January’s funding news

Welcome to January’s funding update.

This update is split into three parts. Section A features funders that can support organisations and individuals with the cost-of-living crisis.

Section B 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 C features funders who welcome applications at any time. Again, you’ll find funders with a local or regional focus first, and national funders second.

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. Grants to support groups and individuals with the cost-of-living crisis 

Cash for Kids – Cost of Living Grants 

Who can apply: Professionals within an organisation or service such as social services, GPs, teachers, charities and constituted community groups can apply on behalf of families in need
Size of grant available: £50 per child per household
Priorities: The aim of the new Cost of Living Grant is to provide emergency essentials to support the physical and mental wellbeing of disadvantaged children in the UK
Types of costs that can be covered: Costs such as food, clothing (including school uniform) and household energy are supported by the grant but any other item or cost is considered if children’s most basic needs are to be met. Items such as household fuel vouchers, food parcels, food vouchers, toiletries, clothing and wellbeing packs should be provided from the grant
How to apply: Applications should be made through the Cash for Kids website 

Co-Op Warm Spaces Funding Boost (with Crowdfunding) 

Please note this is a match-funding initiative delivered in partnership with Crowdfunder and thus not a traditional grant scheme (funds awarded are conditional upon applicants first securing crowdfunding via Crowdfunder’s platform)
Deadline: 28th February 2023
Who can apply: Any constituted not-for-profit groups that are supporting their communities through rising costs this winter, by bringing people together into warm spaces
Size of grant available: £3,000
Priorities: To be eligible, applicants must: 

• Run a crowdfunding campaign this winter, delivered by 31 March 2023 
• Be raising funds for revenue costs only (capital costs such as building refurbishment are not eligible)

The funding will support revenue costs for projects that welcome people into a local community space and are in need of urgent help this winter to:  

• Maintain vital existing services in the face of rising energy costs 
• Make the community space more welcoming 
• Increase opening times or extend services 

 Typical projects may include (but are not limited to):  

• A community cafe that needs funding to continue offering their building as a warm space 
• A local village support group wanting to extend existing activities to support more people in their community 
• A community fridge, wanting to promote their services more widely to meet increasing need 
• A youth group whose energy costs have increased 

How to apply: The first step is for applicants to set up a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder. Campaigns typically run for 28 days but take a few weeks to create so groups should allow about six weeks in total. Full details and the online application can be found on the Co-op Warm Spaces Funding Boost crowdfunding page. Applicants should read the full terms and conditions as well as the eligibility criteria before they start crowdfunding. 

COSARAF Hardship Grants (for individuals) 

Who can apply: Applications will only be accepted from recognised social organisations, such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services who are acting on behalf of a family or individual in need
Size of grant available: Up to £2,000 to cover a year’s worth of expenses but only in exceptional circumstances will a grant of over £500 be awarded
Priorities: Priority will be given to: 

• The most financially excluded people 
• Families over individuals 
• Those with caring responsibilities 
• Items that will make the most difference to the individual/family’s long-term future 

Organisations can only apply once in a single year. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are taking advantage of all support offered by local services, including the referring social organisation 

Types of costs supported:  

• Household items (white goods and occasionally other items such as sofas or wardrobes) 
• Basic living expenses (utilities or food) 
• Work or education-related expenses (such as interview clothes, school uniforms, or laptops) 
• Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord applicants should outline what support has already been offered to the tenant) 
• Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant. 

How to apply: Guidance notes and the application form is available from the COSARAF website 

Aviva Community Fund – Cost of Living Boost (with Crowdfunding) 

Please note this is a match-funding initiative delivered in partnership with Crowdfunder and thus not a traditional grant scheme (funds awarded are conditional upon applicants first securing crowdfunding via Crowdfunder’s platform)
Who can apply: Registered charities, community benefit societies and social enterprises
Size of funding available: A maximum of £50,000 match funding is available for each organisation
Priorities: This initiative forms part of Aviva’s Financial Wellbeing area of focus. This aims to help people take control of their wellbeing by giving them the tools to be more financially independent
How to apply: Full details on how to apply can be found on the funder’s website including full eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. 

British Gas Energy Trust 

Who can apply: Individuals who are being supported by a money advice organisation
Size of grant available: Up to £1,500
Priorities: There are two funds available which aim to tackle fuel poverty. Successful applicants will not receive payment, but their household account will be credited. The two funds are: 

• Individuals and Families Fund 
• British Gas Energy Support Fund – British Gas customers only 

How to apply: Full guidance and applications are provided on the British Gas Energy Trust website, where you can also find information about money advice organisations that can offer support. 

Crowdfunder UK/Sport England 

Who can apply: Local sports clubs, Charities, community, voluntary and social enterprise sector organisations that deliver sport and/or physical activity in their local community, including organisations that are not solely or primarily sports organisations, town or parish councils delivering activity within their communities and educational establishments that provide access for their whole community
Size of grant available: Up to £10,000
Priorities: You will need a crowdfunding project in order to apply for this funding. If your application is approved, you will receive match funding of 50% up to a value of £10,000. To receive a pledge, you will need to have raised 25% of your initial target and raised it from a minimum number of supporters. Following receipt of a pledge, you will need to raise 100% of your target in order to receive the funds from Sport England.   

The fund is focussed on recovery, reinvention and building resilience for organisations facing a broad spectrum of issues, including the emerging energy crisis
How to apply: Full guidance how to start a crowdfunding campaign and more details on the eligibility criteria can be found on the Crowdfunder website 

Energy Saving Trust Energy Redress Scheme 

Who can apply: Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative societies and Community Benefit Societies
Size of grant available: The amount of funding available through the scheme is reviewed on a quarterly basis. The minimum grant amount that can be requested is £20,000. The scheme can fund 100% of project costs and can cover revenue and capital costs
Priorities: The Energy Saving Trust has been appointed by Ofgem to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Eligible organisations can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects. These include: 

• Supporting energy consumers in vulnerable situations – This core priority aims to help people who are most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills. Occasionally there may be additional priorities linked to a funding round e.g., a specific geographical focus or type of energy consumer. Any additional priorities will be made clear to applicants when a funding round opens 
• Innovation projects – Innovative products and services related to energy that have a realistic prospect of delivering benefits to existing and/or future energy consumers and that help to reduce the environmental impact of energy use 
• Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund – energy-related activities aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy use. These projects must focus on energy generation, distribution or energy use

The scheme is not presently designed to support energy saving improvements or energy generation technology in individual community buildings or facilities
How to apply: More information about applying for funding, including online registration and an application/guidance pack can be found on the funder’s website 

B. Get in quick – deadlines are coming up!
1. Funders with a local / regional interest 

Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust 

Deadline: 10th February 2023
Types of organisation supported: Registered charities based in Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire
Size of grant available: £1,000-£5,000
Priorities: There is a focus on providing support in the following key areas:   

• Children and young people  
• Disabled and health  
• Environment and heritage  
• The arts  
• Work in the community   
• Social support  
• Hospices   

Types of costs funded: Core costs, project costs and capital costs
How to apply: At the funder’s website 

HAF – Holiday Activities and Food Provision for Easter 2023 

Deadline: 13th February 2023
Who can apply: Voluntary and community organisations, not-for-profits and businesses can apply
Priorities: This programme is for organisations that would like to deliver activities for children in receipt of free school meals during the Easter holiday. Applicants can apply to deliver a combination of activities and food, or just one element of the programme
How to apply: Complete the online application on the Dudley HAF website 

Creative Black Country – Creative Connections Commissions 

Deadline: 20th February 2023
Who can apply: Individuals, groups or organisations wanting to become involved in arts and cultural activity in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton
Size of grant available: Up to £2,000
Priorities: This programme is to support activities that increase opportunities for people to experience great creative and cultural experiences in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, by bringing individuals together to share new experiences around the arts
How to apply: Full guidance and the application form are available on the Creative Black Country website

Saintbury Trust 

Deadline: 28th February 2023
Types of organisation supported: Registered charities only based and operating in the following postcode areas:  

• B: all except districts 77, 78 and 79 
• CV: 1 to 8, 31 to 37 
• DY: 1, 2, 5, 5, 8 to 10, 11 and 13 
• GL: 1, 3, 4, 20, 50 to 53, 55 and 56 
• WR: 1 to 5, 7, 9 to 12 
• WS: 1 to 5, 9 and 10 
• WV: 1, 2, 12 1nd 14 

Size of grant available: Between £1,000 and £5,000
Priorities: The trust has a wide range of interests, but a particular focus on:  

• The arts 
• Heritage 
• Environment 
• Disabled people 

How to apply: Download the application form from the funder’s website and return by post. The website also contains full guidance notes and exclusions 

Cole Charitable Trust  

Deadline: 10th March 2023
Types of organisation supported: Small and local registered charities and local branches of national charities
Size of grant available: Grants in the region of £500-£1,200
Priorities: The funder is interested in the following themes:  

• social welfare, all age groups  
• housing/homelessness  
• community and environmental development  
• opportunities for young people  
• promotion of improved quality of life  
• personal or community empowerment  

How to apply: Email applications are preferred, but postal applications will be accepted. See funder’s website for instructions 

Enovert Community Trust 

Deadline: 10th March 2023
Types of organisation supported: Any constituted not-for-profit / voluntary and community organisation
Size of grant available: Usually up to £50,000
Priorities: Capital funding for community facilities within 10 miles of Enovert’s Kingswinford site. Projects must fall within one of these areas:   

• Opening up access for the public to an area of land that has been closed or partially closed  
• Cleaning up land that has been polluted because of now ceased activity  
• Helping to improve, protect, provide and / or maintain land or a building as a public amenity  
• Protecting the environment and conserving or promoting biological diversity  
• Helping to preserve, maintain, restore and / or repair a religious building or one of historical or architectural interest  

How to apply: Download an application form from the funder’s website. Return completed applications with all paperwork to Angela Haymonds ahaymonds@enovertct.org. You can also request a hard copy application form or discuss your project with Angela first
Further deadlines: 2nd June 2023 and 8th September 2023 

Baron Davenport’s Charity (Children’s Organisations)   

Deadline: 15th March 2023
Types of organisation supported: Not-for-profit organisations, public sector organisations. Beneficiaries must live in one of the West Midlands counties, within 60 miles of Birmingham Town Hall
Size of grant available: £200 – £1,000
Priorities: Children and young people under the age of 25
How to apply: Via the funder’s website 

2. National funders 

Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities Grant Programme 

Deadline: 10th February 2023 
Types of organisation supported: Registered charities or not-for-profit organisations
Size of grant available: Up to £20,000 but most grants will be up to £10,000
Priorities: Grants are intended to build the capacity of organisations considering or working towards taking over a theatre. Grants are specifically for theatres on the Theatre Trust’s Theatres at Risk Register. Grants are to help groups to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to restore and reopen these theatres. The fund will not support the capital works themselves. It is not necessary for recipients to own or lease the theatre building; however it is necessary to have a specific ambition for the removal of the building from the Theatres at Risk Register through the restoration/reopening of the venue. Permission from the owner to undertake the project is also required, where necessary
How to apply: Applications should be made by email using the application form template available to download from the Theatres Trust website

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust – Grassroots Movement Fund 

Deadline: 19th February 2023
Types of organisation supported: Any not-for-profit that can demonstrate it is part of a grassroots movement that is working towards transformative change
Size of grant available: £10,000-£70,000
Priorities: The programme is intended to provide funding, infrastructure and access to resources and networks to support the sustainability of work taking place within grassroots social justice movements. Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least three of the following:  

• Set up and run by communities who have come together in their own time to take action on an injustice they are facing (this could include paid staff but the group must still be led by members) 
• Includes people with lived experience of oppression and their views and experiences are listened to and guide the work of the group 
• Regularly brings new members into the group and involves them in decisions about the aims and activities of the group 
• Aims to engage and influence a growing number of people, eg through events, campaigns, outreach, demonstrations 
• Works in solidarity with other grassroots groups, especially the smaller informal ones, through collaborating and supporting each other 

 Additionally, groups should be able to demonstrate at least four of the following: 

• An understanding of the causes of inequality and injustice 
• That it works to create completely new, fairer ways of providing what people need to live happy, healthy lives (eg housing, healthcare, education, food, safety) that replace the existing systems rather than trying to improve them 
• That it is led by/decisions are made by those directly affected by the issue the group is working on 
• A vision of the world where inequality and oppression (eg based on ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexuality, class, disability) no longer exists 
• Recognition of the fact that all oppressions and injustices are connected and the different needs people have because of this 
• Work that reflects their values and the change they want to see, which may include practices of healing and repairing and new ways of being together 

How to apply: Applicants must first book a call with a member of the team to discuss their eligibility. If they are eligible, applicants will be sent a link to the online application system. Full guidelines, FAQs and a link to book a pre-application call can be found on the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust website

Civic Power Fund – Community Action Fund 

Deadline: 26th February 2023 

Types of organisation supported: The fund is open to not-for-profit organisations with a turnover of less than £250,000 that are: 

• Rooted in and accountable to their community 
• Hoping to achieve long-term change on the issues affecting their communities 
• Addressing injustice by building the power of their community. For example, through community organising, campaigning, or democratic engagement 
• Lacking the resources to take their vision to the next level 
• Seeking to build connection and resist the politics of division 

Priority will be given to organisations led by people with lived experience of the injustice they are trying to overcome. 

Size of grant available: £2,500-£20,000
Priorities: Funding is to support community organisers who are tackling injustice and inclusion. The funder wants to grow people’s ability to make a difference on the issues that matter most to them. They want people to have the power to change the conditions they live in. The funder wants them to influence the decisions that impact their lives now and in the future
How to apply: Complete a short eligibility questionnaire on the funder’s website by 26th February 2023 

Gillian Stevenson Charitable Trust CIO 

Deadline: 28th February 2023
Who can apply: Registered charities and constituted charitable groups
Size of grant available: £100-£5,000
Priorities: The Trust offers responsive funding to charitable organisations working with young people and families in the UK who are in need due to ill health, disability, financial hardship or some other disadvantage. There is particular interest in supporting organisations which provide access to activities, experiences, services or facilities that their beneficiaries would otherwise find difficult or impossible to take advantage of
Types of costs covered: Grants can be spent on the following: 

• A one-off purchase of equipment 
• A new or one-off project, service or activity 
• The continuation of a project, service or activity that already being provided 
• Emergency funding to cover running costs of the organisation so that it can continue to function. (Note the funding cannot cover routine running costs) 

How to apply: The first step in the application process is to send an email stating the name of the applicant organisation to info@gillianstevensontrustuk.org. Groups will then be sent a link to the application form. Once the completed application form has been submitted, the Trust will inform applicants what to expect in terms of the timeline of the decision-making process. Pre-application enquiries are welcome. Visit the trust’s website for further information

Masonic Charitable Foundation Hospice Grants – Poverty and Deprivation 

Deadline: 28th February 2023
Types of organisation supported: Adult and children’s hospices that are full members of Hospice UK
Size of grant available: Up to £35,000
Priorities: This grants programme seeks to ensure that marginalised individuals and those experiencing poverty have equitable access quality care at the end of life. Projects should be linked to aspects of the following:  

• Awareness of, and outreach to, people with low socioeconomic status (SES) 
• Intersection of deprivation and race/disability/homelessness 
• Overriding some of the impact of deprivation 
• New approaches to the workforce, eg moulded roles, combined roles 
• Working in partnership with other healthcare/social care/welfare/local government agencies to meet patient/carers needs 
• Supporting people with low socioeconomic status living in rural and remote areas 

How to apply: The criteria and online application form are available on the Hospice UK website

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales – Specialist Programme 

Deadline: 3rd March 2023
Types of organisation supported: Registered charities only that have an annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 and that have a track record of working with people 17 facing complex issues listed by the Foundation (see priorities)
Size of grant available: Up to £75,000 over three years
Priorities: The grants programme offers long-term funding, including core costs and tailored development support to small and medium-sized charities that have a track record of working to help people overcome the following Complex Social issues: 

• Addiction and dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or gambling 
• Asylum seekers and refugees 
• Domestic and sexual abuse 
• Homeless and vulnerably housed 
• Offending, prison or community service 
• Sexual exploitation 
• Trafficking and modern slavery 
• Care leavers 

A full explanation of each social issue can be found in the guidelines which are published on the Foundation’s website. 

Grants can be used to support any costs which further the charity’s purpose, including building reserves and meeting core costs. The funding is for organisations supporting people (17 years and older) who are experiencing complex social issues resulting in a significant impact on their lives. As ‘specialist organisations’ applicants need to demonstrate the following:  

• In-depth services, rather than short-term or one-off support 
• Holistic and person-centred services 
• Personal plans in the form of written or electronic records of every person being supported, noting progress against activities 

How to apply: Applicants will need to take an eligibility quiz first, which is available on the funder’s website with full guidance for the programme. 

C. No deadlines
1. Funders with a local / regional interest  

Health Exchange – Together Fund 

Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit including community groups
Size of grant available: Up to £10,000
Priorities: Funding is available for projects that help: 

• People with long term health conditions 
• Disabled people 
• Lower socio-economic groups 
• Culturally diverse communities 

to make better choices about nutrition, diet and exercise that improve their long- term sustainable health and wellbeing. 

In particular, applications supporting people with long-term health conditions and disabled people are particularly encouraged. 

Projects must be completed by 30th June 2023.
How to apply: The online application is available on the Health Exchange website.  

Owen Family Trust  

Who can apply: Registered charities based in Birmingham and the Black Country
Size of grant available: Grants tend to range from £1,000-£5,000
Priorities: The trust support a large range of charitable activities under general charitable purposes
How to apply: Applications should be made in writing to: Owen Family Trust
Mill Dam House, Mill Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 0NB, Tel: 01213531221, Email: owenmdh@btinternet.com. Applications should include a budget for the project, your organisation’s annual report and accounts

Rowlands Trust 

Who can apply: Registered charities and constituted charitable groups in the West Midlands
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: Funding is available for projects in the following areas: 

• Research, education and training ‘in the broadest sense with special regard to medical and scientific research’ 
• The sick, poor and disabled 
• The elderly 
• Music and the arts 
• The environment 
• The restoration and maintenance of Anglican church buildings 
• Armed services 

Types of costs covered: Project costs only
How to apply: Contact the trust to request the application form. Contact Louise Ruane,  Administrator, The Rowlands Trust, Bishop Fleming, 1-3 College Yard, Worcester, WR1 2LB. Tel: 07812743485 / Email: louise.ruane@therowlandstrust.org.uk 

2. National funders 

Randall Charitable Foundation 

Who can apply: Registered charities and constituted community groups
Size of grant available: Small grants of under £3,000 are available as well as larger grants of undefined size for large scale projects
Priorities: Funding is for projects and activities that benefit the following:   

• Children, young and elderly people 
• Individuals living with a disability 
• Individuals requiring healthcare assistance 
• People living with severe mental health issues 
• Those living in poverty and financial hardship 
• The socially disadvantaged 
• Those suffering from addiction 
• Other charities/voluntary organisations 
• General public 

How to apply: To begin the application process, applicants must first make an enquiry to the Foundation using its online contact page. This should include the following:  

• Name, contact details and registered charity or company number (If applicable) 
• An overview of the organisation’s objectives and focus 
• The organisation’s area of operation (this may be different to the registered address) 
• The specific cause/project the funding is for 
• Total funding required in UK pounds (£) 
• Please state if the enquiry is time sensitive 

England and Wales Cricket Board – County Grants Funding 

Who can apply: Cricket clubs affiliated with their County Cricket Board
Size of grant available: £1,000-£10,000
Priorities: Funding is intended to support projects and activities that may include:   

• Creating welcoming environments – open to affiliated cricket clubs or those actively involved with women’s and girls’ cricket and/or disability cricket. It is expected that any junior programme will include and actively engage with girls 
• Enhanced facilities and playing opportunities for women’s and girls’ cricket and/or disability cricket – open to affiliated cricket clubs actively engaged in competitive female-only cricket 
• Tackling climate change (supported by Sport England) – open to any affiliated cricket clubs 

How to apply: Guidance notes and the online application portal can be accessed through the England and Wales Cricket Board website 

Lush Charity Pot 

Who can apply: Small not-for-profit organisations run entirely or predominantly by volunteers
Size of grant available: £100-£10,000. The average grant size is £2,000-£4,000
Priorities: Projects must address at least one of the following areas:   

• Environment 
• Animal protection 
• Human rights, including equality, peace and social justice

Priority will be given for the following:   

• Less popular causes that aim to create long-term change and which struggle to find funding 
• Campaigning over core funding 
• Project costs over salaries and core costs 

• Projects that find it hard to attract funding elsewhere 

How to apply: At the Lush website