Funding and Training Update

A Bloom of Opportunities

Spring has (sort of) sprung, and while the weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing, the funding world is in full bloom. This week brings brand new opportunities as varied as a Scottish forecast - from free trees and safer homes to support for musicians, apprenticeships, and even sustainable theatre upgrades. Whether you're nurturing nature, helping young people thrive, or jazzing up your local stage, there’s something here for you. Have a scroll, have a brew, and see what could help your project grow.

Please get in touch if I can be of help to your group at mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

• Arts and Music
• Environmental
• IT
• Miscellaneous
• Social Impact & Community Development
• Sport
• Young People
• Windrush

Events/Training

• Invest in Renfrewshire External Funding Webinar
• Tobacco & Cannabis Training
• Greater Renfrewshire & Inverclyde: Intergenerational Training for Trainers and Practitioners
• Easy Read Training CPD
• Marie Curie EASE Taster Session 

Arts and Music

Grants for Musicians and Bands
Artists and bands that are at a crucial point in their careers can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 to break through to the next level of their careers. Activities eligible for funding include recording, touring and marketing. Applications can be submitted by the artists themselves or those who are working on their behalf, for example, a manager, an independent label or a publisher. The funding is being made available through the PRS Foundation’s Momentum Music Fund. The next closing date for applications is 12 May 2025. Find out more
 

Capital Grants for Theatre Improvements
Theatre Operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 to reduce their theatres' environmental impact. The Theatre Improvement Scheme can support various projects that consider how theatre buildings or equipment can reduce their environmental impact. This might range from building management systems to more efficient water heaters, or a green roof to new windows. The funding is being made available through the Theatres Trust in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation and the closing date for applications is 12 noon on 05 September 2025. Find out more
 

Music for All Opens 2025 Community Project Funding Round
Music for All, a UK charity promoting access to music-making, has opened its second 2025 funding round to support community music projects, particularly in areas facing economic and social challenges. Grants include the Harris Foundation Schools Progression Award of up to £5,000, alongside instrument donations such as guitars, keyboards, and recorders. The funding is intended to help schools and community groups enhance music education through instrument purchases, studio equipment, and specialist teaching. UK-based schools and community organisations that can demonstrate the impact of funding are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted via the Music for All website by 11:59 pm on 27 June 2025. This initiative aims to remove barriers to music-making and encourage participation among individuals who might otherwise lack the opportunity. Find out more

Environmental

Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups
Hundreds of thousands of trees are being given away to help the UK reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target. Schools, nurseries, colleges, universities, outdoor learning centres, and other groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, parish councils, scouts and guides from across the UK are among the organisations eligible to apply for up to 420 saplings to improve their local environment. Tree packs include hedging, copse, wild harvest, year-round colour, working wood, wild wood, wildlife, and urban trees. The Woodland Trust  are currently taking applications for tree packs to be delivered in November 2025. Applications are expected to close in August 2025. Find out more

IT

AI for All: New Grant Opportunity for UK Charities Promoting Inclusive Technology
The Different Foundation will launch its flagship initiative, AI For All, on 1 May 2025 to promote inclusivity in artificial intelligence by supporting projects that address digital bias and amplify underrepresented voices. UK charities with annual incomes between £150,000 and £1.15 million can apply for grants of up to £2,500, with a total of £100,000 available for the 2025/2026 funding round. Alongside funding, recipients will benefit from mentorship by leading AI professionals to strengthen project delivery and organisational capability. The programme responds to growing concerns that AI can reinforce societal biases if not shaped by diverse perspectives. Applications close on 30 June 2025, and full details are available via The Different Foundation’s website. Find out more
 

Funding for Transformative IT Projects
Registered charities, educational establishments, community interest companies, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for IT projects that benefit communities and people across the UK. The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists makes the funding available through their IT4Good Grant Programme, which aims to support innovative projects and activities that use information technology (IT) to create positive impact through education, digital inclusion, charitable, and public engagement initiatives. This could include developing and delivering innovative new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware. Larger grants may be made in exceptional circumstances. Applications can be submitted at any time until 5pm on 07 May 2025. Find out more

Miscellaneous

Funding to Promote Home Electrical Safety for Vulnerable People
Fire and rescue services, trading standards authorities, community safety organisations and other not-for-profit organisations will soon be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver initiatives that help vulnerable people across the UK improve their homes' electrical safety. The funding is made available through the Electrical Safety Fund, which aims to keep people safe in their homes by tackling the risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public’s awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour. The activities that could be funded include product testing, product replacement events, educational and raising awareness activities, home safety, and data collection projects. Funding of up to £10,000 may be considered for joint and/or larger projects. The fund is due to open for applications on 02 September 2024. Find out more


Supporting Scotland's Entrepreneurs
The Ecosystem Fund, administered by inspirent on behalf of the Scottish Government, provides grants up to £40,000 to organisations that are driving entrepreneurial growth and innovation across Scotland. Application Deadline: 5pm on 20 May 2025. Find out more

 
Grants to Support Projects in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Fine Art & Art History
UK charities and charitable organisations, including schools and colleges, can apply for grants to support projects in horticulture and plant sciences as well as the study, exhibition and conservation of fine art. The Finnis Scott Foundation is especially interested in supporting horticultural training through bursaries and apprenticeships. The sponsoring institution should make applications; individuals may not apply. The Foundation will consider applications for one-off grants up to £10,000, but because of the high demand, most grants are currently £5,000 or less. Exceptionally, grants of as much as £60,000 are made when funds permit, payable over several years. The next application closing date is 4pm on 18 June 2025. Find out more


Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities
UK charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to help children and adults suffering from severe learning difficulties and autism. The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works as well and cover project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools; employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play schemes and play therapy schemes; day and social activities centres; support for families, including respite schemes; independent living schemes; support in the community schemes; and Snoezelen rooms. The next deadline for applications seeking funding over £9,000 is the 1st August 2025. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time. Find out more


Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme for Women-Led Startups
Scottish Enterprise is inviting applications to its Pathways to Scale programme, an entrepreneurial leadership initiative for women. It supports established, female-led Scottish start-ups looking to secure investment and scale their business. The programme offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to twenty-four participants to help them develop their leadership and scale-up skills, and prepare their companies for investment. Participants will also be able to apply for grants of up to £20,000 to fund scale-up projects undertaken during the programme. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating for one to five years, and plan to raise £500,000 or more in investment within the next 18 to 24 months. The fund closes to applications on 11 May 2025. Find out more


The National Churches Trust’s Medium Grants Programme
Grants of up to £10,000 are available to listed and unlisted Christian places of worship, of any denomination, across the UK towards project development and investigative work up to RIBA planning stage 1, to support churches preparing for a major project, and in developing their project to the point at which they can approach a major grant funder. Grants will never exceed 50% of the net project costs for this phase. The National Churches Trusts's Medium Grants Programme is also now able to offer grants of up to £10,000 for urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. Grants cannot exceed 50% of the net project costs. The deadline for applications is 12  August 2025. Find out more


Grants for Access to Legal Advice for Disabled People
Not-for-profit organisations providing legal advice and representation for disabled or neurodivergent people across the UK can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to increase the capacity of their services. The Three Guineas Trust will award a total of £1.5 million in funding to support organisations to increase their capacity to deliver advice and advocacy for disabled or neurodivergent people on benefits and debt, housing and homelessness, community care, personal liberty and equal access to goods and services. Grants can run for 1-3 years, and there are no restrictions on what resources the funding can be used to pay for. Joint applications and partnerships projects are welcome. Organisations should contact the Trust for an application form and guidance notes. The closing date for applications is 12 June 2025. Find out more

Social Impact & Community Development

Match Funding of up to £5,000 Available for Projects with Social or Environmental Benefits
Registered charities and Community Interest Companies in the UK can apply for up to £5,000 in matched funding for projects that deliver clear social or environmental benefits, particularly around health, wellbeing, environmental protection, or poverty alleviation. The grants is offered by the Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation in partnership with Crowdfunder. A total of £100,000 is available, with funding awarded on a 3:1 match basis—up to 75% of the project target. Eligible All initiatives must run in 2025 or 2026 and be based in the UK. Applicants must be sponsored by a Mortgage Advice Bureau staff member, customer, or approved business partner. At least 10 unique donations are required for match eligibility. Applications are open on a rolling basis. Find out more
 

Funding for Community-Led Social & Environmental Projects
Voluntary and community organisations in Scotland can now apply for grants through the National Lottery Community Fund's Community Action programme. The initiative aims to support community-led projects that encourage stronger connections between people and promote environmental sustainability. Grants ranging from £20,001 to £250,000 are available for projects lasting up to five years. Projects should focus on bringing people together, particularly those facing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination. They must achieve at least two outcomes, such as building positive relationships, supporting health or wellbeing, improving access to nature, or making a positive environmental impact. The types of activities supported could include regular wellbeing sessions, community kitchens, growing projects or community gardens, and repair or upcycling workshops. Applications can be submitted at any time. Find out more

Sport 

Grants of up to £2,500 Available for Sporting Activities
Grants of up to £2,500 are available to organisations including sports clubs, schools, religious organisations and Scout and Guide groups in Scotland to run sporting activities for the benefit of people in the local community. The funding is being made available through the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, and to be eligible, projects must be located in areas where there is currently an Aldi store. The fund opens for applications at different times throughout the year in various location throughout Scotland. Glasgow & the West: Applications are open from Monday 19 May - Sunday 22 June. Find out more

Young People

Grants to Support Apprenticeship Training for Staff Working with Vulnerable Young People
Charities, CICs, schools, nurseries and children’s homes can apply for grants to support staff apprenticeship training that will positively impact challenged and vulnerable young people under the age of 16 in the UK. The 7stars Foundation is offering funding to cover the employer contribution faced by applicant organisations wishing to offer apprenticeship training to their staff. The training must benefit young people facing challenges such as abuse, addiction, homelessness, or caring responsibilities. Grants are offered on a one-off basis. Find out more

Windrush

£1.5 Million Government Fund to Aid Windrush Compensation Claims
The UK government has announced £1.5 million in funding to improve support for victims of the Windrush scandal applying for compensation. This funding will increase advocacy support for applicants of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, which compensates individuals who suffered losses due to their inability to prove their right to live in the UK. The scheme is available to people of all ages and nationalities, including those from African, Asian, and Caribbean backgrounds. With grants ranging from £10,000 to £40,000, community organisations will be better equipped to guide those affected through the complex application process and help them secure their legal status. Consortiums and partnerships are welcome. Applications for the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund must be submitted by 5pm on 09 May 2025. Find out more
 

Windrush Justice Programme
Grassroots organisations based in the UK can apply for funding from the Windrush Justice Programme to support their advocacy efforts for those seeking to access the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The programme, made available through Action for Race Equality, is offering small grants of £22,000 (over two years) to help organisations cover the costs of caseworkers, administrative expenses, venue fees, and staffing costs. The programme aims to support those affected by the scandal, helping them navigate the complex process of applying for compensation and securing their legal status. Currently there is no application closing date given. However, the grant must be spent by 31 December 2025. Find out more

Additional Support/Training

Invest in Renfrewshire Funding Webinar

The Invest in Renfrewshire Communities Team host monthly webinars on External Funding Support available for Renfrewshire third sector groups.  The focus will be on the current grant programmes that are open to third sector groups and the type of support available to groups when completing draft funding applications.  The webinar will help assist constituted third sector groups to clearly demonstrate their economic and social benefit, evidence longer term sustainability as well as articulate the impact their proposed projects will have. In addition to this, the monthly webinars also cover wider support available from the Invest in Renfrewshire team including further information on the Invest in Employability programme updates and Business Gateway support. Wednesday 21 May 2025 13.00 – 14.30. To book a space please contact our Funding & Development Officer via Email:  Econdev.community@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Tobacco & Cannabis Training

Cannabis is the most widely used drug in the world. The course aims to provide practitioners working with young people a deeper understanding of cannabis, giving you and your staff team the knowledge, tools and confidence to open up a conversation around cannabis use with your service users. LANDED is a young persons' charity based in Scotland. One of their services is to provide staff training opportunities to build the knowledge, understanding and confidence of staff members who work directly with young people.

• 10am – 4pm on Tuesday 27 May – Glynhill Hotel, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew, PA4 8XB  
• 10am – 4pm on Thursday 05 June – Glynhill Hotel, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew, PA4 8XB

If you are interested in attending one of the above sessions please email HealthImprovement.Renfrewshire@ggc.scot.nhs.uk with your Name, Job Title, Organisation and contact details.
 

Easy Read Training

Duration: 10am Until 4pm (Breaks and Lunch Included)
Location: In-Person Hillington Business centre Glasgow G52 4RE
Date: 13/5/25 (Limited Spaces) 
Cost: £125 Per Person
Easy Read is one of the best forms of accessible information and communication, allowing people with autism and learning disabilities to access your organisation’s information, resulting in a better understanding of its contents not only for disabled people but everybody. On the training, we will provide expert advice on the layout of the document, and sentence structure. And with our expert guidance, you’ll gain the tools to create a more inclusive environment that drives success. We ask people to bring in a Laptop and a policy or a leaflet to transcribe into an easy-read document with our 1-2-1 support. https://viascotland.org.uk/easy-read-translation-service/  
Liam Simpson liam.simpson@viascotland.org.uk

Marie Curie EASE Taster Session

Tuesday, 20th May, 10:00am –11:15 am, hosted online via Teams.
EASE (End of Life Aid Skills for Everyone) is a public education course designed to help individuals feel more comfortable and confident supporting family, friends, and community members through issues related to dying, death, and bereavement. This one-hour taster session will give you an introduction to the EASE course and an idea of what it's like to participate. While you may choose to sign up for the full course afterward, the taster session itself offers valuable skills that will help you support others in your community. The taster session will offer you some activity ideas for starting conversations, a first look at planning ahead and some practical suggestions to help you support someone who is dying.  For more information on EASE, visit: www.goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk/plan-illness-ease
Please see booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/ETES