Home
Community
Grants and funding
Funding News – monthly updates on sources of funding
Funding News - January 2024

Funding News - January 2024

Page contents

Content
Success Stories
Information and Guidance
Lottery
Government
Trusts and Foundations
Funding Diary

Print Page

Content

Funding News is produced by East Sussex County Council and is aimed at charities and community sector organisations. Should you require further information about services available please visit our Funding pages.

Please note that this newsletter is sent to you through an automated system. If you would like to unsubscribe, you can do so at the bottom of the email you receive.

Share our subscription link with anybody who would like to subscribe to Funding News

Success stories

Sussex Community Foundation
Urban Tree Challenge Fund

Information and Guidance

Comic Relief Announces New Fund for the Migration Sector
Hastings Voluntary Action - Finding the Funds Training
National Centre for Creative Health - Creative Health Review
Social Enterprise UK – State of Social Enterprise Report
Sussex Community Foundation - Tackling Poverty Report

Lottery

Sport England launches Buddle – Free resources for Grassroots Clubs

Government

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG)
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – Community Automated External Defibrillators Fund
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) - Community Ownership Fund
Forestry Commission - Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG)

Trusts and Foundations

7stars Foundation
The Allen Lane Foundation
Amazon Literary Partnership
The Army Benevolent Fund
Anchor Foundation
BN9 Arts Growth Fund ’24
Canoe Foundation
Clothworkers' Foundation
Enjoolata Foundation
Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund
GambleAware - Improving Outcomes for Women and Minority Communities Affected by Gambling Harm
Gatwick Airport Community Trust
Groundwork - VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
LandAid - Routes Out of Homelessness Programme
Lloyds Bank Foundation - Specialist Programme
Music Venue Trust - Pipeline Investment Fund
National Archives – Engagement Grants
Ormiston Trust - Youth Social Action (YSA) Grants Fund
The Radcliffe Trust
The Steel Charitable Trust
Swire Charitable Trust
Theatres Trust - Small Grants Scheme
Toy Trust
Universal Music UK Sound Foundation – School Fund
Utilita Giving
Vision Foundation – The Vision Fund
VocTech Activate Scheme

Funding Diary

Success Stories

Sussex Community Foundation

Sussex Community Foundation

Sussex Community Foundation (SCF) grants programme is made up of a range of funds which help to address disadvantage and deprivation and build resilience in Sussex communities. Grants are structured into what SCF call general awards and special funds and programmes. Note that you can normally apply for special funds at the same time as applying for or holding a grant from SCF’s general awards. Guidance about SCF’s general and special funds criteria and deadlines for applications are available on their website.

SCF has awarded grants to the following organisations throughout the County:

Eastbourne

A Touch of Gentleness - £5,000. A Touch of Gentleness help reduce the feelings of isolation, lack of connection and self-worth that are endemic in society and are the root cause of much stress and poor mental health. To do this volunteers train to; give hand massages, gently listen, and then offer this service out in the community. Funding is for volunteer training.

Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team (BHCT) - £2,000. BHCT is a skilled crisis intervention, search and rescue team comprising of 25 frontline members Patrolling by foot and vehicle from 09:00 to 00:00 every day of the year to prevent loss of life from suicide at Beachy Head to end August 2023 they had intervened with 377 persons of risk. Funding is towards core costs and service development.

The Matthew 25 Mission - £2,500. Matthew 25 Mission supports those marginalised in society. They support the homeless, addicts, ex-servicemen and refugees, to name a few. Serving food is central to their work at Brodie Hall as it helps to break down barriers to allow their guests to access the support they need the most. Funding is towards core staff costs.

Hastings

Bags of Taste - £4,125. Bags of Taste supports people with multiple disadvantages by providing help and practical support needed to buy and cook healthy, affordable food. Funding is for their mentored home cooking courses for vulnerable people in Hastings and Rother.

Flourish Network (Hastings) - £6,000. Flourish aims to rethink mental health, moving towards preventative and non-medicalised solutions. Their Nurturing Families Project integrates advocacy and psychotherapy for families, helping create more supportive environments for children. Funding contributes to staff costs.

Women's Voice - £3,750. Women’s Voice was set up by local women in Hastings and St Leonard’s to enable intersectional conversations between all those who identify as women in the community. Their mission is to empower women of all ages, cultures and abilities, fostering mutual respect and awareness and promoting equal opportunities for all. Funding contributes towards developing a package of training and resources for use within secondary schools and colleges addressing issues of domestic abuse.

Lewes

Brighton & Hove Wood Recycling Project (BHWRP) - £7,992. BHWRP works for the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment by diverting re-usable timber away from landfill and incineration for re-sale to the public and remanufacture into useful items. Funding is for operational costs for their expansion into Clay Hill, Lewes.

Hope in the Valley RDA - awarded £897.00

Landport Youth Centre - £2,000. The Club provides youth activities to the local community around Lewes. Funding contributes towards rent costs.

Lewes District Citizens Advice - £7,016. Lewes District Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. They use evidence of their clients' problems to campaign for improvements in laws and services that affect everyone. They are a local, independent charity, covering the Lewes district. Funding will extend the provision of their Volunteer Training availability for a further 12 months.

Rother

Community Compost Solutions CIC - £500. Community Compost Solutions educates and promotes the installation of appropriate micro-scale composting in small businesses, community organisations, schools and residences in East Sussex. They collect organic waste and turn it into earthly treasure. They are developing a local grass-roots model of a sustainable practice that can be easily replicated in other communities. Funding contributes towards setting up an online presence.

Energise Sussex Coast - £5,000. Energise Sussex Coast acts co-operatively to tackle the climate crisis and energy in-justice through community owned renewable power and energy saving schemes. They do this through supporting residents to save energy and bring down bills with energy advice and supporting communities to decarbonise through community energy initiatives. Funding supports their ‘Green Handyman’ to help improve the energy efficiency of people's homes.

Ewhurst and Staplecross Village Hall - £7,000. This charity is run by a dedicated group of Trustees for the benefit of the local community. The hall is an essential community asset and Parish resource. It is used regularly by the primary school, local groups and for private events. More recently it has hosted the Community Open Space events. Funding contributes towards a programme of community events and equipment.

Family Support Work - £5,000. Family Support Work aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged families living Sussex through community and home-based services, support and activities. Funding is requested towards their support service in Rye. Their grant contributes towards practitioner costs, travel, equipment costs and outreach work, including her support in schools.

Hands of Hope - £2,000. Hands of Hope are restoring and developing a neglected walled kitchen garden and 22 acres of AONB land on the Kent and East Sussex border “Hope Farm Community Garden”. They deliver life-improving programmes on site and in the community, that tackle rural isolation, loneliness, and food poverty for communities throughout Rother, Hastings, and West Kent. Funding contributes towards running costs.

Iden Bowls Club - £1,410. The Club's main aim is to promote bowling in the local community and bring together members (who are largely made up of pensioners) and have them compete in friendly and league matches. Funding will replace the sprinkler system and renew the wooden boarding that forms the edge of the green.

Iden Village Hall - £5,000. The Hall facilitates the cultural, physical and social welfare and development of the residents of Iden. They host various activities and events for the community. Funding supports installation of solar panels on the village hall roof.

Marsham Older Peoples Project (MOOP) - £3,000. Fairlight Friday Lunch Club (under the banner of Marsham Older Peoples Project), provides a friendly, welcoming environment for those over 60 every Friday, where they can enjoy a home cooked, 2 course lunch, entertainment, subsidised transport, access to health services and advice as well as companionship. Funding will enable the group to continue the work of the Friday lunch club with increased costs of fuel and food.

Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Management Committee - £435. The Management Committee is responsible for the day-to-day hall maintenance, managing bookings, organising events and fund raising activities. Funding is upgrade the lighting to more energy efficient LED lighting and to replace the control panel for the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP).

Rye and District Community Transport (RDCT) - £2,000. RDCT provides transport for the community in/around Rye, filling gaps in public transport provision, eg 326 Rye Town bus service, Dial-a-Ride for those with mobility difficulties, home to school transport for secondary school pupils (including some SEND) attending Homewood School (Tenterden), transport for local primary schools, day centres/clubs/groups. Funding supports fuel costs to run their 326 service.

Rye and District Street Pastors Initiative - £1,000. Rye & District Street Pastors serve the community of Rye, Camber, Winchelsea and Rye Harbour in the night time economy. Funding supports project costs.

Rye Castle Museum - £500. Rye Castle Museum is an Accredited Museum which maintains and provides access to a Scheduled Monument and increases public awareness, appreciation and understanding of Rye's natural, historic and cultural heritage through the acquisition, preservation and display of a unique collection of items relevant to the area. Funding is for office equipment.

Rye Community Garden – two grants awarded through SCF’s General Award and Little Cheyne Fund - £1,000 and £1,750.00. Rye Community Garden builds community through propagating gardens, planting and maintaining fruit orchards and protecting wildlife on a half-acre allotment. They organise regular volunteer gardening sessions, horticultural workshops, environmental meetings and publish articles locally. They also host other educational, health and wellness activities including school tours and present talks at community meetings. Funding is requested towards a series of outreach events, and the installation of new, wheelchair accessible paths.

Rye Cricket Club - £1,066. The Club aims to foster and promote the sport of cricket at all levels within the community and within the sport, providing opportunities for recreation, coaching and competition. Funding supports their Junior cricket programme for boys and girls.

Rye Flower and Veg Show - £1,000. Rye Flower & Veg Show plan, fundraise and organise an annual horticultural show which takes place in Rye and is open to anyone to enter and open to the public for viewing. Their aim is to inspire the growing and use of local produce.

Rye Wurlitzer Academy - £800. Rye Wurlitzer Academy, formed to teach theatre organ technique to students at Rye College on the Rye Wurlitzer theatre organ. Their ethos is to offer FREE tuition and practice instrument, the majority of students in the area are from a deprived background and could not afford the lessons available. Their grant supports project costs.

Winchelsea New Hall - two grants awarded £1,000 and £5,000). Winchelsea New Hall are a Community Hall within the catchment area of the Rye Fund, serving Winchelsea and the surrounding settlements. The Hall provides a venue and facilities to local residents, surrounding settlements, and local societies (these include 33 different organisations). Their grants support toilet refurbishment.

Wealden

Children with Cancer Fund (Polegate) - £8,000. Children with Cancer Fund (Polegate) are a locally run charity providing children (0-18) living with cancer, and their families, a better quality of life. They grant each family member a wish, which can be practical or fun; run year-round community events to facilitate peer support and friendships; and host caravan holidays for valuable family time. This grant supports staff costs of event co-ordinator.

Crowborough Community Pantry - £8,950. Crowborough Community Pantry aims both to address food poverty and disadvantage and also to reduce food and other waste and, more broadly, to support the local community in developing equitable solutions to sustainability challenges. Their grant helps to establish a base with storage facilities.

East Sussex Ukraine Support - £1,609. East Sussex Ukraine Support is a support group for Ukrainians. They advise, provide food, clothing, free English lessons, help with finding work and assist with moving onto new homes. They provide a place where guests and hosts can meet and socialise. This grant will support their expansion.

Hailsham Foodbank - £2,500. The foodbank gives out emergency food parcels to those in need in the community. People are referred by agencies. They also have a community fridge and fund a Citizens Advice Advisor and Debt Advisor on site. Their grant supports staff costs for a new communications officer.

Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (Sasbah) - £8,000. Sasbah provides lifelong support for over 1,000 children and adults of all ages affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. They also support their families / carers and people with related conditions and disabilities. This grant supports their Youth Development Programme.

The Dot Collective - £3,000. The Dot Collective provide accessible, professional theatre and creative activities for those living in care and with dementia. They transform care centres with the high quality aesthetics and performance of the theatre, reduce social isolation, offer cognitive stimulation and unite families and carers in a joyful, unique experience. This grant is for production costs.

Wild & Green Sussex Community Interest Company - £7,000. Wild & Green Sussex offer nature based activities for children and adults, home education, and family workshops. Their Forest Schools programmes are catered to those with special needs and limited access to the outdoors. They will use their grant to offer free and subsided places on their Forest School programmes.

Information and Guidance

Comic Relief Announces New Fund for the Migration Sector

Comic Relief has given advanced notice that it ‘expects to launch a new funding opportunity in February for organisations that are supporting refugees and asylum seekers and/or who are doing influencing work for safer routes and improved outcomes for people affected. This will be for organisations that are already working in this area.’

‘Further funding criteria is being developed. More information about the funding and the application process will be made available in February 2024.’

This will be the first grant scheme under Comic Relief’s new funding strategy, which is focused on the following:

Effects of Poverty programme fund works that enables people who bear the brunt of poverty to build community-led solutions and overcome the many problems they face
Tackling Injustices programme funds organisations and movements that strive for fairness and equity, in order to end the injustices that cause and keep people, in poverty
Climate Justice programme will work in places and with people who are already vulnerable and dealing with the effects of climate change.

Further details about the new grant will be provided as soon as they become available.

Hastings Voluntary Action - Finding the Funds Training

This FREE training is aimed for people who are fairly new to fundraising or who are looking for small amounts of money up to £10,000. In this training session we will think about different sources of funding for charities, community groups and social enterprises, and look at how to fill in a funding application form for a small grant. This training is FREE for two representatives of voluntary/community organisations that operate in East Sussex.

There is a choice of two sessions:

Thursday 21 March 2024 9.30am-12.30pm (in person in Hastings)
Monday 25 March 2024 2.00pm-4.00pm (online on zoom)

To book a place, visit Hastings Voluntary Action Events or phone 01424 444010

HVA are assessing if there is enough interest to repeat this training one evening – please email peter@hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk if you would prefer an evening training session.

National Centre for Creative Health - Creative Health Review

The Creative Health Review from the National Centre for Creative Health and All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing was recently launched.

This new report looks at the evidence for the benefits of creativity on health and discusses policies that could help to integrate creativity into the health and social care systems, with examples of successful partnerships between cultural organisations and health and social care providers around the country.

Email: info@ncch.org.uk

Social Enterprise UK – State of Social Enterprise Report

Social Enterprise UK’s new report covers research into the key trends and issues affecting Social Enterprises.

Titled 'Mission Critical', their report shows a growing sector that is not only profitable and productive but truly pioneering. Social Enterprise UK estimates that there are 131,000 social enterprises across the country, representing almost one in 42 of all UK businesses – not only helping people and planet but also boosting our economy, turning over around £78 billion and re-investing £1 billion in profit into their vital missions.

The report is part of Social Enterprise’s Knowledge Centre, which houses all their research evidence. Over the course of the next year, they will build on the findings of the report, including:

Regional papers – exploring the state of social enterprise across the English regions and devolved nations
Deep dive papers – delving into the issues of working conditions and diversity within social enterprise, as well as how social enterprises compare to the wider business community and where there is scope for improvement

To learn more about State of Social Enterprise report and the upcoming outputs, please contact research@socialenterprise.org.uk

Sussex Community Foundation - Tackling Poverty Report

In November 2023 SCF launched their new Tackling Poverty Report. This is their first report in a series of Sussex Uncovered Reports as part of their new five-year strategy focusing on four funding priorities: Tackling Poverty, Improving Health, Reaching Potential and Acting on Climate.

They have also produced an Executive Summary which focuses on the key challenges and highlights some of the crucial stats.

Tel: 01273 409440

Email: info@sussexgiving.org.uk

Lottery

Sport England launches Buddle – Free resources for Grassroots Clubs

This National Lottery-funded programme provides free learning and support resources to inspire and strengthen clubs and organisations offering sport and physical activity, as well the professionals that work with them. 

Buddle will provide free learning and support resources to inspire and strengthen clubs and organisations offering sport and physical activity, as well the professionals that work with them. 

The launch includes a brand-new website that's more intuitive to use and fully accessible. The resources available on Buddle include:  

current, trusted, information, advice and guidance to help with all aspects of developing, running, and growing a club or organisation
equip users with the tools and guidance you need to help your club or organisation become more inclusive and resilient
answers to volunteers’ questions and help for them respond to any issues they may face
access to training and development opportunities to improve and develop skills, knowledge, and confidence
relevant news and developments from across the sector
signposting to further support from other trusted sector experts.

Government

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG)

The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) provides funding to help tree nurseries and suppliers invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. This will help improve the quantity, quality, diversity, and biosecurity of domestic tree supply.

The TPCG is looking to support projects with outputs that will better equip nurseries to supply the trees required for new woodlands and urban planting projects.

The grant will enable suppliers to bolster production at pace and has been designed to complement the innovation outputs of the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that will enhance UK tree production methods.

Up to £2.5 million of funding is available through the Tree Production Capital Grant, subject to sufficient high-quality bids being received.

Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs.

Funding will be split into two streams separating projects valued between £10,000 and £100,000 (Stream A), and those valued at greater than £100,000 (Stream B). Projects must have a minimum total cost of £10,000 to be eligible. The TPCG will provide 50% funding for projects up to a maximum of £175,000. Applicants may submit no more than one bid during each funding round.

Funding is available for the 2024-2025 financial year only.

The grant is open to tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the sector. Applicants must be UK-based and will need to demonstrate how the grant will be used to increase English tree seed or sapling supply.

The following groups are identified as likely potential applicants:

Private sector nurseries and seed suppliers
Public sector organisations such as Local Authorities
New entrants to forestry from adjacent horticultural/agricultural sectors
Environmental NGOs
Community tree nurseries

Note: the applicant must be a UK-based public, private or third sector organisation and demonstrate how funding will be used to enhance the supply of seed or saplings in England.

Example projects suitable for funding could include:

Investments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines
Improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems
Biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment
Seed processing or storage equipment

Eligible costs that may be claimed for include:

Costs of equipment and machinery purchased
Delivery and shipping costs of items purchased
Personnel costs related to the construction or implementation of the items purchased at the applicant’s site of operation

Completed application forms must be sent to tpcg@forestrycommission.gov.uk by 30th January 2024 (11:55pm).

Email: tpcg@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – Community Automated External Defibrillators Fund

DHSC’s funding scheme aims to provide around 2,000 new defibrillators in community spaces across England.

This could include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, to ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.

A total of £1 million is being made available. An estimated 2,000 new defibrillators will be funded.

The scheme is based on a first come first served basis. Funding will be allocated as follows:

100 applications will be selected by DHSC to receive a fully funded AED - selection is based on areas that are most in need of AED throughout England. Applicants will be advised in mid-October and units shipped in mid-November
1,900 applications will receive partial DHSC funding for an AED - organisations will be required to provide their own match funding of c.£750

Local community organisations, such as sports clubs, local theatres, community halls, etc., may register their interest now.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Not be an organisation that is eligible for the Department of Education scheme, eg, a school
Locate the secure defibrillator cabinet outside in an area that is accessible to members of the public 24 hours per day
Be able to provide an electrical power source to ensure the defibrillator cabinet light and heater operate to keep the device at the right temperature
Provide match funding for their application (c. £750)

The deadline for applications is 21st September 2024 (11:59pm) or until all the funding has been allocated, whichever comes first.

Tel: 0300 302 1388

Email: hello@defibgrant.co.uk

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) - Community Ownership Fund

DLUHC’s funding supports community groups taking ownership of at-risk assets and providing essential renovations for assets already in community ownership, to ensure long-term sustainability for the benefit of the community.

Applicants can apply for a blend of capital and revenue funding:

Capital funding: up to £250,000 to purchase or lease an asset and pay for refurbishment costs. In exceptional cases, up to £1m in funding is available for all asset types where the asset is at risk of being lost. You are required to contribute 20% ‘match’ funding towards the total capital required.

Revenue funding: up to £50,000 to fund project development costs, such as feasibility studies, or running costs in the first year of operation, such as staffing costs. Revenue funding requests cannot be more than 20% of your capital funding request or £50,000, whichever is smaller. Revenue funding does not need to be matched.

Organisations eligible to apply are incorporated voluntary and community organisation or a parish (or equivalent) council. (Unincorporated applications can apply at the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage but must be an eligible organisation before applying at the full application stage).

Projects could include (but are not limited to):

Community centres
Cinemas and theatres
Galleries
Museums
Music venues
Parks
Post office buildings
Pubs
Shops
Sporting and leisure facilities

For full eligibility criteria and guidance about how to apply, the Community Ownership Fund support programme has published a number of different guides on their website.

There is a two-step application process: The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest. This can be done at any time and an outcome is usually conveyed within three to four weeks of submission. If successful, applicants will be sent an email containing a unique application form link when a new round opens.

There are four bidding windows per year, so applicants will have an opportunity to apply approximately every three months until March 2025. Groups can apply in any bidding window suitable for the timings of their project up until the programme closes in March 2025.

Email: info@mycommunity.org.uk

Forestry Commission - Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG)

The Forestry Commission has launched the Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG) to support the increase in quantity, quality, and diversity of Seed Stands and Seed Orchards in England.

Up to £260,000 of funding is available, subject to sufficient high-quality bids being received.

All activities related to the 21 priority species seed sourcing strategies will be funded at 100%, and other projects will be funded at 50%.

Projects must have a minimum total cost of £2,000 to be eligible for funding. Applicants may submit more than one bid during each funding round, but each lead applicant may only apply for a maximum of £75,000 per annum, across all their bids in each funding round.

Funding is available for the 2024-2025 financial year only. All items must be received, and work completed between 1st April 2024 and 27th March 2025.

The SSG is open to any public, private, or third sector organisation that can demonstrate how the grant will be used to enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of English seed stands and seed orchards. Individual private landowners may also apply for eligible activities on their own land.

Eligible activities:

Management of existing seed stands, to ensure they are productive for seed collectors.
Desk studies and field studies to identify and bring additional seed stands onto the National Register of Basic Material
Planning and planting of new seed stands, and their registration on the National Register of Basic Material
Planning and planting of new seed orchards and their registration on the National Register of Basic Material

Proposals can include a combination of activities from the list above.

The next deadline for applications is 13th February 2024 (11:55pm).

Email: SSG@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Trusts and Foundations

7stars Foundation

The foundation makes grants to projects which support young people (16 years and under) who are challenged by abuse or addiction, who are young carers, or who are homeless/without a safe place to call home.

The Foundation considers applications from organisations who require funding in the areas of:

Abuse
Addiction
Child carers
Homelessness

Organisations must have a turnover of under £1.5 million and be supporting young people aged 16 years and under.

The grant funding is intended to support young people (aged 16 and under) challenged by abuse and addiction, those who are young carers, and those who are homeless or without a safe space to call home.

Funding is offered across the following streams:

Project grants: Up to £2,500 to cover the costs of projects which:
- Enable young people to have the best start in life and aim high
- Have a direct impact and respond to a need in an immediate manner
- Are hosted in geographical areas of deprivation and socioeconomic disadvantage
- Respond to one or more of the funding priorities of the7stars foundation
- Address a lack of provision (due to a lack of funding from alternative sources)
- Provide immediate support, not just in the short-term but with long-term benefits too
Shine Bright: Up to £1,500 for registered charities to purchase items and resources to protect and support the children they serve through the cost of living crisis
Direct grants: funding to individuals affected by the Foundation's priorities, supported by outreach/social/care workers or legal professionals. (Applications must be submitted by the supporting professional/organisation)
Social Impact: Up to £1,500 for three charities across the year for projects that align with the following awareness days:

5th to 11th February - Race Equality Week
16th March - Young Carers Action Day
18th March - Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day
15th to 21st May - Mental Health Awareness Week
17th May - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia
1st to 30th June - PRIDE month
3rd to 9th July - Alcohol Awareness Week
10th October - World Homeless Day
1st to 31st October - Black History Month
10th December - Human Rights Day

Regarding projects for Child Carers, preference will be given to projects offering long-term impact and/or sustainable support (such as mentoring or outreach programmes) over recreational trips.

The 2024 funding rounds are as follows:

1st December to 31st January for a March funding review
1st March to 30th April for a June funding review
1st July to 31st August for an October funding review

Email: info@the7starsfoundation.co.uk

The Allen Lane Foundation

The Allen Lane Foundation supports work which benefits groups of people who are under-represented in society.

Overall, the Foundation wishes to fund work which:

Will make a lasting difference to people's lives rather than simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems
Is aimed at reducing isolation, stigma and discrimination
Encourages or enables unpopular groups to share in the life of the whole community

The Foundation awards up to £15,000 either as a single grant for one year, or over two or three years. The average single grant ranges from £5,000 - £6,000. Grants repeated for more than one year vary from £500 to £5,000 per year.

The Foundation aims to help organisations to become sustainable. Funding can support running and core costs to enable them to have flexibility, security and longevity.

To be eligible, the work must directly benefit adults from the following groups, or generalist work which includes significant numbers from more than one such group:

Asylum seekers and refugees (but not groups working with a single nationality)
Gypsies and Travellers
Offenders and ex-offenders
Older people
People experiencing mental health problems
People experiencing violence or abuse
Young People (people aged approximately 12-21 from across a broader range of backgrounds)

The Foundation is particularly interested in unusual, imaginative or pioneering projects which have perhaps not yet caught the public imagination.

Apply anytime. Please note, the Trustees meet three times a year. They are next meeting in June 2024.

Tel: 01904 613223

Email: gill@allenlane.org.uk

Amazon Literary Partnership

Amazon Literary Partnership (ALP) provides one-off grants to not-for-profit literary organisations that support and champion writers of all ages and stages on their creative journey.

Grant funding is intended for innovative groups that amplify diverse voices and strive for a lasting impact on writers' lives, the literary and publishing communities and broader society. (Please note, Amazon has provided neither the total amount of funding available or the level of individual grants).

Last year, 35 literary groups across the UK received a grant. Beneficiaries include organisations dedicated to helping children and young adults develop their writing skills, and community groups engaging children with the world of words. A list of previous winners can be found on the Amazon Literary Partnership webpage.

To be eligible, applicants must be a registered nonprofit organisation whose core mission is to develop emerging writers, support diversity, celebrate storytelling, and/or build authors’ careers. Organisations should be structurally and financially sound; display energy, passion, and reach; have an online presence, and an enthusiastic membership or readership.

The deadline for 2024 submissions is 31st January 2024.

The Army Benevolent Fund

The Army Benevolent Fund provides grants to charities and organisations that provide lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.

The Fund supports up to 100 charities each year. Funding is at the discretion of the Fund’s Grants Committee. The charity has not set a minimum or a maximum amount to apply for, although please note, applications from organisations with which the charity has no established relationship are likely to be below £15,000.

Typically grants are made for a single year; however, the Charity’s Trustees may consider making a grant spread over a number of years at their discretion if they feel this would be appropriate.

The funding is intended to support charities and organisations with projects and activities that directly benefit the Army community in six key areas: supporting the family; employment, education and training; elderly care; mobility; housing; and wellbeing.

Applications will be accepted from the following organisations which support the Army community:

Not-for-profit organisations
Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Community Projects
Housing Associations

In the first instance, preference is given to charities and organisations which are members of the Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO). The Charity prefers to support those organisations working directly with beneficiaries at a grassroots level.

The main Grants Committee normally sits three times a year, in February, June and November.

New partners and projects are considered at the February Committee. Any charity that has not been supported by the Fund in the previous 24 months must contact the Fund before making a formal submission.

The next deadline for applications is 11th January 2024 for consideration in February 2024.

Tel: 020 7901 8900

Email: externalgrants@armybenevolentfund.org

Anchor Foundation

The Anchor Foundation supports Christian charities working with art and healing and those seeking to offer social inclusion.

The Foundation awards up to £12,000. Please note, the Foundation does not have the resources to enter into correspondence about applications and asks applicants to please refer to the guidance on their website.

The deadlines for applications are 31st January and 31st July.

Email: secretary@theanchorfoundation.org.uk

BN9 Arts Growth Fund ’24

Towner Eastbourne and Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s creative projects funding pot has opened for its third year.

The BN9 Arts Growth Fund ’24 makes grants up to £5,000 to organisations that propose projects that match the fund’s aims and deliver activity in Newhaven in 2024. Go to the Creative Newhaven website’s Creative Projects page to find out more and fill in the application form.

There will be an online advice session for people to find out more about the fund, at 3pm on Thursday 11th January.

If you have any accessibility needs regarding applying or need help with any part of the application process, please get in touch with the fund.

The fund is open for applications until Thursday 8th February (5pm).

Email: creative@newhavenenterprisezone.com

Canoe Foundation

The Canoe Foundation is looking for projects across the whole of the UK that will:

Increase or enhance existing public access points to water for all forms of paddlesport
Create launching and landing sites, to and alongside water, for all sectors of the community and all abilities. They should be designed to be durable and use sustainable materials when applicable
Protect and enhance the natural blue spaces we enjoy such as rivers and coastlines
Are “ready to go

The Canoe Foundation welcomes applications from:

Paddling clubs
Community groups
Parish Councils
Local Authorities
Anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water and protecting the environment in the UK
Organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the maintenance and use of the facilities on an ongoing basis

The latest funding window is open until 31st January 2024.

Contact Form

Clothworkers' Foundation

The Foundation aims to use its funding to improve the quality of life for people and communities that face disadvantage and marginalisation.

Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees who will determine what level of grant they will give.

For larger projects (£100,000+), the Foundation generally funds 10% or more of the balance to be raised. For example, if the project cost was £200,000 and the applicant had £150,000 left to raise, the grant award would be at least £15,000. The larger a project, the larger the grant is likely to be.

For smaller projects (with a balance of less than £10,000), the Foundation generally funds between 50% and 100% of the balance.

Registered charities, Community Interest Companies, and other registered UK not-for-profit organisations (including special schools) with an annual income under £10 million can apply.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the work of their organisation fits within one or more of the Foundation's programme areas and that at least 50% of service users benefiting from the capital project are from one or more of those groups.

This Foundation awards grants in the following areas:

Substance misuse and addiction- organisations supporting people and families affected by drugs and/or alcohol misuse
Disabilities (inc. mental health and visual impairment) - organisations supporting people who have physical and/or learning disabilities, and/or people experiencing mental health issues. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to visual impairment, so it welcomes applications from organisations focused in this area
Communities experiencing racial inequalities - organisations supporting communities affected by racism, and organisations working to promote racial equity
Young people facing disadvantage- organisations supporting young people facing disadvantages, particularly (but not limited to) young people in care or leaving care and young people not in employment, education or training
Domestic and sexual abuse- organisations supporting adults and children affected by any form of domestic or sexual abuse
Older people facing disadvantage - organisations providing services for older people facing disadvantage, particularly (but not limited to) economic disadvantage and isolation
Homelessness- organisations providing services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Prison and rehabilitation- organisations supporting people in prison and their families, those at risk of offending, and the rehabilitation of those leaving prison
LGBT+ and communities - organisations providing support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people facing disadvantage or discrimination
Economic disadvantage - organisations supporting individuals or communities experiencing poverty and deprivation

At least 50% of an applying organisation's service users benefiting from the capital project must be from one or more of the above groups.

Funding is available for capital costs. This means tangible items or work, including:

Buildings - purchase, construction, renovation and/or refurbishment
Fittings, fixtures, and equipment - this includes but is not limited to office equipment/furniture, sports/gym equipment, digital/audio visual equipment, software and websites, garden equipment, specialist therapeutic (excluding medical) equipment
Vehicles - minibus, car, caravan, people-carrier, 4X4. The Foundation is unlikely to fund the total cost of a new vehicle

The eligibility criteria for applications to the Open Grants Programmes has expanded to include digital projects beyond hardware. The funders will now consider funding one-off costs for some types of digital software and products.

The foundation will consider one-off costs towards:

Moving paper-based processes online so organisations can make better use of digital technology. This is sometimes described as 'digitising processes' and can include the tech infrastructure and devices needed e.g., cloud storage and tablets for data collection
Support for developing or updating the digital tools used to communicate, such as websites, apps or messaging platforms
Adding new digital features to services an organisation already has to make them easier for people to use and access

Examples of eligible projects (this list is not exhaustive):

Development of a new or upgrade of an existing website
Initial database/CRM set-up costs e.g., consultancy costs for customisation, initial training and support costs
Costs to upgrade or refresh an existing database
Database integration/integration across databases and other digital software used
Making a service already offered accessible online (for example, via a specialised app or website function)

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Email: foundation@clothworkers.co.uk

Enjoolata Foundation

The Enjoolata Foundation is an independent grant-making foundation in East Sussex, championing community projects and social enterprises within the BN postcode area.

The Foundation seeks to empower local charities and social enterprises through grant funding and dedicated partner support. The Foundation grants up to £5,000 and is interested in supporting applicants who have encountered obstacles in realising their creative ideas, such as difficulties in securing funding and support.

Not-for-profit organisations (e.g., local community groups), individuals, charities, voluntary groups, or social enterprises are all welcome to apply. Applicants should aim to positively impact their community, people, or the environment.

The Foundation considers projects, aligning with one or more of their specified themes, with a particular emphasis on supporting local initiatives. Their themes are:

Education for Empowerment: Enabling access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning and fostering skills and development to empower individuals and communities for a brighter future
Health & Wellbeing: Investing in healthcare solutions, preventive measures, and wellness programs that enhance the overall health and wellbeing of diverse populations, ensuring a robust and resilient society
Environmental Stewardship: Supporting projects that champion conservation, sustainable practices and ecological restoration, contributing to the preservation and regeneration of our planet’s natural resources
Social Innovation and Inclusion: Backing initiatives that promote social justice, equity and inclusion, striving to build a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective progress
Arts and Culture: Nurturing creativity, preserving heritage, and fostering cultural exchange to enrich societies, promote diversity, and strengthen the fabric of communities.

The application period is from January 1st to January 14th, 2024, closing at midnight.

Email: hello@enjoolata.org

Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund

The Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, run by the Museums Association (MA), supports museums and their community partners to develop together, using collections.

The Fund supports museums to improve their inclusive collections and participatory practice with, and sometimes led by, community partners. They are looking for museums that have established strategic aims for diversity, equity and inclusion; and that are ready to use their collections and this funding to support social and climate justice, in ways that are relevant to local contexts and relationships.

Grants of up to £100,000 over around two years are available, and they are expecting to award around 12 grants per year in two funding rounds.

The current round is open for expressions of interest until 22nd April 2024.

Tel: 020 7566 7800

Email: info@museumsassociation.org

GambleAware - Improving Outcomes for Women and Minority Communities Affected by Gambling Harm

This funding programme is a response to research published by GambleAware in 2023, demonstrating that people from particular groups in society face additional burdens of gambling harm, as well as barriers in accessing services which meet their needs.

The Fund aims to reduce the inequalities which exist within gambling harm for women and people from minority religious and ethnic communities.

There is a total funding pot of £4.3 million. Two levels of funding are available:

Level 1: £150,000 for up to two years for smaller/ emergent organisations with less of a track record within the gambling harms sector
Level 2: £300,000 for up to two years for larger organisations or more established projects

The Fund is open to registered charities and not for profit organisations.

Partnership applications are encouraged. Where an organisation does not have experience within gambling harms, they are encouraged to reach out to one of the National Gambling Support Network partners (NGSN), or alternatively contact the GambleAware team for support.

This funding is for work that addresses the key principles underpinning the approach taken in this programme:

Examples of the types of projects that could be funded, include but are not limited to:

Tailored support for women or people from minority communities
Investing in women and minority community-led organisations trusted organisations
Interventions to reduce barriers to access support
Projects which focus on reducing stigma and shame, enabling people to recognise their gambling harm and take steps to seek treatment or support
Sensitised gender or cultural competency workforce training
Network building mobilising communities who can campaign and influence change
Strengthening and sharing good practice within the current system to improve access and outcomes

There will be a Fund Q&A on 9th January 2024 (4pm to 5pm). Registration is required.

The Fund accepts applications until 31st January 2024 (5pm).

Tel: 0207 281994

Email: commissioning@gambleaware.org

Gatwick Airport Community Trust

This Trust supports projects that benefit people from all communities and backgrounds in the Trust's geographical area of benefit, which includes parts of East Sussex. Please check the Trust’s map and list of towns and villages in eligible locations.

The Trust generally awards between £1,000 and £5,000. They occasionally consider larger grants if the impact is targeted to benefit a significant number of people and is considered to make a valuable and noticeable difference longer term. Applicants should seek advice from the Trust before applying for a larger grant.

Grants will represent contributions to physical projects, additional facilities, or set-up costs of a new service that will be self-sustaining thereafter. Applications should demonstrate that projects will benefit the wider community.

The funding is for projects that are targeted towards the following:

Development of young people
Art projects, including amateur drama, music and art
Sporting facilities
Environmental improvement and conservation
Improvements to community facilities such as village halls
Support for the disabled
Support for the elderly
Encouragement of additional volunteering or giving in the area

Voluntary and community groups with charitable aims are eligible to apply. Places of worship are also eligible if they benefit the wider community. The Trust also considers applications from Parent and Teacher Associations if the project goes over and above core activities which are the responsibility of the Local Education Authority.

Applications from Parish or Town councils will be considered if the project benefits the local community, they have identified other funding sources such as the precept or other grant providers, and that all maintenance/ongoing costs will be met by the Parish/Town Council.

The Trust is open for applications until 31st March 2024.

Tel: 07444 737518

Email: mail@gact.org.uk

Groundwork - VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme is offering independent energy assessments to help identify energy-saving opportunities in buildings.

From January, the scheme will also be offering capital grants to implement measures recommended in the assessment.

Applicant organisations must be a VCSE delivering frontline services. They must be able to demonstrate that they are financially sustainable, require support around energy and are not suitable for blended finance or loan support through other schemes.

The scheme is funded as 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.

Use the eligibility checker to see if you’re eligible to apply for the cost and delivery of an Independent Energy Assessment (IEA). If you’re successful, they’ll match you up with an independent energy assessor who will work with you to assess your building and help identify energy-saving opportunities.

An IEA is a comprehensive evaluation of your building’s energy usage, efficiency and potential for energy savings, conducted by a qualified and experienced independent energy assessor.

With a satisfactory IEA, and provided you meet the wider eligibility criteria, your organisation may also apply for a Capital Grant. Capital Grants of between £2,000 and £150,000 can be used to install capital energy efficiency measures, identified in your IEA, to reduce your building’s energy costs and support the delivery of your frontline services.

Tel: 0121 237 5894

Email: ees@groundwork.org.uk

LandAid - Routes Out of Homelessness Programme

LandAid allocates more than £2 million to 'outstanding’ small-medium sized charities in communities throughout the UK.

There are three funding streams offered within the Routes Out of Homelessness programme. They are each linked to the provision of a different type of bedspace as defined by the Positive Pathway which recognises three distinct types of accommodation: Emergency, Supported, and Independent.

The streams offered are as follows:

Safe Places Grants - to create new/additional hosting bedspaces, generally bedspaces in the homes of individuals or families who may be volunteers or paid
Capital Grants - to create bedspaces in properties owned by, or on a long-term lease to charitable organisations
Move-on Grants - To unlock bedspaces in the private, or social, rental sector. These bedspaces will be for move-on accommodation

There are three funding streams:

Safe Places - there are no funding limits, but bedspaces are expected to cost anywhere between £1,000 and £3,500
Capital Grants - awards between £20,000 and £100,000 will usually be made under this stream
Move-on Grants - it is anticipated that the average move-on bedspace in the private sector will generally cost £1,000 to £2,000 to unlock

UK organisations with charitable objectives are eligible to apply. This includes registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) or other not-for-profit organisations.

Applicants must work with young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless, or who are at risk of, or have experience homelessness. This does not need to be the sole focus of the organisation, but LandAid funding can only cover projects which specifically support this age group.

Partnership applications, with an identified lead partner who will hold the funding and monitoring duties associated with the grant, are welcome.

In 2024, there is particular interest in projects that will create bedspaces with the following attributes:

Based in the North-East, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
For groups of young people who may be disproportionately at risk of homelessness. This would include young people of colour, young refugees and young people identifying as LGBTQ+
Which would be transformational for the charity and/or local area

Safe Spaces Grants - The aim of this stream is to create 250 host-household bedspaces.

Funding can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Host recruitment campaigns for Nightstops, Supported Lodgings or other hosting initiatives
Other interventions to assist volunteer host schemes to grow their capacity, including launching new services

Capital Grants - The aim of this stream is to create up to 300 bedspaces in accommodation which will be owned or leased by non-profit organisations specialising in support for young people.

Funding can be used in a variety of ways, including:

New-build projects
Modular and other MMC (Modern methods of construction).
Renovations to reconfigure or extend existing housing-stock or conversions of non-residential buildings.
Renovation projects to bring out-dated accommodation up to high standards
Other creative solutions for emergency accommodation

Move-on Grants - The aim of this stream is to unlock up to 450 bed spaces in the private rental sector for young people who are ready to move from emergency or supported accommodation into independent living.

Funding can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Rent Deposit Schemes
Temporary Rent Subsidy schemes for young people who have recently moved into employment and risk getting caught in the benefits trap prior to moving on into independent living
Move-on grants for young people, or a give-direct model where young people identify how best to spend the grant to ensure they achieve a sustainable move

LandAid has announced the programme will reopen to applications on 8th January 2024.

There is a two stage application process:

The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest form. Applicants can expect a response within three to four weeks
Those who are successful will be invited to provide further information at a second stage

The deadline for full applications is midday on 23rd February 2024.

Tel: 020 3102 7190

Email: grants@landaid.org

Lloyds Bank Foundation - Specialist Programme

The Foundation support charities that help people overcome complex issues that don’t have simple solutions, issues like homelessness, domestic abuse and addiction. These make life much harder for people; deepening trauma, impacting health and wellbeing, leading to poverty and destitution, and preventing people from being able to fulfil their potential.

They want to ensure that the charities supported can thrive beyond the lifetime of their funding. That’s why they combine an unrestricted grant of £75,000 with a breadth of tailored support aimed at helping to strengthen charities and build the knowledge, skills and capabilities of staff and trustees.

The deadline for applications is 25th January 2024.

Tel: 0370 411 1223

Email: enquiries@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk

Music Venue Trust - Pipeline Investment Fund

The Pipeline Investment Fund (PIF) is a new grant-giving fund established by Music Venue Trust.

The Fund offers grants up to £5,000. Funding is intended to provide grassroots music venues with support to carry out business development projects that they would otherwise find financially challenging but make a real difference to their work.

The Trust accepts applications from community-based organisations operating grassroots music venues in the UK.

The fund will prioritise support for organisations who may be excluded from other available funding.

Grants may be used to help meet the cost of the following projects and activities:

Small-scale capital projects including: lights; sound; access; ventilation; and minor building alterations
Organisational development projects including: staff and training; diversifying the workforce; succession planning; skills development; and strengthening local community ties

Applications may be made at any time and will be reviewed periodically.

Email: pif@musicvenuetrust.com

National Archives – Engagement Grants

The Engagement Programme offers grants of up to £5,000 for organisations to conduct outreach and engagement projects, that will connect archives with their communities in places across England and Wales.

This year’s grants are based on the idea and concept of “place”. Heritage has an important, and unique, role in bringing people closer together to explore place. Archives contain the records of people, places and events that have defined our shared history and enable us to understand our past, interpreting and sharing collective stories and experiences. We would ask that you consider your collections and records, and how you could use them to engage with new and existing audiences to explore ideas relating to place.

The next deadline is 26th January 2024 (11:59pm).

Tel: 020 8876 3444

Email: archivegrants@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Ormiston Trust - Youth Social Action (YSA) Grants Fund

This funding is for schools to engage students at scale in delivery of a five-step youth social action model as follows:

Inspire: Staff finalise delivery plans; young people are taught about what youth social action means and its benefits; key skills training is undertaken with students to prepare them for their youth social action journey
Explore: Young people continue their basic skill development; capture their learning and YSA goals in a student passport; learn about key social issues; and start to consider what they are passionate about and could act upon
Plan: Young people organise themselves into teams; apply their new skills and take on different roles; and create detailed project plans to make a difference
Act: Young people raise funding and implement their youth social action plan(s)
Reflect: Young people review their project evaluation data and assess impact; they consider what could be improved next time; reflect on their personal success; celebrate success; share impact more widely; and consider their next YSA journey

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for 2024/25 to scale up or start-up YSA in educational settings in England.

The funding is tied to the number of students who will be directly and fully part of driving the YSA process. Grants will thus range from £1,250 to a maximum of £5,000.

Mainstream secondary and primary schools or academies in England may apply.

At least 10% of the budget is to be spent on the costs of delivering youth social action projects to benefit others, however, the school may spend the remaining funding on staffing costs.

The Trust will be holding two online information sessions:

15th January 2024 (430pm to 530pm)
1st February 2024 (1230pm to 130pm)

Registration is by email to samiaakram@ormistontrust.co.uk

A recorded session and presentation can be requested if applicants are unable to attend.

The application window opened on 4th January 2024 and closes on 22nd February 2024.

Tel: 0207 266 7940

Email: fionagregory@ormistontrust.co.uk

The Radcliffe Trust

The Radcliffe Trust supports charities, not-for-profit and Exempt organisations working in the areas of music, especially chamber music, composition and music education, or in heritage and crafts.

Organisations can apply for up to £7,500. The Trust runs two themed grant funds – Music, Heritage and Crafts:

Music: Applications are normally considered under the following headings:

Composition and contemporary music - in the case of commission applications the lead composer must be named
Bursaries for courses and summer schools; limited to UK based students
Music therapy/special needs
Academic research/projects
Youth orchestras
Performance projects
Educational projects - excluding applications from individual mainstream primary and secondary schools
Miscellaneous

Heritage and Crafts: The Trust supports the development of the skills, knowledge and experience that underpin the UK’s traditional cultural heritage and crafts sectors. This includes support for:

Emerging craftspeople
Craft and conservation projects and training
Projects demonstrating creative outcomes by designer-makers
Projects with potential for capacity building within the sector
Special needs projects focusing on the therapeutic benefits of skills development.

The Trust may also make occasional grants in other areas of cultural creativity related to their concerns for heritage and crafts, including theatre, performance, and literature, especially where projects can be shown to contribute to the promotion and development of high-level skills among early career practitioners and disadvantaged groups.

There are two deadlines per year for both the Music and Heritage and Crafts schemes – 31st January (for consideration in June) and 31st July (for consideration in December).

Tel: 01285 841900

Email: radcliffe@thetrustpartnership.com

The Steel Charitable Trust

The Steel Charitable Trust supports registered charities (including CIOs) and exempt charities with an income over £50,000 per year. The Trust focuses on charitable purposes falling into one of the five core categories below:

Arts and Heritage
Education
Environment
Health
Social or Economic Disadvantage

Applicants must have an income above £50,000 per year.

Please note, applications within the Health category must have a focus on one of the following:

Programmes and activities that aim to support, maintain and improve mental health in any demographic. Trustees are particularly interested in assisting charities that address clinical need, rather than general well-being. However, the Trustees will consider well-being programmes aimed at groups with particular vulnerabilities, e.g., unpaid carers, people struggling with addiction.
Health care for older people. This means people over state retirement age. Trustees are interested in supporting charities that offer older people preventative health as well as treatments. Funding for research is not included.

Applications made within the Social or Economic Disadvantage category must have a focus on one of the following:

Disadvantaged children. This means young people under the age of 18. For this two-year period Trustees are focused on supporting charities that help children in families suffering from challenging economic circumstances or children living in potentially dangerous home situations or looked-after children. This focus area does not include health needs
Housing and homeless people. Trustees are particularly interested in helping charities that get people off the streets and into stable accommodation from where they can start rebuilding their lives or moving families out of entirely unsuitable housing because of size or condition. Therefore, the focus during this two-year period is not on looking after people whilst they are on the streets.

Applications for the Environment category may include measures that improve the applicant organisation’s carbon footprint. However, the applicant organisation’s main business must still be connected to one of the five funding categories listed above. ‘Traditional’ environmental applications, (for example, to improve habitats, conserve species or reduce waste) remain welcome.

The minimum grant size is £10,000. Awards of more than £25,000 are rare.

The Fund is open on a rolling basis. The Trustees review applications four times per year. The Fund provides timescales on their website.

The next two application windows are as follows:

Applications submitted between 16th October and 11th January 2024 (noon) are reviewed mid-March 2024
Applications submitted between 16th January and 15th April 2024, are reviewed mid-June 2024

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early in the application period to allow more time for their review.

Email: info@steelcharitabletrust.org.uk

Swire Charitable Trust

Swire Charitable Trust’s funding is for charities supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable people to overcome barriers and realise their potential, and to charities who are protecting the UK’s environment and heritage.

Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. There is no maximum or minimum grant size. Every funding request is considered on its own merits.

Although most grants are for one year only, the Trust will occasionally consider multi-year grants of up to three years; however, these are only awarded to charities previously supported by the Trust.

UK registered charities can apply.

Priority will be given to charities that:

Operate in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK
Try to engage the most marginalised and vulnerable in their work
Can clearly demonstrate the needs they are addressing
Know what they are aiming to achieve and plan to monitor and evaluate outcomes
Are well placed and well qualified to deliver the work
Can show a proven track record as well as solid ambitions
Have the potential to change the way issues are tackled more widely
Take an effective approach to using volunteers and mentors (where appropriate)
Are seeking to make their income streams more sustainable
Have strong and quality leadership
Manage their finances prudently

Projects must address at least one of the Trust's funding programme objectives, which are:

Opportunity: funding for charities that are directly addressing the challenges faced by the most marginalised and disadvantaged, supporting them to make the most of their talents and boost long-term outcomes. Specifically, organisations working with:
- Ex-service men and women
- Victims of slavery and trafficking
- Children and young people, who are:
  - In the care of their local authority
  - Involved with the criminal justice system
  - From the most socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Environment:
  - Connecting people to the environment - funding for charities that inspire and motivate individuals and communities to enhance the natural and built environment and help guide those who wish to live more sustainably
  - Supporting the UK's biodiversity - funding for activities that improve the health and resilience of the UK's eco-systems, habitats and native species
- Heritage:
  - Regeneration through restoration - funding (especially for grass-roots organisations that strongly engage with their local communities) to support projects that have legitimacy from a heritage perspective as well as the potential to deliver meaningful social and economic benefits to deprived communities or disadvantaged people
  - Safeguarding endangered skills - funding for charities that are working hard to protect and cultivate the skills and knowledge underpinning the UK's heritage sector

The grants can be awarded on a restricted or unrestricted basis and the Trust is willing support core costs, capital expenditures and salaries.

There is a one-stage application process, with a single online form for all grants.

The Trust runs a rolling programme with regular grant making meetings, so there are no deadlines for submission.

Tel: 020 7963 9417

Email: info@scts.org.uk

Theatres Trust - Small Grants Scheme

The Theatres Trust offers up to £5,000 twice a year for essential works to not-for-profit theatres that will enable them to be viable and thrive in the future.

Grants are intended to make a big impact to a theatre's resilience, sustainability or accessibility, or to improving the diversity of audiences.

Eligible projects include:

Improvements and repairs to the building fabric
The installation of key plant and machinery
The purchase of key equipment (not software) to improve digital infrastructure

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years
Demonstrate that they run a regular theatre programme of professional, community and/or amateur work presenting no less than 30 performances a year
Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years

Please note, this funding cannot be used for revenue and survey costs.

The 2024 deadlines for application are noon on 12th January and 7th June 2024.

Tel: 020 7836 8591

Email: grants@theatrestrust.org.uk

Toy Trust

This Trust’s funding is for children’s charities working for the benefit of disadvantaged children under the age of 13 years and their families.

Currently, the Trust is accepting applications from small UK charities. The Trust considers making grants up to £5,000. However, they may make larger and longer commitment for special projects.

Registered charities in support of disadvantaged children aged below 13 years are eligible to apply. The Trust also considers applications from organisations around the world that have a UK based office.

To be eligible, organisations must:

Be supported by a registered charity number
Have supporting up to date financial accounts
Have been running for a minimum of one full year
Show a ratio of administration and overhead costs to income of less than 30%
Have unrestricted net assets of not more than £200,000 or of less than one year's income

Funding is available to help disadvantaged children aged below 13 years and their families to:

Alleviate suffering
Support children through awful experiences
Encourage achievement through adversity
Purchase vital equipment
Provide care
Bolster existing initiatives
Initiate brand new projects
Satisfy basic needs

Projects should:

Show real benefit for relieving hardship and suffering to beneficiaries
Run for a minimum of one full year
Be in support of children and projects regardless of faith, sex or disability

Funding can be used for equipment and services.

Applications can be made at any time throughout the year and will be considered at the next Trustee meeting.

The following deadlines apply:

Mid-February for the March meeting
Mid-June for the July meeting
Mid-August for the September meeting
Mid-November for the December meeting

Tel: 020 7701 7271

Email: tracey@btha.co.uk

Universal Music UK Sound Foundation – School Fund

Universal Music UK Sound Foundation (formerly the EMI Music Sound Foundation) is dedicated to the improvement of music education with a focus on youth.

The Foundation’s School Fund awards up to £1,500 to help schools improve their access to music through the purchase or upgrade of musical instruments and equipment.

Please note the Foundation is unable to accept applications on behalf of Trusts/Academies for multiple schools. Each school must submit their own application form.

The deadline for applications is 7th February 2024 (1pm).

Email: umuksoundfoundation@umusic.com

Utilita Giving

Utilita Giving offers grants to charities and other not-for-profit organisations supporting people in fuel and food poverty.

The charity is providing funding (there is no set minimum or maximum grant) for projects that fall within Utilita Giving’s purpose of supporting people in fuel and food poverty.

The charity will prioritise funding that goes to:

Relieve fuel poverty or food poverty
Educating the public in matters relating to fuel poverty or food poverty, including causes and impacts of such poverty and the things people can do to help prevent it

Utilita’s funding can be used for a number of different things that support people in fuel and food poverty.

Examples include:

A new van or transport for foodbanks charities to collect and redistribute food
Additional paid staff to support a fuel poverty advice phoneline
Additional money to feed disadvantaged families in a warm and welcome space

Utilita accepts applications from Charities which are registered with the Charity Commission, or which are exempt or excepted charities.

This fund accepts applications at any time and aims to respond within 14 working days.

Email: general@utilitagiving.org

Vision Foundation – The Vision Fund

The Vision Foundation is offering grants up to £30,000 to charitable organisations that provide support and services for blind and partially sighted people. The Fund’s aim is to support projects and activities designed to reduce levels of isolation and loneliness.

Registered charities, community interest companies, Charitable companies that are limited by guarantee and charitable incorporated organisations are eligible to apply.

Grants are for projects that:

Reduce loneliness and isolation for people living in rural areas
Increase people’s confidence in engaging in activities that reduce loneliness and isolation and improve well-being, e.g., cultural, physical and work-related activities
Equip people with practical and sustainable tools and skills that reduce anxiety about interacting in person or online, e.g., digital or interpersonal skills
Support people to build and maintain healthy personal relationships that reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
Address specific challenges faced by under-served groups, e.g., the queer community, black or Asian communities and people with multiple disabilities or learning differences
Focus on the ways that challenging life events can increase loneliness and isolation for blind and partially sighted people, e.g., relationship breakdown, bereavement or experiencing domestic violence and abuse

The Foundation prioritises organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to involving experts and people with experience, such as blind and partially sighted people or people at risk of sight loss, in their work.

The deadline for applications is 22nd January 2024.

Tel: 0207 620 2066

Email: grants@visionfoundation.org.uk

VocTech Activate Scheme

The VocTech Activate Scheme supports the development of new ideas that use digital tools and approaches to transform how people gain skills for work.

The scheme is described as a ‘test bed’ where the first spark of an idea which could solve a vocational learning problem can be scoped and tested in a supportive environment.

The design, development and early stage testing of novel approaches to digital vocational learning will be funded. The aim is to help take those ideas through basic prototyping to the next stage of 'seeding the market' by delivering a first proof of concept prototype and planning a route to market.

Individual grants of between £30,000 and £60,000 will be awarded for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Applications are invited from early-stage businesses, smaller digital innovators and other organisations looking to test new digital approaches on a small scale.

Charities, trade bodies, existing learning providers, and employers who would like to test new approaches to using digital technology for vocational learning, may also apply.

To help you prepare your application, VocTech run a series of workshops to introduce the fund and help ensure it is right for you.

The deadline for applications is 31st January 2024.

Email: info@ufi.co.uk