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
Baron Davenport’s Charity
Deadline: 15th September 2024
Who can apply: Grants are awarded to all types of not-for-profits
Size of grant available: The amount of funding varies as follows:
- Alms-houses, hospices and residential homes for older people – the level of grant is at the Trust’s discretion
- Children’s organisations – grants are normally between £200 and £1,000
- Older people’s organisations – the level of grant is at the Trust’s discretion
- Single older women living alone – may receive £260, twice yearly
- Single mothers and fatherless children – the amount of funding is not specified
Emergency Grants are available and applicants should contact the Charity for further information
Priorities: The charity awards grants in the following categories:
- Alms-houses, hospices and residential homes for older people
- Organisations for the benefit of children/young people (under 25 years of age)
- Organisations supporting older people
- Single woman and mothers living alone, and fatherless children
How to apply: There are two rounds of funding each year. The deadlines for applications each year are as follows:
- 15 March for consideration in spring.
- 15 September for consideration in autumn.
Applicants must register online with the charity before applying for a grant. An application form is available to complete at the charity’s website and the following information is required:
- The organisation’s aims and activities
- How the last grant benefited the organisation (if applicable)
- Project details and how many people are expected to benefit
- Costs of the project or work and the amount of any money raised so far
- Details of how the project’s success will be measured
- A copy of the organisation’s latest audited accounts
- The organisation’s bank details
Saintbury Trust
Deadline: 30th September 2024
Who can apply: Registered charities that are both based and operate (wholly or mainly) within the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and North Gloucestershire
Size of grant available: Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. The majority of grants awarded are in the £1,000 to £5,000 range. Larger grants tend to be awarded to charities that the trustees (or at least one of them) have special knowledge of or if they have particular interest in the charity’s work
Priorities: The scheme is intended to support charities undertaking a wide range of activities taking in the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and North Gloucestershire. The Trustees have a particular interest in the arts, heritage, the environment and helping those with disabilities
How to apply: Application forms are available to download from the Trust’s website. Applications should be submitted by email; the Trust no longer accepts postal applications
NextEnergy Midlands and North Solar Impact Fund
Deadline: 24th October 2024
Who can apply: Constituted not-for-profit organisations including registered charities, CICs and unincorporated associations
Size of grant available: Up to £1,500
Priorities: Funding is available for social and environmental projects that focus on skills development and education. Eligible projects include:
- Community education initiatives on sustainable practices to mitigate and adapt to climate change eg, energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable agriculture
- Projects encouraging and promoting skills, education, and training in climate solutions. Such as upskilling and reskilling workshops with a focus on the renewable energy sector
- General skills, training and development for local people
- The development of educational initiatives that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Community education projects focusing on health and wellbeing
- Projects supporting local academic institutions
How to apply: An application form and guidance are available from the BizGive website. Groups must first register with BizGive.
My Community Fund – West Midlands Police
Who can apply: Any constituted not-for-profit group including community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The Police and Crime Commissioner makes money available to support communities in the West Midlands who want to make “My Community” a safer place to live and work. The money for the fund comes from cash that police have seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and it will be prioritised for locality based projects, which aim to make a positive difference in dealing with crime prevention and reduction and show a clear link to the Police and Crime Plan. Projects should address part of the current Police and Crime Plan/ Policing Priorities / Future Police and Crime Plan
How to apply: The criteria and online application form are available at www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/preventing-crime/my-community-fund/. Applications are usually assessed in September or October.
Alfred Haines Charitable Trust
Who can apply: Smaller charities based and working in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Solihull
Size of grant available: Grants are normally in the £250-£2,000 range
Priorities: One-off grants are available for the purpose of supporting specific projects that help people to improve their quality of life. The Trust prefers to make donations towards specific items and does not give to large appeals
How to apply: All appeals should be made in writing (and posted rather than emailed) and the information given should include:
- A brief description of the activities of the organisation
- Details of the project and its overall cost
- What funds have already been raised and how the remaining funds are to be raised
- A copy of the latest accounts including any associated or parent organisation
- Any other leaflets or supporting documentation
Full guidance and the postal address for the trust can be found on the Alfred Haines Charitable Trust website
IM Properties Community Fund – Heart of England
Who can apply: Any constituted not-for-profit (including charities, community groups and social enterprises) with annual income under £500,00
Size of grant available: Up to £3,000
Priorities: The aim of the fund is to support projects addressing one of the following priorities as part of IM Properties Sustainable Future Frameworks:
- People – promoting positive change including projects that:
- Support health and wellbeing
- Promote inclusion and diversity within the community
- Place – strengthening communities projects that:
- Promote and encourage community cohesion
- Tackle social isolation and/or help to build social networks
- Help to raise aspirations and provide learning opportunities for children, young people, adults and families
- Planet – enhancing the natural environment projects that:
- Promote education and awareness of sustainability
- Encourage resource efficiency by reduction, recycling and reusing of waste materials
- Support environmental initiatives including wildlife and habitat creation
How to apply: The panel meets on a rolling basis and applications can be made at any time. The application form is available to complete on the Heart of England Community Foundation website
Dumbreck Charity
Who can apply: Registered charities based in the West Midlands
Size of grant available: £500-£2,000
Priorities: The majority of grants are awarded for the following charitable purposes:
- Animal welfare and conservation
- Children’s welfare
- Care of the elderly
- Care of those who are physically or mentally disadvantaged
- General medical
- Social welfare
How to apply: The Trust does not maintain a website or have an email address. Groups must apply in writing and include a copy of their accounts. The Trustees regularly consider applications and meet every six months to approve grants. Send applications to: The Dumbreck Charity, 41 Sycamore Drive, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5QX
B. National Funders
Imperial Polythene – Imperial Community Impact Fund
Deadline: 26th September 2024
Who can apply: Registered charities and CICs on. All applicants must have an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000 and a board of at least 3 trustees / directors
Size of grant available: £1,000
Priorities: This fund aims to encourage and empower local organisations working in the fields of environment, sustainability, creativity, and addressing local problems to deliver projects that enhance the well-being of communities and promote sustainable development. Projects must not run for longer than six months
How to apply: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Imperial Polythene website
Further deadlines: 30 January 2025 to 20 March 2025, for a decision by 22 April 2025
Deadline: 3oth September 2024
Who can apply: Registered or exempt charities only
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The focus of this round is on food poverty. Priority will be given to projects that focus on enabling resilience and independence, in particular food education and cooking skills
How to apply: The next round opens on 1st September until 30th September. Applicants should first read the guidelines and FAQs before starting the application process. The online application form can be found on the Trust’s website
Further deadlines and priorities: Support will be available for the following priorities in 2025:
Who can apply: Registered or exempt charities only
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The focus of this round is on food poverty. Priority will be given to projects that focus on enabling resilience and independence, in particular food education and cooking skills
How to apply: The next round opens on 1st September until 30th September. Applicants should first read the guidelines and FAQs before starting the application process. The online application form can be found on the Trust’s website
Further deadlines and priorities: Support will be available for the following priorities in 2025:
- Rounds 1 and 2 – The Arts: Improving Access, with a focus on performing arts projects that improve audience access and participation. (Applications will not be considered from non-performing arts projects or projects focussing on performers)
- Rounds 3 and 4 – Refugees and Asylum Seekers – priorities are expected to be published in early 2025
Peter Harrison Foundation – Active Lives Grant Programme
Deadline: 1st October 2024
Who can apply: Registered charities or community amateur sports clubs only
Size of grant available: Two levels of funding are available:
- Major grants – £5,001 to £30,000 (applications from organisations with a turnover of under £5 million are prioritised)
- Small grants – up to £5,000 (applications from organisations with a turnover of under £500,000 are prioritised)
Priorities: The Trust will consider capital, core or project funding and welcomes applications for physical activity initiatives that:
- Offer high-impact, life-enhancing opportunities for those who live in the top 10% of areas of deprivation
- Remove barriers to participation for disabled or disadvantaged people
- Focus on grassroots involvement rather than elite participation in physical activity
- Focus on skills development and confidence building for individuals
- Incorporate effective strategies for wider impact, perhaps through training, partnerships and/or dissemination activities
- Demonstrate a high degree of involvement across the organisation from beneficiaries and those with lived experience
- Have a well-developed plan for sustainability and seek to deliver a legacy
- Reflect the Foundation’s values: excellence, entrepreneurship, integrity, sustainability
To be eligible projects/activities must:
- Take place in the UK
- Provide opportunities for personal or skills development through participation in physical activity
- Meet the needs of people who face physical, mental, economic or social disadvantage
How to apply: Applicants should first register online through the Peter Harrison Foundation’s website and then complete an initial application. Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to complete a full application
Deadline: 2nd October 2024
Who can apply: Small to mid-sized UK registered charities that are based and working in the UK. Applicants may apply if they have not received a grant from the Foundation within the previous two years (or submitted an unsuccessful application within the last 12 months).
Size of grant available: Although funding is at the discretion of the Trustees, the Foundation notes:
- Typically, 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
Priorities: The Foundation supports the following:
- Youth: to help disadvantaged young people, supporting youth projects through education, the arts, sport and adventurous activities
- Disabled: to improve the quality of life of those with a mental or physical disability
- The elderly and terminally ill: to improve the quality of life of the elderly and those receiving end of life care
- Miscellaneous support: other social welfare projects such as those for carers, the homeless and ex-offenders
How to apply: Guidance and application forms are available on the funder’s website
Deadline: 22nd October 2024
Who can apply: Individuals and organisations who are linked to a school or community-based organisation that works directly with young people (16 and under). This includes community groups and charities
Size of grant available: Up to £1,000
Priorities: Grants to support innovative projects, designed and led by young people in the UK, which aim to increase access to local natural spaces and encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature. Funding is intended for projects which affect change or empower local young people and the surrounding communities to increase access to natural spaces and improve understanding of the local biodiversity. Examples of eligible projects are as follows:
Who can apply: Individuals and organisations who are linked to a school or community-based organisation that works directly with young people (16 and under). This includes community groups and charities
Size of grant available: Up to £1,000
Priorities: Grants to support innovative projects, designed and led by young people in the UK, which aim to increase access to local natural spaces and encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature. Funding is intended for projects which affect change or empower local young people and the surrounding communities to increase access to natural spaces and improve understanding of the local biodiversity. Examples of eligible projects are as follows:
- Running a school festival about nature
- Painting community murals showcasing biodiversity in the area
- Building or restoring a community garden
- Creating a nature walk
- Hiring a speaker to come and talk about local foraging
Grants can be used for materials, room hire, publicity, speakers, trainers, freelancers, project-specific staff costs, audio-visual hire, reasonable volunteer expenses, transport, or other costs of activities/events
How to apply: The next application period will open in September 2024 and will close on 22 October 2024. The online application form is available on the Linnean Society website, along with a set of guidance notes
Linder Foundation – Young People
Deadline: 31st October 2024
Who can apply: Registered charities and exempt charities only
Size of grant available: At the funder’s discretion
Priorities: The aim of the scheme is to improve outcomes of vulnerable young people, particularly those who have suffered from adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma. This is achieved by supporting charities who work with affected young people. Priority will be given to projects that:
- Provide early intervention and rehabilitation designed to prevent offending or re-offending
- Strengthen families and keep children out of care
How to apply: An online application form and guidelines are available from the Linder Foundation website
Linder Foundation – Environment
Deadline: 31st October 2024
Who can apply: Registered charities and exempt charities only
Size of grant available: At the funder’s discretion
Priorities: The aims of the scheme are to protect and enhance the environment, with particular focus on land-based projects. Projects should involve volunteers and/or community engagement. Projects can be local, regional, rural or urban and should be land based and relate to biodiversity (e.g. sustainable farming practices, preservation/re-introduction of species).
How to apply: An online application form and guidelines are available from the Linder Foundation website
Deadline: 31st October 2024
Who can apply: Any type of constituted not-for-profit organisation including registered charities, community groups and voluntary organisations
Size of grant available: Average grant size is around £2,000Priorities: The programme wishes to support initiatives with the following themes:
- Hospices
- Children and young people
- Elderly
- Community
- Disabled
- Medical, research and other miscellaneous projects
How to apply: Applicants are required to complete an online application form via the Foundation’s website
National Lottery Awards for All – England
Who can apply: Any constituted not-for-profit such as community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: £300-£20,000 for up to two years
Priorities: National Lottery Awards for All is a small grants programme provided by the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding is intended for projects that support communities to thrive by:
- Bringing people together to build strong relationships in and across communities
- Improving the places and spaces that matter to communities
- Helping more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage
- Supporting people, communities and organisations that are facing increased demands and challenges as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis
To be eligible for funding projects should:
- Involve people and communities from the start
- Build on people’s strengths
- Be connected in their community
How to apply: Applications may be submitted at any time. There is high demand for funding and the funding teams will assess applications in the order they are received. They aim to communicate their decisions with the applicants as soon as possible. At the moment, this may take around 16 weeks. The online application form can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website
Stobart Sustainability Fund
Who can apply: All types of community groups and not-for-profits
Size of grant available: At the funder’s discretion
Priorities: Grants are to support community-led sustainability projects and initiatives by non-profit organisations, community groups and educational facilities. The Stobart Sustainability Fund aims to help these groups transform their local communities by tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions or protecting and enhancing the environment.
How to apply: The online application form and guidance are available on the Stobart website
Sport England – Movement Fund (with crowdfunding)
NB. 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: Constituted not-for-profit organisations such as community sports clubs, voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises
Size of grant available: Applicants will need apply to run a crowdfunding campaign. Grants are available in the form of match funding of up to 50% toward the initial crowdfunding target (up to a maximum of £15,000)
Priorities: The funding aims to support projects that get more people active and enhance sport and physical activity participation across England. There is particular interest in projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity, such as:
- People living on low incomes
- Disabled people or those with long-term health conditions
- Older people
- People from culturally diverse communities
- Pregnant women and parents with very young children
- Girls aged 5-16
- LGBTQ+ people
- People who are in foster care
- People who provide care without pay
There is also particular interest in projects that address the challenges faced by individuals with combined characteristics, such as people with long-term health conditions alongside caring responsibilities
How to apply: Full details can be found on the Crowdfunder website
Who can apply: Any type of not-for-profit organisation including clubs and community groups
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The funding is for relatively small-scale projects, which might not happen at all or would only happen on a lesser scale without the support of BlueSpark. The Foundation aims to help children and young people reach their full potential by supporting projects that have the following objectives:
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Priorities: The funding is for relatively small-scale projects, which might not happen at all or would only happen on a lesser scale without the support of BlueSpark. The Foundation aims to help children and young people reach their full potential by supporting projects that have 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: Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis at approximately eight week intervals. Applications should be submitted using the online application form, which is available on the BlueSpark Foundation website
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust
Who can apply: Eligible organisations must be part of Scouts or Guides associations
Size of grant available: At the funder’s discretion
Priorities: Grants are available for UK or overseas trip being undertaken as part of a group, for grants for new start-up Scout or Guide units, replacement of camping or other equipment, transport, one off events or small scale building works, repairs or alterations to huts
How to apply: Applications are accepted any time. However, the trustees are unable to consider applications for trips or events submitted within four months of the proposed departure/event date as a result of processing times. Application forms are available to download from the Leslie Sell Charitable Trust’s website. The Group Leader should complete the form plus include a letter on official notepaper belonging to the Scout or Guide movement
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