Welcome to August’s funding update.
This update is split into two parts. Section A features funders with a local or regional focus. Section B features funders who work across England. In both sections, funders are listed in order of deadline date, soonest first. Funders without a deadline date appear after this.
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. Funders with a local/regional interest
Bentley Advancing Life Chances Small Grants Programme
Deadline: 14th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit organisation within 20 miles of Bentley Birmingham (B24 9HF)
Priorities: Funding for organisations that work with vulnerable or disadvantaged communities
How to apply: Register an account on the funder’s website to access the online application form.
Baron Davenport’s Charity
Deadline: 15th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit
Priorities: The funder gives grants in the following categories:
-
Residential homes for older people
-
Organisations set up to support children and young people under 25
-
Organisations set up to support older people
How to apply: Register on the funder’s website to access the online application form.
Dudley Borough New Beginnings Fund
Deadline: 18th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit
Priorities: Grants for a range of activities and safe spaces in the community for newcomers to meet and make connections. The aim of the funding is to promote inclusion, community cohesion, education and health to newcomers to the UK who are often the most vulnerable members of society
How to apply: Download the guidance and application pack from the website and return the application by email.
Deadline: 25th September 2026
Who can apply: Applications are accepted from not-for-profit organisations that support or are led by young people
Who can apply: Applications are accepted from not-for-profit organisations that support or are led by young people
Priorities: The fund supports young people to develop and lead practical projects that contribute to a greener, healthier and more sustainable West Midlands. Projects must focus on at least one of four themes: air quality, circular economy, climate adaptation or nature, while strengthening youth leadership and participation in environmental action.
How to apply: Applicants must email the funder to receive an information pack and application form.
Clive Richards Foundation
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit within 50 miles of the Foundation’s office (the whole of Dudley borough is covered)
Priorities: Project funding only in the following categories:
-
Education
-
Medical including hospitals and hospices
-
Heritage
-
Arts
How to apply: Register on the funder’s website to access the application form.
Anthony and Gwendoline Wylde Memorial Charity
Who can apply: Registered charities only
Priorities: The funding supports local initiatives with general charitable purposes, particularly community or social projects
How to apply: Separate application packs for either small or large grants are available to download from the funder’s website. Completed applications can be submitted by email or post with the required supporting information.
B. Funders with a national interest:
Thomas Wall Trust – Grants for registered charities
Deadline: 11th September 2026
Who can apply: Registered charities only
Priorities: Funding for projects that improve communication skills for disadvantaged adults and support those not in employment, education, or training (NEET) into employment
How to apply: Full guidelines and online application form are on the funder’s website.
Riverhorse Trust
Deadline: 30th September 2026
Who can apply: Registered charities with annual income under £100,000
Priorities: Flexible grants to support charities that have an impact in their local communities, either by providing relief or working towards change
How to apply: Download the application form from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 30th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit
Priorities: The programme is designed to create a partnership of support to community groups, operating within two miles of a One Stop store, who are working to support the vulnerable, run youth sports teams and/or improve the environment.
How to apply: Register on the funder’s website to access the application form.
Groundwork – Grassroots Grants
Deadline: 30th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit with an annual income of less than £25,000 in the last financial year
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit with an annual income of less than £25,000 in the last financial year
Priorities: This fund aims to support flexible, unrestricted grants for small grassroots organisations that are working to make a positive difference in local communities, particularly those working to support marginalised or vulnerable groups.
How to apply: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 30th September 2026
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit
Priorities: This fund aims to support a variety of projects and activities that help wheelchair users and disabled people to enjoy greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity.
How to apply: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 1st October 2026
Who can apply: Registered charities or CICs only
Who can apply: Registered charities or CICs only
Priorities: This trust has a particular focus on areas of disadvantage and those who are at risk of non-inclusion in society and the world of work. The funding is for projects that support children with specific needs or learning difficulties. Projects must have a clear emphasis on foundational literacy and support at least 50% children with learning difficulties or who are disengaged from learning
How to apply: An online application form is available from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 2nd October 2026
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit
Priorities: Funding is intended to build happy, strong, resilient communities by supporting grassroots, not-for-profit projects that enable sustainable outcomes in Mental health, Wellbeing, Inclusion and/or Skills development
How to apply: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 7th October 2026
Who can apply: Registered charities and not-for-profits with an annual income of £1million or more
Who can apply: Registered charities and not-for-profits with an annual income of £1million or more
Priorities: Funding supports initiatives that strengthen financial resilience through improved money management, access to financial services, support during hardship and also addressing barriers such as debt, housing insecurity and digital exclusion
How to apply: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the funder’s website.
Deadline: 31st October 2026
Who can apply: Registered charities and CICs limited by guarantee only
Who can apply: Registered charities and CICs limited by guarantee only
Priorities: This fund aims to support suicide awareness and prevention programmes run for charitable purposes
How to apply: Full guidelines and online application form are on the funder’s website.
BlueSpark Foundation
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit
Priorities: Grants for projects that support children and young, with the following objectives:
-
Encouraging independence
-
Developing team-working skills
-
Developing self-confidence
-
Promoting creativity and individuality
-
Encouraging aspiration
-
Enhancing educational achievement
-
Widening educational horizons
How to apply: Read and confirm that you have read the grant policy in order to access the online application.
Pets Foundation – Preventing pet relinquishment grants
Who can apply: Registered charities only
Priorities: Grants for projects that provide:
-
Temporary (‘foster’) care to pets for reasons that may include: their owner entering sheltered accommodation, hospitalisation or escaping domestic abuse
-
Practical help to pet owners struggling to care for their pet due to their own ill-health, disability, financial circumstances or because they are homeless or vulnerably housed
How to apply: Request an application form from the funder’s website once you have read the eligibility criteria and guidance.
Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund
Who can apply: Applications are accepted from local community groups and sports clubs (with priority given to sports clubs) based in the West Midlands
Priorities: The funding is intended to improve the lives of children and young people (up to the age of 25 years), enabling them to access the transformative benefits of inclusive community sport.
How to apply: An online application form is available from the funder’s website.
Who can apply: Registered charities and not-for-profit
Priorities: Funding supports outdoor learning, biodiversity improvements, travel to outdoor activities, and essential outdoor clothing.
How to apply: An online application form is available from the funder’s website.
Lord Barnby’s Charitable Foundation
Who can apply: Registered charities only
Priorities: The foundation awards grants to a wide range of organisations throughout the UK
How to apply: The Foundation does not maintain a website. Applications can be made at any time, They need to be made in writing and include:
How to apply: The Foundation does not maintain a website. Applications can be made at any time, They need to be made in writing and include:
- A brief description of the organisation and project
- A copy of the organisation’s most recent accounts
Trust Secretary
The Lord Barnby’s Foundation
PO Box 442
Market Drayton
TF9 9EQ
@DudleyCVS
/CVSDudley
/CVSDudley
/CVSDudley
Sep. 09, 2026
From the ashes: An even better Fens Pool Community Centre emerges
Aug. 06, 2026
Coombeswood Canal Trust: The Hidden Gem at the End of the Canal
Jul. 17, 2026
From Feeling Overwhelmed to Looking Forward: Destiny’s Social Prescribing Journey
Jul. 13, 2026
Restoring wellbeing, building community, providing hope: The Afiyya Foundation’s journey
Jun. 26, 2026