black Lives in Music – grants of up to £1,500 are available to community-based groups providing music-making opportunities working with diverse communities from the global majority. Applicants should be able to demonstrate ways in which they nurture disadvantaged individuals in music-making opportunities
How to apply: An online application form is available to complete on the Music for All website. It is only available during the open application window
Deadline: 29th October 2023
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit including constituted community groups, registered charities and social enterprises with social objects and full details of asset lock in their governing documents
Size of grant available: Up to £80,000 over two years. Organisations cannot apply for more than £40,000 per year
Priorities: Grants are available for projects that support young people (11-25) at high risk of offending for the first time. Projects should use a Sport 4 Development approach. This means the intentional use of sport and physical activity to achieve specific social development objectives, in this case reducing reoffending rates. The funder is particularly interested in proposals that:
C. No deadlines
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit including constituted community groups, registered charities and social enterprises with social objects and full details of asset lock in their governing documents
Size of grant available: Up to £80,000 over two years. Organisations cannot apply for more than £40,000 per year
Priorities: Grants are available for projects that support young people (11-25) at high risk of offending for the first time. Projects should use a Sport 4 Development approach. This means the intentional use of sport and physical activity to achieve specific social development objectives, in this case reducing reoffending rates. The funder is particularly interested in proposals that:
- Have specific outcomes and targets related to individual development, health and well-being, employability, education, and social cohesion
- Demonstrate that they understand the wide range of challenges and issues that will need to be addressed to help a young person succeed after being released from a young offenders institution or prison
- Show existing work with young people who have been in the criminal justice system is already taking place and can evidence a track record of helping them to achieve positive outcomes
Proposals that demonstrate targeted support for the following groups will be given priority:
- Young people who are from Black or minoritised/racialised communities
- Young women and girls
- Young people who have experienced the care system
How to apply: The next application window will open on 18 September and close on 29 October 2023. There is a two-stage application process:
- Stage one: complete the online application form on the Triangle Trust website
- Stage two will involve a visit from the Trust’s Director to the shortlisted applicants (usually between six and eight organisations)
The Primary Club – James Fund
Deadline: 31st October 2023
Who can apply: Sports clubs and organisations that provide sports or recreational activities for the blind and visually impaired
Size of grant available: Up to £25,000
Priorities: The funding is to support grass roots and start up sporting and/or recreational projects for the blind and visually impaired. Funding can support a wide variety of projects relating to the sporting and/or recreational needs of the blind and partially sighted. The trustees are keen to support innovative and/or collaborative projects, ie enabling support to be provided in new ways, or to a wider community, or organisations working together to deliver support which they could not achieve alone
How to apply: An application form is available to download from The Primary Club website and should be returned to treasurer@primaryclub.org.
C. No deadlines
1. Funders with a local / regional interest
Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund
Who can apply: Community groups, sports clubs and charities in the West Midlands who are receiving support from Access Sport
Size of grant available: £2,500-£5,000
Priorities: To provide grants to support local community groups and sports clubs with projects that will increase opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas of the UK to play outdoor sport. Applications can be made for grants towards some or all the following types of projects with the intention of growing capacity to reach more young people:
- The development and improvement of playing fields and other facilities.
- The development and training of volunteers including the provision of qualifications.
- The purchase of specialist disability equipment.
- The development of long-term sustainability, for example marketing and finance expertise.
- The organising, coaching and other key operational costs of running sports activities.
Activities should focus on including young people (up to the age of 25) who otherwise be excluded from sport such as:
- Disadvantaged young people.
- Women and girls.
- Disabled children and young people.
- Young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
The funders will be looking for projects that provide a competitive cost per new participant from within the designated target groups and that have a commitment to long-term sustainability
How to apply: Interested applicants should contact Access Sport by email to find out more about applying. Email: aipff@accesssport.co.uk
Graham Griffiths Fund
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit organisation including community groups, registered charities and social enterprises with an income under £500,000
Size of grant available: Up to £3,000
Priorities: The fund aims to support people across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, with priority given to Coventry and Warwickshire organisations. Applications must meet one of the following aims:
Size of grant available: Up to £3,000
Priorities: The fund aims to support people across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, with priority given to Coventry and Warwickshire organisations. Applications must meet one of the following aims:
- Projects that improve the quality of life for communities
- Projects that support improvements through a range of environmental initiatives
- Projects that support general community activity that promotes good health and wellbeing
Grants can be used:
- For start-up costs for a new project or organisation
- To extend or develop an existing project
- For pilot project (to gather research or evidence)
- To purchase equipment or resources
How to apply: An online application form is available to complete on the Heart of England Community Foundation website
2. National funders
NB. This is likely to be highly competitive as the National Lottery Community Fund will aim to fund between 15 and 20 projects in the first year. This funding is for organisations that work across the UK or whose work can inform, influence and scale across the UK
Who can apply: All types of properly constituted not-for-profit organisations, including voluntary and community groups, charities and CICs
Size of grant available: £500,000-£5million
Priorities: Grants are available for projects which forge connections between communities to create a better-connected society across the UK. Funding is intended to develop and expand community links by:
Size of grant available: £500,000-£5million
Priorities: Grants are available for projects which forge connections between communities to create a better-connected society across the UK. Funding is intended to develop and expand community links by:
- Strengthening relationships between people whose experiences of life have not been the same. For example, relationships between people of different ethnic backgrounds, generations, occupations or geographies
- Creating connections between online and offline worlds
- Helping to make sure people from all backgrounds can shape the future of their communities
Eligible projects must demonstrate that they:
- Will benefit communities across the UK (or have the potential to) – this could be by sharing learning, influencing, collaborating, convening or delivering activity across and between UK countries
- Scale their impact – this might be by expanding into new locations, developing infrastructure, strengthening delivery or increasing reach
- Focus on equity – the funders are looking for projects that involve and benefit places, people and communities who experience poverty, disadvantage and discrimination
- Have a positive impact on the natural environment
- Share learning openly
There is also interest in projects that have:
- Potential for systems change
- An approach to learning
- A way to work with others
- A regenerative approach
How to apply: Twice-weekly information webinars are being offered. Applicants must register to attend one of these before they can apply. After the webinar, groups will then be able to email NLCF to book a one-to-one chat to discuss their proposals. If a proposal is deemed a good fit, the funders will then send an application form for the applicant to complete and submit. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 10 weeks, before a final decision is made by the panel. Full guidance and the links to register for a webinar can be found on the NLCF website
Who can apply: Churches of all denominations in the UK, but particularly those of the United Reformed and Congregational denominations and other churches of the Protestant tradition
Size of grant available: £1,000-£25,000 are available. The maximum percentage project cost is 25% to the nearest £100
Priorities: Grants to support capital works on church buildings or towards the capital costs of church community projects in the UK. Funding is normally for church capital projects involving building work: repairs, improvements or extensions. Applications will also be considered from church community projects for funding towards capital costs (but not for ongoing work). The trust encourages churches to take professional advice (eg from architects, quantity surveyors, site management) in preparing for and undertaking building projects. These costs can be included in the total project costs when applying for a grant
How to apply: The application form and full guidance are available on the Congregational and General Charitable Trust Website. Applications are considered every 3 months
Size of grant available: £1,000-£25,000 are available. The maximum percentage project cost is 25% to the nearest £100
Priorities: Grants to support capital works on church buildings or towards the capital costs of church community projects in the UK. Funding is normally for church capital projects involving building work: repairs, improvements or extensions. Applications will also be considered from church community projects for funding towards capital costs (but not for ongoing work). The trust encourages churches to take professional advice (eg from architects, quantity surveyors, site management) in preparing for and undertaking building projects. These costs can be included in the total project costs when applying for a grant
How to apply: The application form and full guidance are available on the Congregational and General Charitable Trust Website. Applications are considered every 3 months
Thrive Together Fund
NB. This is part loan (75%), part grant (25%) for social enterprises that want to grow or diversify their business models
Who can apply: Incorporated not-for-profit organisations including registered charities that are also companies limited by guarantee or CIOs, CICs and community benefit societies. Organisations must have operated for at least 2 years and have a minimum turnover of £100,000
Size of finance available: £25,000-£150,000 including the 25% grant
Priorities: The funding is intended to expand the reach of social investment to smaller organisations or those based in disadvantaged areas, targeting funding where it can be most effective at promoting equitable outcomes, and ensuring that any interventions enhance the social and economic capacity of a community. The funding can be used for most purposes including, but not limited to:
Size of finance available: £25,000-£150,000 including the 25% grant
Priorities: The funding is intended to expand the reach of social investment to smaller organisations or those based in disadvantaged areas, targeting funding where it can be most effective at promoting equitable outcomes, and ensuring that any interventions enhance the social and economic capacity of a community. The funding can be used for most purposes including, but not limited to:
- Purchasing an asset
- Redeveloping/ refurbishing/ improving an asset
- Continuing or growing a product or service
- Working capital for ongoing operating expenses, acquisition
The 75% loan element can be used to refinance existing debt over a more patient period. The 25% grant element cannot be used for refinancing
How to apply: The online application form can be found on the SIB website. As part of the application process, applicants will need to select a partner from the following list who will assess the application and present it to the funds investment committee for a decision.
| Partner | Sector/Specialism |
|---|---|
| Co-operative and Community Finance | Co-operatives and social enterprise |
| Fredericks Foundation | Smaller/earlier stage social enterprises |
| Groundwork | Community action on poverty and the environment |
| Homeless Link | Organisations tackling homelessness |
| Architectural Heritage Fund | Conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings |
| Social Investment Business | Charities and social enterprises |
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