Latest Funding

Small, grass-roots and local charities with a turnover of less than £150,000 per annum and currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community across the UK can apply for funds to cover projects, core costs, building projects, or essential equipment. 

Online applications can be submitted at any time. Once received, it will take up to four months, occasionally longer, to receive a decision. 

Find out more and apply here.

Funds for Local Community Projects in South Gloucestershire

Member Awarded Funding (MAF) is available from South Gloucestershire councillors to support community groups working to help our residents.

Each councillor can allocate up to £3,000 to local projects and services in their ward before March 2024.

If you have an idea for a project or service that will help people, contact your councillor to discuss your plans and to ask for an application form.

Find out more:

You can find full information at www.southglos.gov.uk/MAF, including the principles of the scheme and case studies of previous projects. All organisations must be registered with us. Find out more on the registration page.

Contact us:

For advice and guidance you can contact the Grants Team by
Phone: 01454 865865 Email: grants@southglos.gov.uk

Awards can be made to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and town and parish councils.

Community Food Fund 

The Community Food Fund from South Gloucestershire Council aims to support Food Aid organisations working to help our residents to have access to food. Grant funding of up to £500 is available to registered and approved organisations to help to fund additional food supplies on a first come, first served basis.

If you would like to receive funding for a Food Aid facility, contact the grants team to ask for an application form.

Awards can be made to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and town and parish councils.

More information?
For further information please visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/community-food-fund

To speak to the Grants Team, call 01454 865865, or email your query to grants@southglos.gov.uk

Funds for Community Spaces in South Gloucestershire

Community Welcome Spaces grant funding aims to support community groups working to help our residents to keep warm this winter in community spaces. Grant funding of up to £500 is available to organisations who wish to provide a Community Welcome Space on a first come, first served basis.

If you have a community space that you would like to receive funding for, contact the grants team to ask for an application form.

Awards can be made to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and town and parish councils.

More information?

For further information please visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/community-welcome-spaces-grant

To speak to the Grants Team, call 01454 865865, or email your query to grants@southglos.gov.uk

Single year grants between £2,000 and £10,000 for core costs, salaries, running and project costs

Projects must have a focus on Community Support

You can apply if:

• Your organisation’s postcode falls within the following on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation:
  • if you are located in an urban area, you must be in the bottom 15% most deprived areas
  • if you are located in a rural area, you must be in the bottom 50% most deprived areas 
• Your project has a focus on community support
  • Your annual income does not exceed £250,000
  • You can secure 50% of the total project costs 
  • You can supply your most recent annual accounts
  • You can start spending our grant within 1-2 months of receipt
  • You are embedded in your local community

Full information on applying can be found here.

Housing association, Sovereign, has teamed up with Crowdfunder to launch the Sovereign Thriving Communities Fund to support projects that benefit their residents and communities in the South and South West of England. Groups and charities based within three miles of Sovereign homes can apply for up to 50 per cent of their crowdfunding target, up to a maximum of £10,000, to support projects that match one or more of the following themes: health and well-being; education; social inclusion; co-creation and building partnerships; sustainable communities; community cohesion; climate change; LGBTQIA+; and cost of living support. The funds are subject to availability. Those applying must indicate their target fundraising amount and set a deadline.

Find more info at Crowdfunder | Sovereign Housing

As part of its new grant-making strategy, BBC Children in Need is awarding grants of up to £40,000 per year for up to three years to support the projects costs of registered charities and not-for-profit organisations (including Special Schools) working with disadvantaged children and young people aged 18 years or under living in the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The funding will support the delivery of a specific piece of work (project), and could be spent on project staff costs, trips and outings, volunteer expenses and/or moveable equipment. Groups requesting £15,000 or less will receive a quicker decision. Expressions of interest should be submitted in the first instance. Applications can be made at any time. 

Find more info here Project Costs Funding Stream – BBC Children in Need

The Hargreaves Foundation aims to help children and young people to fulfil their potential and improve their wellbeing, self-esteem and independence through educational and sporting activities provided.

This could include initiatives that improve academic engagement and attainment, develop skills to aid future employment, improve life skills, and ensure sport is accessible.

There is no minimum or maximum grant amount.

Applications can be made at any time and are reviewed in the month following online submission.

Find more info here Mission And Objectives » Home (thehargreavesfoundation.org)

The National Lottery has announced that this year, funding will also be available through the Awards for All England scheme to help communities celebrate important national events such as the Coronation of His Majesty the King, the Eurovision Song Contest and the 75th anniversary of Windrush. Awards for All will also continue to make grants of between £300 and £10,000 for up to one year to local community and voluntary organisations for existing or new projects, events, and activities that aim to build strong relationships, improve community spaces, support personal potential, and assist with challenges caused by the cost-of-living crisis and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Find more info here National Lottery Awards for All England | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Schools, charities and not for profit organisations in the UK can apply for funding for equipment that helps mentally, physical and socially disadvantaged children. The funding is made available through the Wooden Spoon Society’s Grants programme and has in the past provided funding for sensory rooms and gardens; playgrounds and outdoor spaces; specialist equipment and facilities; and projects that promote health and wellbeing. The funding available is for capital items only and will not support revenue costs such as staffing and other ongoing costs. There is no maximum grant limit but projects under £5,000 are unlikely to be considered. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Find more info here Apply for a grant: Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby | Wooden Spoon.

A new £6 million fund has been launched that aims to improve access to finance for smaller charities and social enterprises. The Thrive Together Fund provides unrestricted funding to support the growth of small and medium-sized charitable organisations and social enterprises that actively contribute to social or environmental causes. Eligible applicants can receive a funding package ranging from £25,000 to £100,000, combining repayable finance with grant funding. The Fund seeks to expand social investment opportunities, especially for organisations in disadvantaged areas. The funding is being made available through a partnership consisting of Social Investment Business, Co-operative and Community Finance, Fredericks Foundation, Groundwork, Homeless Link, and the Architectural Heritage Fund. Applications can be submitted at any time as there is no closing date. 

Find more info here Thrive Together Fund | Funding | Social Investment Business (sibgroup.org.uk)

The Youth Fund supports organisations whose main purpose is working with and for young people (aged 14-25) who face complex transitions to adulthood.

We understand that the current context is increasing demand for work with and for young people, whilst at the same time making it more challenging to deliver. Despite these difficult conditions, many organisations continue to have ambitious plans for the future.

We provide core funding for organisations that:

• Seek to sustain, prepare to grow, or grow impact with and for young people.
• Put young people at the centre in terms of power, voice and agency – as part of an asset-based approach, starting with recognising and building on young people’s strengths and potential.
• Aim to achieve wide impact for young people (for example, going beyond direct delivery and focusing on systemic or structural change).
• Are committed to continuous improvement in asset-based approaches to working with and for young people.
• Support young people who are facing complex transitions, challenges and barriers to accessing support and opportunities. Particularly young people who are socially excluded or marginalised; whose experiences can be hidden or less well known; and whose voices are often erased or ignored.
• Find more info here Youth Fund – Paul Hamlyn Foundation (phf.org.uk)

UK based schools and not for profit organisations can apply for funding to the Nineveh Charitable Trust for a broad range of projects and activities that promote a better understanding of the environment and countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, education and research. Whilst the Trust does not specify a minimum or maximum grant amount that can be applied for, an analysis of previous grants would suggest a maximum of £5,000 per year for up to three years. Previous projects supported include Castlemilk Day Nursery which received a grant of £5,000 to build a multi-function shelter with provision for special needs teaching; and St Joseph’s Specialist School & College, which received a grant of £4,000 towards a community garden expansion. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Find more info here THE NINEVEH CHARITABLE TRUST | THE NINEVEH CHARITABLE TRUST (ninevehtrust.org.uk)

Grants are available for UK registered charities seeking to enhance and improve people’s lives through the advancement of the arts, health and medical welfare, and the environment. The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust typically awards grants of between £500 and £6,000 for projects and core costs, with a preference for small-scale, locally based initiatives. The types of services provided to communities could include promoting access to the arts, conservation activities, music and art therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing, and providing breaks for carers. There are three grant-making meetings held annually. Projects should have a start date of at least three months after the meeting date. The next deadline for applications is the 23rd May 2024. Find more info here What we fund – The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust (doylycartecharitabletrust.org)

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not for profit organisations for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for of those in need in the UK. The funding is being made available through the Screwfix Foundations and the grants are available for all kinds of projects, from repairing buildings and improving facilities in deprived areas, to decorating the homes of people living with sickness and disabilities. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The next closing date for applications is the 10th May 2024.

Find more info here SF_Foundation_Eligibility_Criteria_2023pdf.pdf (screwfix.com)

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust has announced its new funding themes for 2024. The Trust awards grants to UK registered charities that are working to support those in society who face the greatest challenges and whose opportunities are most limited. In 2024, the first two rounds will focus on projects that support and improve employment and training for disabled people. The third and fourth rounds will address food poverty by supporting projects that provide nutritious meals, food education, cooking skills, and help to eliminate food waste. Round one opened for applications on the 1st February 2024.

Find more info here Eligibility – The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust (austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk)

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for local projects that help strengthen communities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Delamere Dairy Foundation will provide support for charities, community groups, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that benefit communities through the advancement of agriculture and environmental protection, by improving the lives of young people and education, and relieving financial hardship and sickness. Applications will be considered at panel meetings, which will be held regularly. The next closing date is the 29th February 2024.

Find more info here Home – Delamere Dairy Foundation

Voluntary, community organisations and schools, etc across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All programme. This represents a significant increase from the previous maximum grant size of £10,000. Projects can last for up to two years. The funding boost is intended to support organisations in delivering new or existing community led activities. Eligible projects must address at least one of the following: help communities connect, improve their environment, provide early support for individuals and assist those facing financial difficulties. The application deadline is 16 weeks before you want to start your activities or spend any of the money.

Find more info here National Lottery Awards for All England | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Grants of up to £15,000 are available to charities, voluntary and community groups, local authorities, clubs, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations delivering sports and physical activities to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in England. Schools are eligible to apply if their sports facilities are open for use by the wider community. The funding is made available through Sport England’s Small Grants Programme which aims to encourage inactive and less active people, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to become more active. Funding could be used for coaching, volunteer training, service and facility alterations, and equipment. Sport England is also particularly keen to support projects seeking to reduce their impact on the environment through the goods and services they use to deliver the activity. Applications can be submitted until the 31st March 2024.

Find more info here Small Grants Programme | Sport England

The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust is currently accepting applications through its General Fund. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to local community and voluntary groups in the Avon and Somerset police force area for projects that improve community safety. This can include protecting local people and property from crime; reducing anti-social behaviour; etc. The next closing date for applications is the 1st March 2024.

Find more info here Police Community Trust General Fund | Avon and Somerset Police

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to charities, specialist schools, CIOs, and other not-for-profit organisations including scout and guide groups, and housing associations, that are working to raise the quality of life for people in England and Wales. The Bernard Sunley Foundation aims to provide greater opportunities for the young, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged by supporting capital projects in the areas of community, education, health and social welfare. The types of projects that could be supported include improvements to village halls, supporting children and adults with special educational and learning needs, improvements to hospices and treatment clinics, and supporting day centres for the elderly. Medium grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 and large grants of £20,000 and above are also available. Applications can be made at any time.

Find more info here Funding FAQ – Bernard Sunley Foundation

Environmental charity, Naturesave Trust, has announced that the September – October funding round is now open for applications.  The theme for this funding round will be sustainable food. The Trust will be looking to support community projects working to reduce food waste and food insecurity. In previous funding rounds, the Trust has awarded grants of between £500 to £2,500. The closing date for applications is the 29th February 2024.

Find more info here The Naturesave Trust – Naturesave

The Matthew Good Foundation has opened the next round of its Grants for Good Fund. The aim is to support small charities, not-for-profit groups and social entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference to people, their community or the environment. The Fund will share £15,000 between five shortlisted projects every three months, which will be voted for by John Good Group employees. The project that receives the most votes will receive a grant of £5,000, second place £3,500, third place £2,500 with fourth and fifth place both receiving £2,000. As well as established projects and charities, the Foundation wants to hear from people with innovative ideas that need some funding to get their projects up and running. To be eligible, applicants will have to have had an income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months. Funding is awarded every three months and the next deadline for the next funding round is the 15th March 2024

Find more info here Grants for Good – Connecting businesses with high impact small charities | Matthew Good Foundation

The Hedley Foundation is inviting applications from small-to-mid-size registered charities helping to improve the quality of life of people in the UK, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

The Foundation typically makes around 250 awards of up to £5,000 each year for initiatives that benefit the lives of young people, disabled people, elderly people, the terminally ill and otherwise disadvantaged people and their carers. Occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved.

Applications should be received at least 6 weeks before the next review meeting on the 24th April 2024.

Find more info here The Hedley Foundation – A Grant Giving Charity

Eligible voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England can now apply for funding to help them reduce their energy costs and improve their energy efficiency. The £25.5 million VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme is part of a package of over £100 million of support being delivered by the government to help frontline delivery organisations with the increased cost of living. The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme offers two types of funding: Funding for independent energy assessment and capital grants for organisations that have undertaken the energy assessment to install the recommended energy efficiency measures in their premises. Applications for independent energy assessments are currently open until August 2024. Applications for capital grants opened in January 2024.

Find more info here VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme – GOV-UK Find a grant (find-government-grants.service.gov.uk)