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Funding News - January 2025

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Funding News - January 2025

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Information and Guidance
Charity Governance Awards 2025
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – Announces new fund to strengthen links between farms and charities
Groundwork – Youth Advisory Board 2025

Lottery
Arts Council England (ACE) – Resources

Government
Foreshore Trust Small & Events grant programme – Round 10
Department for Education (DfE) - Complex Needs Open Children's Homes Capital Investment
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES)
Ministry of Justice - National Witness Service - Delivery Grant
Rother – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Grants Scheme

Trusts and Foundations
Army Benevolent Fund – Grants to Organisations
Armed Forces Covenant Fund - Serving Families: On the Move Programme 2024-25
Art Fund – THE HERDS
Association of Independent Museums (AIM) – Museum Fundamentals Grant Programme
Aurelius Charitable Trust
Bedgebury Foundation
Building On Overlooked Sporting Talent (BOOST)
CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund
Charles Hayward Foundation
Clothworkers' Foundation
Continuo Foundation – Round Nine
Delamere Dairy Foundation
Energy Redress Scheme - Round 10
Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund
Garfield Weston Foundation
Gatwick Airport Community Trust Fund
Goodwill Fund for Hastings and St Leonards
Green Hall Foundation
Grow Wild Community Programme
Help the Homeless grants
HDH Wills Charitable Trust – Small Grants
The Homity Trust – Grants for Sussex based Community Groups
London Hearts – Defibrillator grants
Marsh Charitable Trust
Naturesave Trust – Sustainable and Active Travel
Matrix Causes Fund
National Archives - Engagement Grants
Neat Streets Grant Fund
Peter Sell Award
Rowing Foundation
Screwfix Foundation
Sea-Changers Innovation Fund
Strategic Legal Fund
Stobart Sustainability Fund
SUEZ Communities Trust Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) - Primary Fund (England)
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
Tweed Family Charitable Trust
Ufi VocTech Trust - Activate Scheme
WHSmith Trust
Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation - Small Change Big Difference Fund

Funding Diary

Information and Guidance

Charity Governance Awards 2025

The Charity Governance Awards were created to celebrate outstanding governance and trusteeship in UK charities, allowing large and small not-for-profit organisations to inspire one another.

This year there are five award categories:

Board Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Challenge to Change
Improving Impact in Small Charities (for 0-3 paid staff)
Improving Impact in Small Charities (for 4-30 paid staff)
People in Governance

The Awards are open to registered charities established before 31st December 2021. The shortlist will be announced in April 2025, and selected charities will be invited to the awards ceremony in June 2025 where the winners will be announced.

The winners will receive an unrestricted cash grant of £6,000 and a trophy. Runners-up will each receive grants of £1,500. All shortlisted charities will be offered a one-year membership to the Association of Chairs for their chairs or vice-chairs and a free place on a Cause4 Trustee Leadership Training Programme for a new trustee.

Apply by 12th February 2025 (12pm).

Email: Info@CharityGovernanceAwards.co.uk

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – Announces new fund to strengthen links between farms and charities

DEFRA’s press release, 27th December 2024, announced a new £15 million fund to help charities get spare produce to those in need.

It aims to strengthen the links between farms and charities and help solve the problem of farm food waste. The new scheme will see grants starting from £20,000 made available to the not-for-profit food redistribution sector in England.

It will help British farmers to deliver good food for those that need it and reduce the costs they face when dealing with waste, while also increasing the capacity and capability of the redistribution sector to take on farm surplus.

The funding could go towards enabling successful applicants to buy new equipment, such as balers or hoppers, to allow bulky food items to be collected or processed into parcels, and technology to help donors and food redistribution charities work more closely. Money could also help provide more training to staff, to enhance their IT and food safety skills.

Information on when the fund opens and full eligibility criteria for applications will be confirmed in the New Year.

Groundwork – Youth Advisory Board 2025

Recruitment to Groundwork’s 2025 Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is now open for young people from across the UK, aged between 16 – 24, who are passionate about the same issues as Groundwork and would like to join a group of like-minded young people to make their voice heard.

Joining Groundwork’s YAB enables members to see behind the scenes of a national charity all while developing confidence, skills and the opportunity to share their opinions and experience with both Groundwork colleagues and peers.

New members will have the opportunity to be involved in three key areas of work:

Youth Strategy: offering input on the government’s new Youth Strategy and consultation throughout 2025
Marginalised Young People & Access to Green Jobs: working with New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) on a policy and advocacy project around supporting marginalised young people to access green jobs
Equity of Access to Nature: working alongside colleagues at Groundwork – who are undertaking research on access to nature and green spaces for marginalised groups – to offer a youth perspective

To apply for the 12-month voluntary position, download and read Groundwork’s application pack and complete the application form.

If you have any questions, please contact the Groundwork Team.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 10th February 2025.

Email: groundwork_youth@groundwork.org.uk

Lottery

Arts Council England (ACE) – Resources

Arts Council England is promoting the following free resources:

Digital Culture Network’s accessibility webinars – this 60-minute webinar will introduce you to the often-overlooked challenges faced by people with hidden disabilities. Focusing on visual impairments, this session will give you practical insights to help you improve the accessibility of your website to make the user experience more inclusive. This webinar takes place on Tuesday 14th January at 11 am and will be hosted on Zoom.

ACE has added an Impact & Insight Toolkit to their Investment Principles Resource Hub. Visit the Hub for the latest support and guidance from Counting What Counts, including blogs, videos, case studies and more.

Government

Foreshore Trust Small & Events grant programme – Round 10

The Foreshore Trust Small & Events grant programme offers grants up to £6,000 to support smaller voluntary and community groups carrying out activities, services and events which benefit and support the local community within Hastings & St Leonards.

This round of funding is for events and activities that are set to happen between April 2025 and March 2026.

Supported organisations in the last round of funding were:

Hastings Community Foodbank
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind
Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance
Hastings International Piano
Emergency Rider Volunteers
A Band of Brothers
Soundcastle
Bags of Taste
True You today

You will need to complete an online application form to apply for the funding.

The deadline for applications is 17th January 2025 for notification by the end of March 2025.

Department for Education (DfE) - Complex Needs Open Children's Homes Capital Investment

The Department for Education’s Complex Needs Open Children’s Homes Capital Investment is providing funding to create additional beds for children with complex needs and challenging behaviour as a result of complex and ongoing trauma.

This funding will be available to help create accommodation which will:

Ensure sufficient provision in the right places for children with complex needs
Ensure local health and social care teams work together to provide care to meet a child’s needs
Reduce the number of children and young people with complex needs and behaviours being accommodated in unregistered provision

Funding can be used to:

Extend or adapt existing provision to provide additional capacity such as an annex or pod
Refurbish a current local authority owned asset not currently used as a children’s home
Purchasing or building a new property/asset

The DfE is awarding discretionary grant amounts to local authorities who are either working alone, as part of a consortium of local authorities, or in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. Match funding is required.

Apply by 28th February 2025.

Tel: 0370 000 2288

Email: ComplexNeeds.CAPITAL-INVESTMENT@EDUCATION.GOV.UK

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme is providing funding to upgrade existing heat networks to reduce household emissions and energy costs, particularly for those impacted by the cost of living crisis.

The HNES objectives are:

Objective 1: Make heat networks more efficient to reduce carbon emissions
Objective 2: Improve consumer confidence by reducing detriment
Objective 3: Help the heat network market prepare for sector regulation and technical standards

The Scheme is awarding the following grants to registered not for profit organisations:

Capital grants: Discretionary amounts to fund up to 50% of network efficiency upgrade projects
Revenue grants: Grants of typically between £15,000 and £24,000 to fund heat networks procuring third-party support to assess packages of efficiency improvement measures. Funding can be used for up to 100% of project costs

Any match funding required must already be in place.

The scheme is open to applications from public, private and third sector organisations.

Apply by 28th March 2025. Applicants can register an Expression of Interest ahead of submitting their application. This is optional and not a pre-requisite of applying.

Tel: 0207 090 1000

Email: hnes@gemserv.com

Ministry of Justice - National Witness Service - Delivery Grant

The Ministry of Justice’s National Witness Service supports not for profit organisations working with witnesses in the criminal justice system.

The fund makes discretionary grants to:

Provide witnesses with information about their rights, the giving evidence process, and their role in the Criminal Justice System
Arranging and conducting pre-trial court visits to help witnesses familiarise themselves with the environment
Greeting witnesses at court on the trial day, offering general support, and assisting HMCTS staff in guiding witnesses through court buildings

The deadline for applications is 27th January 2025.

Tel: 0203 334 3555

Rother – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Grants Scheme

Rother District Council’s Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Grants Scheme aims to support reduce, reuse, and recycle projects that support at least one the objectives of Rother District Council’s Climate Strategy.

The Strategy’s aims are that:

The built environment will be low carbon and climate resilient
Travel needs will be reduced, those that do travel will be on foot, bike, use public transport, or have a low/zero carbon vehicle
The district will produce less waste and support a thriving circular economy
Nature will be in recovery across the district
Renewable energy will be produced locally

Grants of up to £1,000 are being awarded to charities, community groups and parish or town councils. These can cover up to 50% of total project costs.

The deadline for applications is 31st March 2025. However, the fund may close sooner if all funding has been allocated.

Tel: 01424 787878

Email: communitygrants@rother.gov.uk

Trusts and Foundations

Army Benevolent Fund – Grants to Organisations

The Army Benevolent Fund – Grants to Organisations Programme supports charities and not for profit organisations running projects and activities directly benefitting the Army community in six key areas: Independent Living; Elderly Care; Education and Employability; Mental Fitness; Families, and Housing.

Examples of projects and activities include helping soldiers adapt to life after service or assisting elderly veterans maintain independence.

The Benevolent Fund awards discretionary grant amounts, usually for one year. However, organisations the Fund has no established relationship are likely to be awarded below £15,000.

Apply by 17th January 2025.

Tel: 020 7901 8900

Email: externalgrants@armybenevolentfund.org

Armed Forces Covenant Fund - Serving Families: On the Move Programme 2024-25

The Serving Families: On the Move Programme 2024-25 is funding registered charities working in early intervention projects helping serving military families access services when they relocate.

Projects will need to do at least one of the following for families:

Provide ongoing information about available resources when relocating
Provide access to enjoyable resources that meet their needs and improve wellbeing
Reduce isolation and loneliness by building support networks

This funder is awarding grants of up to £120,000 for projects delivered over two to three years.

Apply by 22nd January (12pm).

Email: info@covenantfund.org.uk

Art Fund – THE HERDS

Art Fund is offering grants to enable museums, galleries and cultural organisations to programme activities inspired by THE HERDS, a new project from The Walk Productions, creators of the extraordinary journeys of Little Amal.

THE HERDS will feature over a hundred life-size animal puppets, created in renewable and recyclable materials, journeying 12,000 miles through Africa and Europe to inspire wonder for the natural world and spark discussions around climate change.
The fund offers £500 - £2,000 to arts organisations throughout the UK to deliver outreach events, storytelling, activities and community engagement activities that engage young audiences. Proposed events must take place across May and June 2025.

Funding will support costs relating to THE HERDS activities, including but not limited to:

Payments to artists or scientists that the applicant may wish to collaborate with
Materials and supplies for workshops
Travel for schools and community groups
Digital content
Movement of collection items to enable public spaces
Display of outputs
Evaluation of activities.

Examples of eligible activities include:

Bringing in artists, scientists, conservationists, or climate activities to draw inspiration from the applicant’s collections or location
Activities inspired by artworks and objects in the group’s collections related to nature, migration, or habitats
Creating a puppet of an animal from the applicant’s collections or local to their region
Collaborating with a local nature or climate groups
Use of THE HERDS education programme ‘Boxed Wilderness’.

Museums, galleries, and cultural organisations that are part of Art Fund’s National Art Pass Network can apply. (If you are not sure if your organisation is part of the network, or would like to discuss joining, please contact Jennie Jiricny, National Art Pass Network Manager).

The deadline for applications is 20th January (midnight).

Tel: 020 7225 4800

Email: jjiricny@artfund.org

Association of Independent Museums (AIM) – Museum Fundamentals Grant Programme

The Association of Independent Museums’ Fundamentals Grant Programme is supporting small and medium museums with core activities to enable them to care for their collection’s more effectively and meet the standards required for Accreditation.
Funding is for core activities such as collections care, documentation, research, and exhibition development. This may include:

Collections documentation and research
Collections review
Development of new exhibitions or other access to collections
Purchase of new equipment and software
Small-scale building work to support collections care
Improvements to heating, lighting, and other building services
Staff time
Volunteer recruitment and expenses

This grant programme is awarding up to £20,000 to charitable organisations and local authorities.

There is a two-stage application process:

Groups must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) form. The deadline for the Spring Round is 7th February 2025
Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application. The next deadline for the Spring Round is 28th March 2025

Applicants are encouraged to contact Fiona Woolley (AIM’s Grants and Programmes Officer) for a discussion about their project.

Email: programmes@aim-museums.co.uk

Aurelius Charitable Trust

The Aurelius Charitable Trust is supporting the conservation of culture and the sharing of knowledge, particularly in humanities.

The Trust usually awards £1,000 - £10,000 to charitable organisations.

Apply in writing any time. They do not maintain a website.

Mr P E Haynes
The Aurelius Charitable Trust
Briarsmead
Old Road
Buckland
Betchworth
Surrey
RH3 7DU

Tel: 01737 842186

Email: philip.haynes@tiscali.co.uk

Bedgebury Foundation

The Bedgebury Foundation is a local organisation, focusing on initiatives for children and young people (under the age of 25) in Kent and East Sussex, where lack of funding is a barrier to achievement.

They are currently running two schemes (Inspiring Young Minds; Teaching and Training):

Inspiring Young Minds funds mainstream schools or charities working in schools seeking full or partial grants for innovative projects to benefit specific cohorts and/or whole school learning, wellbeing and mental health.

The Foundation is awarding grants of up to £3,000. Projects should improve support for children and young people with non-written communication difficulties, for example, with Speech, Language, Hearing Impairment or Social communication.

Note, grants are specifically for assessment tools and interventions, rather than nurture room equipment.
Applicants need to provide:

Relevant background information about the profile and needs within their school
Potential benefits a grant may make to their pupils
Full costings of the project
Downloaded documentation supporting their application
Endorsement from Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher

Charities may apply for work delivered into up to five named schools.

Teaching and Training awards up to £6,000 to fund or part fund long courses - for example, a Level 5, or Masters course, or short courses, such as CPD.

Applications should be completed by a member of the SLT and should be for named child facing staff and should improve children young people’s support with SpLD, Trauma or Mental Health difficulties, SaLT or other additional needs.

Charities may apply for their own staff if the training is related to providing activities to school or college aged children and young people with an objective of helping them engage with education.

For either of the two programmes, a senior staff member should complete the online application from on the application portal after registering for an account. Both programmes may be applied for at the same time.

The closing date for both programmes is 2nd March 2025 and can be for activities in the summer term or in the 2025/26 school year. The programmes may close early if oversubscribed.

Email: admin@bedgeburyfoundation.org.uk

Building On Overlooked Sporting Talent (BOOST)

Building On Overlooked Sporting Talent (BOOST) provides funding and support to inspiring programmes which help improve the lives of the disadvantaged and disabled through the power of sport.

Boost’s focus is on five areas of disadvantage: physical and learning disabilities, financial hardship, mental health, social exclusion and medical research and relief.

The Fund accepts applications from charities and not-for-profit organisations that have a focus on sport. The fund does not specify minimum or maximum grant values.

Apply anytime. It takes up to three months for the Fund to confirm an outcome.

Tel: 020 7078 1966

Email: sarah.johnson@boostct.org

CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund

The CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund is supporting small, registered charities promoting lifelong learning and development to enable people to enter work or gain additional skills to further develop their career.

The Fund is particularly interested in innovative approaches that highlight new ways in tackling barriers to training and employment.

The Fund is aimed at charities that:

Work with young people either NEET (not in employment, education or training) or at risk of becoming NEET to improve their access to employment
Reach individuals with complex barriers to employment, enabling them to move towards or into employment, including ex-service personnel and ex-offenders
Increase life skills so people can further develop their careers, particularly focusing on the water, utilities and construction industries

Registered charities can apply for project and core costs.

The Fund awards:

Up to £35,000 for applicants with an income of between £231,000 and £1 million
Applicants with an income up to £231,000 may apply for a maximum of 15% of their previous year's turnover

Apply between 6th January 2025 and 3rd February 2025 (6pm).

Tel: 020 7469 2641

Email: Grants@cabwi.org.uk

Charles Hayward Foundation

The Charles Hayward Foundation is funding projects in their early stages that provide early intervention to society's problems and that would not otherwise happen without funding.

The Foundation offers two Grant Programmes (both offer capital and project grants):

Small Grant Programme - Older People’s Projects. Charities with an income under £350,000 can apply. Grants range up to £7,000.

This strand is aimed at local preventative and early intervention allowing older people to stay in their own homes and remain independent. This can be through:

Alleviating isolation and depression in older people, including informal day care or social, physical and recreational activities
Programmes mainly using volunteers to give practical help, assistance and support for older people in their own homes
Addressing the emotional and practical needs of older carers
Programmes meeting the specific needs of people with dementia

Main Grant Programme - Social and Criminal Justice. Charities with an income between £350,000 and £4 million can apply. Grants awarded under this scheme are between £15,000 to £25,000 per year for one to three years. The Foundation also considers awarding up to £25,000 for pilot projects

This strand focuses on preventing people entering the criminal justice system and supporting those already in the system to move on and rebuild their lives. This can be through:

Targeted early intervention programmes reaching the most vulnerable families
Preventative projects for young people at risk of offending including tailored interventions addressing the needs of girls and young women
Programmes, particularly focusing on young offenders, combining prison based and community interventions dealing with rehabilitation, accommodation and support on release, helping maintain family relationships, mentoring, and creating pathways to employment
Schemes offering viable alternatives to custody, particularly for women and young people
Support directed towards rehabilitating victims of domestic abuse and criminal exploitation

There are no deadlines for the Small Grant Programme. The deadline for the Main Grants Programme is 31st January 2025.

Tel: 020 7370 7063

Email: grants@charleshaywardfoundation.org.uk

Clothworkers' Foundation

The Clothworkers’ Foundation is awarding capital funding for projects improving the lives of communities facing disadvantage and marginalisation.

Clothworkers’ funding is for building works; fixtures and fittings; and vehicles; moving paper-based processes online; developing websites, apps or messaging platforms; or adding new digital features to services an organisation already has to make them easier to use.

This Foundation is supporting the following areas:

Substance misuse and addiction – Supporting families affected by alcohol/drug misuse
Disabilities (inc. mental health and visual impairment) – The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to visual impairment, so welcomes applications from organisations focused on this. Those providing support to the families and carers of those with disabilities can also apply
Communities experiencing racial, ethnic or faith inequalities – For example, providing specialist services such as employment support or legal advice primarily to minoritised communities or more general community support
Young people facing disadvantage – For example, young people in care or leaving care and young people not in employment, education or training
Domestic and sexual abuse – This includes victims, survivors and perpetrators of abuse. Services could help victims escape abuse, or in any part of the recovery cycle. Organisations applying for a capital project linked to supporting perpetrators must have or be working towards Respect accreditation
Older people facing disadvantage – Particularly (but not limited to) economic disadvantage and isolation
Homelessness – Services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes providing homelessness accommodation, or services such as food banks and furniture recycling
Prison and rehabilitation – Supporting people in prison and their families, those at risk of offending, and the rehabilitation of those leaving prison
LGBT+ communities – Anyone in these communities facing disadvantage or discrimination
Economic disadvantage – Supporting those experiencing poverty and deprivation. This can include urgent support or longer-term work

Not for profit organisations including registered charities, Community Interest Companies and special schools can apply for the following grants:

Larger projects (more than £100,000), the foundation generally funds 10% or more of the balance to be raised. For example, a project costs £200,000 and £150,000 still had to be raised, the grant award would be at least £15,000
For smaller projects (with a balance of less than £15,000), the foundation generally funds between 50% and 100% of the balance

Apply for a grant any time.

Email: foundation@clothworkers.co.uk

Continuo Foundation – Round Nine

The Continuo Foundation has opened their ninth funding round. They are offering £2,000 - £8,000 to support professional ensembles playing period music and instruments.

The Foundation’s aim is to mobilise projects of outstanding artistic merit and create meaningful work for freelance period musicians, whilst engaging a wide range of audiences with historically informed live performances, particularly in areas lacking access to high quality live classical music.

Their current funding round focuses on emerging ensembles seeking to establish themselves and gain the visibility and performance experience they need to build their careers.

Grants can be used by a period-instrument ensemble to:

Provide the funding to enable a concert at risk of being cancelled or downsized
Fund a new project where there is uncertainty about audience size
Fund a chamber recital series
Tour an existing programme to new UK locations
Create a filmed concert which can be used to generate further touring opportunities

The deadline for applications is 10th February 2025.

Tel: 02077833563

Email: info@continuofoundation.co.uk

Delamere Dairy Foundation

The Delamere Dairy Foundation is supporting charities and community groups focusing on at least one of the following:

Advancing agriculture and of environmental protection
Advancing young people’s lives by developing their capabilities so they can contribute to society
Relieving financial hardship
Advancing education
Relieving sickness

The Foundation is awarding grants of between £1,000 and £5,000.

Apply by 28th February 2025.

Email: foundation@delameredairy.co.uk

Energy Redress Scheme - Round 10

The Energy Redress Scheme collects voluntary payments from energy companies that may have breached rules to compensate the effects on energy consumers that may have been affected.

The Scheme is running the following grant programmes:

Main Fund - offers grants between £50,000 and £2 million for projects that will support households in vulnerable situations
Small Project Fund - offers grants between £20,000 and £49,999 for projects that will support households in vulnerable situations
Innovation Fund - offers grants between £20,000 and £1 million for projects that will develop innovative products or services to benefit households (all domestic consumers, not just householders in vulnerable situations)
Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund - offers grants between £20,000 and £1 million for projects that will reduce UK carbon emissions and empower households to reduce their carbon footprint (all domestic consumers, not just householders in vulnerable situations)
All funds offer capital or revenue costs. Projects can last up to two years.

Note:

Their Main and Small Fund schemes only accept applications from registered charities. Other organisations can be involved in delivering the project, but the project must be led by a charity who must submit the application and be responsible for the funding and project delivery
Their Innovation and Carbon Emission Reduction Funds accept applications from registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Community Benefit Societies and Cooperative Societies

The amount of funding Energy Redress has to provide varies throughout the year. They review applications on a quarterly basis in January, April, July and October.

Applicants must pre-register at least 10 working days before Energy Redress’s deadlines.

For Round 10, apply anytime (for any of Energy Redress’s funds above) by 15th January 2025 (5pm).

Tel: 020 7222 0101

Email: energyredress@est.org.uk

Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund

Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund supports museums and community partners to improve inclusion and explore social and climate justice.

The Fund awards grants between £40,000 and £100,000 for up to three years and offers:

Core grants to small and medium-sized museums with strategic aims for diversity, equity and inclusion and who are ready to support local social and climate justice. Museums will work with existing collections to engage community groups, partners and/or stakeholders in prominent, democratised and/or community-led roles
Partnership project grants to museums and community organisations that work together, and share aims for diversity, equality and inclusion and have ambitious, compelling ideas for inclusive project work with collections

Contact the Fund before submitting an expression of interest. The deadline for submissions is 5th February 2025.

Tel: 020 7566 7834

Email: sarah@museumsassociation.org

or

Tel: 020 7566 7851

Email: sally@museumsassociation.org

Garfield Weston Foundation

Garfield Weston Foundation supports registered charities working in any of the following areas:

Arts - from small community theatre groups to national arts galleries - engaging with a variety of audiences and can demonstrate impact and quality
Community – this strand of funding is typically taken up by local grass-roots projects. For example, revenue grants for volunteering schemes and capital grants for the restoring village halls and community centres
Education - such as reading schemes and after school clubs
Environment – for example, organisations raising awareness of and addressing issues like sustainable fishing, or conservation work
Faith - simple but practical projects enabling religious buildings to be used for an inclusive range of charitable purposes by communities. Capital grants include funds towards the installation of basic amenities such as toilets and kitchens and for restoration work
Health – for example, specialist care homes and hospices; treatment and support for specific illnesses; and research focusing on medical breakthroughs
Museums and Heritage - for conserving and interpreting heritage for future generations, ensuring it is accessible to all
Welfare – for example, helping the elderly; homeless; disabled; those with special needs; and those in the criminal justice system
Youth – for work consistently demonstrating the commitment of volunteers and professionals to support and inspire young people to achieve their potential, for example, Girl Guides and youth clubs

The Foundation offers two levels of funding, which can be used for capital, revenue or project costs:

Regular Grants up to £100,000.
Major Grants of £100,000 and above. (For organisations with an income over £1 million). Applicants should email a one page summary to Grants Assistant Ciara Molloy (cmolloy@garfieldweston.org) outlining what they are raising funds for, the total cost and fundraising target.

Grants are typically for a single year, however, the Trustees may consider multi-year funding for up to three years for previously successful applicants, provided they can demonstrate that a longer term benefits for their projects.

Around 50% match funding is required as the Foundation typically funds 10% to 20% of total project costs.

You can apply anytime.

Tel: 020 7399 6565

Email: admin@garfieldweston.org

Gatwick Airport Community Trust Fund

Gatwick Airport Community Trust Fund’s annual funding round is open for applications from charitable organisations.

Applicants must be based in specified areas of benefit directly affected by Gatwick Airport operations.

The fund is aimed at projects that protect and enhance a community’s social and environmental wellbeing and benefit people of all backgrounds. Projects should be targeted towards any of the following:

Development of young people
Art projects, including amateur drama, music and art
Sporting facilities
Environmental improvement and conservation
Improvements to community facilities, e.g. village halls
Supporting the disabled
Supporting the elderly
Encouraging volunteering or giving

The Trust accepts applications from voluntary and community groups, parish or town councils and Parent and Teacher Associations (PTA’s).

Organisations can apply for £1,000 - £5,000. Please note the Trust prefers applicants to provide some match funding towards project costs.

Apply by 31st March 2025.

Email: mail@gact.org.uk

Goodwill Fund for Hastings and St Leonards

The Goodwill Fund for Hastings and St Leonards is funding projects and activities benefitting Hastings and St Leonards communities. Priority will be given to those supporting young people and underrepresented groups.

Projects must tackle at least one of the following issues:

Tackling Poverty: Early interventions and parenting support to help families thrive; helping people facing homelessness or housing insecurity; debt advice and digital inclusion support; or addressing food insecurity, particularly during school holidays
Improving Health and Wellbeing: Access to healthy food through such as lunch clubs; keeping older people and people with disabilities connected, active, and independent; mental health and well-being support, especially for young and/or vulnerable people such as carers and care leavers; or encouraging young people to get involved with physical activity
Reaching Potential: Building aspirations and confidence in young people; supporting youth training, job opportunities, and mentoring; or strengthening smaller organisations to serve underserved or diverse communities
Acting on Climate: Empowering young people to take action on climate change; or promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable lifestyles

The Fund is awarding the following grants to not for profit organisations, charities and community groups:

Micro-grants up to £3,000 for delivery over 12 months
Up to £20,000 for running costs for delivery up to three years

The next deadline for applications is 24th January 2025.

Tel: 01273 409440

Email: grants@sussexgiving.org.uk

Green Hall Foundation

The Green Hall Foundation’s objective is to sustainably improve lives among the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged.

The Foundation supports special projects with tangible benefits, for example specific equipment or buildings that will make a lasting difference. (Please note, they don’t fund salaries or running costs).

Typical size of grant is in the region of £1,000 to £10,000. The trustees prefer to contribute the majority of a project’s costs. They also prefer to contribute to projects that will benefit a number of beneficiaries rather than just a few.

The Trustees meet twice yearly to consider applications, in May and November. Each May meeting is open to charities in all income brackets. Each November meetings is only open to charities with an annual income of £250,000 or less.

The Foundation accepts applications from registered charities throughout the UK. The Foundation’s annual returns show grants awarded included charities in East Sussex.

The next round opens on 3rd March 2025 (9am).

Only the first 150 applications will go forward to the Trustees for consideration at each meeting. Once the limit has been reached, the application cycle will be closed, which is normally within two days.

Tel: 01534 487757

Grow Wild Community Programme

Grow Wild Community Programme is the national outreach programme of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The Programme aims to transform urban spaces to benefit of people and wildlife through planting and championing UK native plants or fungi.

The Programme supports projects that transform urban spaces and enhance biodiversity with planting and growing as a core activity. Projects should use sustainable materials and practices and have the potential to reach at least 300 people. Project leaders can share their experiences with other successful groups and attend online events and training facilitated by Grow Wild.

In addition, projects need to work with at least one of the following target audiences:

Young people aged 12-25
People experiencing disadvantage or reduced access to services
People less engaged with others in their local community
People facing barriers to connecting with nature
Disabled people

This Programme awards £2,000 to not for profit organisations including voluntary and community groups. There is also an opportunity to apply for a £500 follow-on grant for spring 2026, to help support ongoing activities.

Grants can cover 100% project costs including seeds, plants, soil, materials, events, workshop charges, specialist experts and contractor costs. You can use up to 25% of funding towards staff costs directly related to delivery of project activities (including workshop preparation and delivery, volunteer support, practical sessions).

Apply by 13th February 2025 (3pm).

Tel: 020 8332 3842

Email: hello@growwilduk.com

Help the Homeless grants

Help the Homeless supports charities helping homeless people return to the community and resume a normal life through training or providing residential facilities.

They support a wide variety of organisations and favours small, grassroots charities working to help the most vulnerable people in their communities.

The Fund awards up to £5,000 to small and medium sized charities. Projects they’ve previously supported include:

HealthBus Trust who provide accessible healthcare to those who are homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. Their grant helped with the purchase of specialist medical equipment
Dover Outreach Centre were awarded a grant to help refurbish move-on accommodation in central Dover which they run to get homeless people into stable accommodation
The Greater Manchester charity, Back on Track were awarded a grant to upgraded café furniture for their learning centre which offers support and learning opportunities for homeless and other vulnerable adults to make positive life changes

Applicants needing funding for building work and refurbishment should contact CRASH, the construction industry's charity for homeless people for advice.

They have quarterly deadlines for grant applications each year. The deadlines for 2025 are 15th March, 15th June, 15th September and 15th December.

Contact Page

HDH Wills Charitable Trust – Small Grants

HDH Wills Charitable Trust supports registered charities concerned with the preservation of wildlife and the environment.

HDH Will’s Trustees make donations ranging from £500 - £2,000 to general charities, which are small enough in size or are applying for support for a modest project such that the charity will benefit substantially from a donation.

The Trust also accepts applications from charities which focus on the conservation of wildlife and the environment. For this category of applicant, the Trust awards £1,000 to £2,000

Grants can be used towards revenue, capital or project expenditure.

Apply anytime.

Tel: 01608 678051

Email: suetrafford@hdhwills.org

The Homity Trust – Grants for Sussex based Community Groups

The Homity Trust, based in Brighton, is seeking grant applications from Sussex based community groups.

The fund provides smaller grants of up to £1,000 to registered charitable organisations helping end users in financial difficulties.

The Trust is particularly open this round to organisations helping with the increasing cost of living crisis. Application details and prior contact information are all on the website.
The next deadline is 28th March 2025.

Contact Form

London Hearts – Defibrillator grants

London Hearts Charity wants to ensure no one is more than 100 meters away from a defibrillator.

To achieve this, the Charity awards £300 towards a defibrillators cost and storage. They also offer a free online training video.

Community and voluntary groups, charities and other not for profit organisations throughout the UK can apply at any time.

Tel: 02070432493

Marsh Charitable Trust

The Marsh Charitable Trust supports charities working in social welfare, healthcare, arts and heritage, environmental and animal welfare, education and training.

The Trust specifically focuses on small, registered charities. They award £300 to £2,000 with new applications at the lower end of this scale. Funding can be used for long-term, core funding for running costs such as volunteer expenses, training days or equipment maintenance.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have understood the type of funding which the Trust provides and illustrate how this would benefit their charity on a long-term basis.

Apply anytime. (Applications are processed on an ongoing basis and are usually administered within two months).

Tel: 07766 391 674

Email: crombie@bpmarsh.co.uk

Naturesave Trust – Sustainable and Active Travel

Naturesave Trust’s latest funding round is for projects actively promoting sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to travel and transport.

The Trust is offering grants up to £5,000. Examples of projects they want to support include:

Vehicles: clean fuel, batteries, or both. This can include electric vehicles, hybrid power systems, and fuel cells
Infrastructure: such as public transportation systems
Energy source: Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels like coal
Activity: Walking, cycling, or using a scooter instead of driving

The Trust welcomes applications from charities, social enterprises and grassroots community organisations. (Please note, the Trust no longer provides grants for schools).

The deadline for this funding round is 27th February (12 noon) 2025.

Tel: 01803 869769

Email: abhawells@naturesave.co.uk

National Archives - Engagement Grants

The National Archives - Engagement Grants Scheme aims to enable charities and not for profit organisations to connect archives with their communities and wider public.

This year's funding theme is ‘Community’. Projects can reach new audiences or connect with old audiences in new ways. Inspiration may come from the national commemorations for VE and VJ Day in 2025, or by other topics.

The Scheme awards up to £3,000. Examples of eligible costs include exhibitions, events, online or digital engagement; materials; staff time, travel and subsistence; and materials or software as needed for project delivery.

Apply by 17th January 2025 (5pm).

Tel: 020 8876 3444

Email: archivegrants@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Neat Streets Grant Fund

The Neat Streets Fund aims to reduce litter and boost recycling within communities.

The scheme supports local authorities and not for profits who manage public realm space to replicate Hubbub campaigns in local communities to reduce litter and boost recycling

Organisations can apply for up to £10,000. Applicants must provide £5,000 from their own resources or from other sources. Recipients will also receive support from Hubbub with management and design time.

Projects should focus on at least one of the following Neat Streets campaigns:

Tidy Roadsides - aimed at drivers and roadside litter
(Name of city)'s Binning – aimed at young adults and aimed at urban environments
Love Your Forest – aimed at visitors to forests and other areas of natural beauty
Neat Streets – aimed at tourists at the beach
In The Loop – tackling recycling on-the-go in towns and cities

Grants can be used to purchase new bins and signage, events and campaign development. Approximately 70% of funding must be spent on purchasing or upgrading infrastructure. The rest will go towards communication materials, event budgets and litter picking equipment, and overheads.

Apply by 24th January 2025.

Email: hello@hubbub.org.uk

Matrix Causes Fund

The Matrix Causes Fund supports charities promoting access to justice (particularly people trying to get support for basic needs), equal opportunities or a sustainable environment.

The Fund is especially interested in work with vulnerable groups including prisoners; asylum seekers; people with mental health difficulties; people (particularly children) with disabilities; and women in refuges.

The Fund provides two levels of funding:

One-off grants up to £5,000
Grants up to £3,000 a year for three years

Funding is for items or activities such as publications, staff/volunteer training, publicity, events and equipment which will benefit many people in the long-term.

Causes they have previously funded include Why Me? UK; School Home Support; Arts Lab; London Black Women’s Project; and Chapter Mental Health.

Their next deadline for applications is 31st March 2025.

Tel: 020 7404 3447

Email: matrixcausesfund@matrixlaw.co.uk

Peter Sell Award

The Peter Sell Award is awarding grants to Scouts and Girl Guide associations to encourage the engagement and involvement of young people.

Associations can apply for up to £5,000. Projects should have a legacy beyond the initial uses of a grant. For example, purchasing equipment which can be used for years to come or inspiring people to remain involved with their Scout or Girl Guide associations in the long term.

Apply by 14th February 2025.

Tel: 01727 843603

Email: admin@lesliesellct.org.uk

Rowing Foundation

The Rowing Foundation funds schools, clubs and other not for profit organisations to increase participation in rowing for young people who are under 18 or in full time education and the disabled of all ages.

The Foundation provides two funding streams. Each one covers up to 50% towards total project costs:

Boat refurbishment grants up to £4,000 (applications should include a handwritten letter from a junior rower who has been through the J14 category reflecting their passion for rowing and the need to get their boats refurbished)
Equipment grants up to £4,000, either as a single award, or staggered over a three-year period. Grants can help purchase equipment such as boats, sculls, oars and safety equipment

Organisations can apply for a boat refurbishment grant anytime. Equipment Grants applications are normally considered three times a year. The next deadline application to apply for equipment is 10th March 2025 (12pm)

Tel: 01932 855662

Email: enquiries@therowingfoundation.org.uk

Screwfix Foundation

The Screwfix Foundation supports projects to improve, fix, and repair buildings, homes and facilities specifically used by people in need (i.e. financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress).

The Foundation awards up to £5,000 for the following types of projects:

Improved energy efficient lighting and heating
Installation of new kitchen, bathroom etc
Installation of a sensory room
General painting and decorating
Improving safety and security of a building

Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply.

The Trustees approve applications at their quarterly Trustees meetings in March, June, September and December.

The next deadlines for applications are 10th February 2025 and 10th May 2025

Tel: 01935 414100

Email: foundation@screwfix.com

Sea-Changers Innovation Fund

Sea-Changers Innovation Fund supports ideas that are new and/or experimental solutions in the field of marine conservation.

This funder awards up to £10,000 and welcomes applications from charities, Community Interest Companies, schools and community groups.

Eligible projects include:

Research – e.g. innovative citizen-science projects and new ways to monitor marine environmental issues
Direct action – e.g. innovative approaches to coastal clean-up and new solutions to reduce pollution
Species protection – e.g. supporting, replenishing or protecting threatened marine species in new ways
Education/community engagement – e.g. educating and involving communities in untested marine conservation methods

Apply by 28th February 2025.

Tel: 0300 102 0151

Email: info@sea-changers.org.uk

Strategic Legal Fund

The Strategic Legal Fund (SLF) supports strategic legal work in the UK which benefits asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.

SLF defines strategic work, as work where the impact is likely to go beyond an individual case, and to result in changes to law, policy and practice that will benefit a wider group of people.

Applications must be to fund one of two kinds of strategic legal work:

The research and development of cases pre-litigation including: gathering evidence to test a hypothesis or research to establish authorities’ policy and practice, identifying potential plaintiffs/applicants/appellants; researching whether to proceed; translating relevant material; and evaluating a litigation strategy
Third party “interventions” in existing cases, which allow a non-party intervener to assist the court in arriving in its decision in a case, acting as an amicus curiae, a friend of the court.

The SLF awards grants (averaging £12,000) to not-for-profit frontline organisations and community groups. The funding will cover 'any reasonable revenue costs' to undertake proposed pre-litigation research or to prepare third party intervention. This includes temporary staffing, freeing up or extending existing staff hours, volunteer expenses, travel and subcontracting with other voluntary and community organisations.

The Fund is managed by the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA). Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposal with the SLF Project Manager before submitting their application form.

The next deadlines for applications are 27th January 2025 (5pm) and 31st March 2025 (5pm).

Email: SLF@ilpa.org.uk

Stobart Sustainability Fund

The Stobart Sustainability Fund is supporting community-led sustainability projects transforming local communities by tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions or protecting the environment.

The Fund is awarding discretionary grant amounts to community groups and educational settings.

Apply for funding at any time.

Tel: 01925 605400

Email: enquiries@eddiestobart.com

SUEZ Communities Trust Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) - Primary Fund (England)

The SUEZ Communities Trust Landfill Communities Fund supports capital improvement works to community amenities. Projects can include village hall improvements; nature reserves and conservation; village greens; community centres; public playgrounds; cycle paths; sports fields and facilities; country parks; and historic buildings, structures or sites.

Projects must be available to the public for a minimum of 104 days a year and they must be located within a SUEZ Communities Trust funding zone. The Fund provides an online postcode searcher for organisations to check eligibility.

The Trust awards £3,000 - £50,000 for projects costing up to £250,000. Eligible applicants include charities; community or voluntary groups; parish councils; community interest companies; and local authorities.

Applying involves a two stage application process. Stage one includes an eligibility check and brief questions. Successful applicants are then invited to submit a stage two application.

Their next deadline for applications is 19th February 2025 for a decision by early May 2025.

Tel: 01908 247630

Email: info@grantscape.org.uk

Trusthouse Charitable Foundation

Trusthouse Charitable Foundation supports initiatives improving the lives of people living in areas of extreme urban deprivation or deprived rural districts.

Projects must be located in either of the following areas:

Urban locations (with a population of more than 10,000 people) postcodes must be ranked within the most deprived 15% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation
Rural locations (with a population of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants in a village/town) postcodes must be ranked within the most deprived 50% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation

The Foundation provides two grant categories: Community Support (Small Grants) and Family Support (Major Grants):

Community Support (Small Grants) awards £2,000 - £10,000 for one year. (Successful applicants can reapply for a further two years). This strand supports:

Community services: information, advice and guidance services; community transport schemes; employability training; volunteering; healthy eating and living; foodbanks which support people out of crisis into long-term sustainability; intergenerational projects, befriending, community cohesion
Community centres – salary or running costs for community centres or village halls which offer a range of activities for all ages
Alternative education – help for young people struggling in mainstream education; homework clubs; supplementary education classes for vulnerable individuals
Training, mentoring, employment and volunteering
Youth – youth clubs and detached youth work; after school and holiday clubs; opportunities for NEETs
Counselling – for any age in areas where statutory services are unable to cope with demand
Family support services – early intervention; families coping with addiction; prisoners' families
Substance misuse recovery projects

Family Support (Major Grants) awards £10,000 - £50,000 for one year or multi-year grants for a maximum of three years not exceeding £100,000. This strand supports:

Early intervention – for example, providing early support to children and families at risk of experiencing poor life outcomes. This could be through family support services; parenting workshops to reduce parental conflict; engaging parents in their child's early education; peri and postnatal mental health; supporting attachment between child and caregiver; or supporting family relationships and lone parents
Families coping with addiction – for example, counselling and peer support groups for families or befriending and listening services
Prisoners' families – for example, parenting education and relationship support for offenders; counselling and coaching for a prisoners' family; or befriending and peer support groups for prisoners' families

The Foundation welcomes applications from charities, not for profit companies and voluntary groups.

Organisations can complete an online eligibility quiz to start the application process anytime.

Tel: 020 3150 4517

Email: grants@trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk

Tweed Family Charitable Trust

The Tweed Family Charitable Trust supports local charities and not-for-profit groups working to inspire socially disadvantaged young people under 25 to achieve their full potential through mentoring, education and community activities.

Projects should meet at least one of the following aims:

Help young people develop their skills, capacities and enable them to participate in society and independent, mature and responsible adults
Advance education
Relieve unemployment
Provide recreational and leisure activity for social welfare and to improve conditions of life

The Trust awards up to £10,000 per year for up to three years. They favour match funding but will consider covering up to 100% of the total project cost.

Applying involves a two-stage application process, starting with an online application form. The Trust then invites successful applicants.

The next round for applications is expected to open on 3rd February 2025 and closes on 14th February 2025.

Tel: 01707873067

Email: tweedfcf@gmail.com

Ufi VocTech Trust - Activate Scheme

Ufi VocTech’s 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 aimed at the design, development and early stage testing of novel approaches to digital vocational learning. VocTech describes it 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.

VocTech offers £30,000 - £60,000 for projects lasting between 3 and 12 months. These grants can help take ideas through basic prototyping to the next stage of ‘seeding the market’ by delivering a first proof or concept prototype and planning a route to market.

They welcome applications 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.

Applications can be strengthened by demonstrating a collaborative approach, especially where employers and digital learning specialists are working together.

The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 4th February 2025 (5pm).

Email: info@ufi.co.uk

WHSmith Trust

WHSmith Trust aims to help all children develop a love of reading through their three priorities:

Large scale literacy projects in partnership with the National Literacy Trust
Supporting local schools through donations to fund books and literacy resources
Employee nominated charities, schools and other good causes by matching staff fundraising money and volunteering time

The Trust encourages their employees to be actively involved in their local communities and matches employee fundraising or volunteering for local causes up to £1,000. The Trust also makes grants to employees who are members of a school parent-teacher association or a Board of Governors.

Apply any time.

Tel: 01793 616161

Email: corporate.responsibility@whsmith.co.uk

Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation - Small Change Big Difference Fund

The Yorkshire Building Society’s Charitable Foundation supports members and colleagues who want to support good causes in local communities to alleviate poverty, improve health and save lives.

Please note, the Foundation only accepts recommendations for small, registered charities from members and colleagues.

They prioritise charities as follows:

Those whose aims are a strong fit with the Foundation’s priorities to alleviate poverty, improve health, and save lives
Are based in areas of high deprivation
Who support marginalised groups e.g. ethnic minorities, women and girls, people with physical and mental disabilities, LGBTQ+

The Foundation awards up to £2,500 to assist with specific tangible items rather than donating to general funds or expenses.

Their next deadlines for applications are 31st March 2025 and 30th June 2025

Tel: 01274 263573

Email: charitablefoundation@ybs.co.uk