Funding Focus - 15 October

If there were ever a week for creative thinkers and community do-ers to pay attention, this is it. From Creative Scotland’s ‘Culture Collective Fund’ (for those who like their art with a side of social impact) to Corra’s ‘Racial Equity Fund’ and ‘You’re Only Young Once’, there’s a strong theme of people shaping the places they live, and making sure every voice is heard.

There’s also support for groups helping families, tackling digital exclusion, giving children new experiences, and improving wellbeing in all sorts of creative ways.
It’s one of those weeks where the opportunities are as varied as the organisations doing the work. So, grab a cuppa and have a scroll, there’s plenty here to spark ideas and, hopefully, a few applications.

And as always, if you’d like to chat through what might fit your group best, I’m only an email away: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com
 

Funding

• Arts and music
• Children and Families
• Community Projects
• Digital Inclusion
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Health
• Miscellaneous
• Older Adults
• Racial Equity
• Sport
• Support for women and girls
• Vulnerable People

• Free upcoming Breast Awareness Workshop: Train the Trainer

Culture Collective Fund | Creative Scotland
The Culture Collective Fund is a Scottish Government initiative which supports a network of creative practitioners, organisations and communities, working together to create a positive difference locally and nationally. The Fund will support activity developed collaboratively between artists, organisations, and communities. It aims to make a positive impact locally and nationally by funding community-engaged creative work, providing paid opportunities for creative practitioners, and actively engaging people in shaping the future cultural life of their community. Organisations in Scotland working in the arts, screen, or creative industries with a strong track record of working with the communities they aim to support can apply for between £100,000 and £300,000. Find out more

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 by those working on their behalf, such as 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 27 October 2025. Find out more

Funding for Projects that Make it Easier for People to Talk About Death & Dying
Funding is available to support innovative community arts and culture projects across the UK which open up conversations about dying, death and grief in new and creative ways. Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme will award grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 to hospices for community-led projects that support hard to reach groups including ethnic minorities, homeless people, prisoners, people with learning disabilities, LGBT+ people, those living in remote and rural areas, and deprived people. Previously funded projects have included a video game that supports young people to think about death and grief, theatre productions, a community mural, comedy nights, and workshops and courses. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 05 December 2025. Find out more
 

You're Only Young Once (YOYO Fund)
The You’re Only Young Once Fund is part of Corra and The Scottish Government’s; The Way Forward for Families Partnership. This fund focusses on improving the lives and outcomes for children, young people and families in Scotland who are affected by drugs and alcohol. Funding will support projects that children, young people and families help to design. The YOYO fund was designed by a group of young people with lived experience of drugs and alcohol affecting their lives. The fund is designed to provide support for children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol. 
The fund has £50,000 which will be distributed in grants of up to £10,000 to organisations with a track record of delivering services specifically for children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol. Closing Date: 31 Oct 2025, 2 PM. Find out more


Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund is open
The Way Forward for Families Partnership is now open to applications. The Way Forward is a joint programme invested in by Corra and the Scottish Government, which will invite applications from partnerships, led by third sector organisations working together with public bodies. Grants will support projects to deliver support to children, young people and families affected by alcohol and drugs.   
Applicants can apply for up to £250,000 over three years, a minimum of 50% matched funding must be in place in each funding year.  
Applicants have until Friday 07 November 2025 to make an initial inquiry. Completed applications should be sent in by 2pm Thursday 27 November 2025 via the online portal.  Find out more
 

Holiday Grants for Disadvantaged and Disabled Children
Grants ranging from £500 to £2,750 are available for schools, youth groups, non-profit organisations, and charities to support recreational trips or holidays within the UK for groups of disadvantaged or disabled children 13 years old or younger. Applications from the 20% most deprived areas in the UK will be given priority. The grants can cover up to two-thirds of the total cost of a holiday or trip, lasting from one to seven days. The Henry Smith Charity is offering the funding, and applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the scheduled trip or holiday. Applications for trips between September and December 2025 can be made until the 19 November 2025. Find out more
 

Funding for Respite Breaks for Disabled Children and their Families
Families and groups of children, schools, organisations, and other registered charities can apply for financial assistance from the Adamson Trust for the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children with physical, mental, or emotional impairments. To be eligible, the child must be a resident in the UK, between the ages of 3 and 17, and the Trust requires evidence of their disability or illness from a medical or social services professional. Grants from the Trust usually only cover a portion of the holiday expenses. The next application closing date is 31 December 2025 for the February 2026 meeting. Find out more
 

Robertson Trust Opens Nurturing Relationships Grants Theme
Applications will open on 30 September for the Robertson Trust’s Large and Small Grants under its Nurturing Relationships theme, marking the completion of its 2025 funding rollout. The programme, which evolved from the earlier Emotional Wellbeing and Relationships theme, aims to prevent poverty and trauma across Scotland by strengthening family and community support. Priority areas include preventative help for families in poverty, whole-family support for those in or on the edges of care, and crisis services for women and children affected by domestic abuse. The fund is open to charities, community groups, social enterprises, and community interest companies, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Earlier this year, £3.23 million was awarded to 39 organisations through a limited Open Call. Find out more

Winter Connections fund
Renfrewshire Council’s Winter Connections programme is now open for applications.
You can apply for funding here.  Apply for the Winter Connections Fund | Renfrewshire Council .Please ensure that you read the guidance carefully before you apply. We ask that you provide information on a specific activity that you will deliver as part of your programme. There is no closing date for this funding as it will be allocated on a rolling basis. The fund will remain open until the available funding has been used. We don’t know what the demand for this fund will be, so advise that you apply as early as possible. If you have any questions about the funding or any issues with the online application process, please email at andrena.faulkner@renfrewshire.gov.uk
 

Grants of up to £1,000 to Support Local Good Causes
Community groups across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support local projects and fundraising efforts through The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund. Open exclusively to the bank’s Charity and Community Bank Account holders, the fund helps small organisations carry out initiatives that strengthen community ties and deliver social impact. Grants are awarded quarterly and can go toward anything from equipment purchases and venue hire to running events and outreach programmes. To be eligible, applicants must hold an active account with The Co-operative Bank and demonstrate how their project will benefit their local community. The fund is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to ethical banking and community support, offering practical backing to grassroots initiatives making a difference on the ground. The next funding round is now open. Applications received from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026 will be assessed in April 2026. Find out more
 

Funding for Local Projects and Good Causes
Community groups and charities committed to improving the opportunities, facilities, and services available to local people living around Glasgow Airport can apply for project grants to support their work. Grants are awarded for projects that fall within three key areas: employment, environment, and education. The funding is being made available through the Glasgow Airport's FlightPath Fund. The committee meets approximately once every two months. The next closing date for applications is 14 November 2025. Find out more

Unrestricted Community Grants from TheGivingMachine
As a charity our mission is to provide funding opportunities for all good causes to ensure their sustainable future. As part of this, we are happy to announce our Community Grants scheme. Each quarter we have 8 unrestricted grants worth £250 each to give away. Any UK based good cause with a turnover of less than £1m is eligible to apply. Applications are now open and will close on 31 October 2025. Find out more

Love Your Network is now open to applications until February 2026
Do you belong to a community group that is helping to keep your local National Cycle Network route in good shape? As custodian of the Network, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust can support you and provide maintenance equipment through Love Your Network.
‘Love Your Network’ has pre-made bundles which include:  

• Equipment for litter picking – to transform the safety and attractiveness of your local path for people and wildlife 

• Tools for maintenance – from shovels and brushes to clear debris, to loppers and shears for keeping the route clear 

Community groups also have the option to build their own application if they need items not featured within a bundle.  Find out more

Connecting Scotland Digital Inclusion Fund
The fund is administered and managed by the Scottish Government and forms part of the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. It aims to support initiatives that help individuals and communities overcome barriers to digital access, skills, and confidence. Applicants may apply for funding between £10,000 and £50,000, depending on the scope and nature of the proposed project. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply to secure support for work that makes a real difference in people’s lives—whether through providing devices, connectivity, or digital skills training. Find out more
 

Funding to Improve Online Digital Presence for Small Charities
UK charities can apply for funding of up to £2,500 to enhance their online digital presence. The funding is available to charities with an average annual income of less than £1,000,000 to support digital expenditures that other funders may not cover. The funding will help organisations build websites and apps, digitise services, and purchase digital products. The funding is being made available through the Fat Beehive Foundation, and trustees are particularly keen to support traditionally hard-to-fund organisations, such as those supporting prisoners, refugees, or disadvantaged youth. Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed at trustee meetings in April and October. The deadline for applications is the end of September for the October meeting and the end of March for the April meeting. The closing date for the next round of applications is 31 March 2026. Find out more

Funding for Community Environmental Projects
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to charities, social enterprises, and community groups for projects that connect communities with nature, aiming to improve physical and mental wellbeing while fostering positive action on climate change. Eligible initiatives may include arts and cultural activities, community gardening, green gyms, mental health support, conservation volunteering, green skills training, and efforts to enhance access to urban and natural green spaces. The funding is made available through the Naturesave Trust. Applications are open until 12pm on 27 November 2025. Find out more
 

Grants for Environmental and Social Wellbeing Projects
UK registered charities can apply for grants to support projects that deliver positive environmental, social or wellbeing outcomes. The funding is provided by the Calisen Impact Charitable Trust, which aims to drive economic and social development within communities by supporting initiatives that focus on sustainable energy solutions and promote inclusive, safe, and diverse educational and work environments. Supported initiatives include partnerships with Eco-Schools, which help fund Green Flag accreditation for schools and engage children in environmental action. Additionally, we support Youth Zones, providing nutritious meals for disadvantaged young people. The Trust does not list a specific total fund value or maximum grant amount per application. The next application deadline is 31 December 2025. Find out more

Self Management Fund opens for applications
Self Management for Life: Round 3 will support projects supporting people to self manage at an early stage with their long term condition, disability or unpaid caring responsibility, targeting health inequalities or supporting people on long waiting lists.
Third sector and community organisations can apply for a small grant of up to £15,000 for up to 12 months or up to £150,000 for up to 36 months.
The Self Management Fund is open for applications until 19 December 2025. Find out more

 

Funding to Support Vulnerable Migrants
Not for profit organisations and private law firms working with vulnerable young migrants can apply for grants of up to £30,000. The grants can be used to support legal work that benefits young migrants living in poverty who face significant disadvantage or discrimination as a result of their immigration status. Applicants should note that the average grant size is around £12,000 and £15,000. The funding is being made available through the Strategic Legal Fund (SLF) for Vulnerable Young Migrants, and the closing date for applications is 27 October 2025. Find out more
 

Funding to Support the Mental Health of UK Armed Forces
UK-based registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) with significant recent experience supporting Armed Forces communities can apply for grants of between £3,000 and £25,000 to support the mental health and well-being needs of marginalised groups within Armed Forces communities. The funding is available through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Hidden Voices Programme 2024/25. The programme aims to identify and fill gaps in service provision, fostering collaborative partnerships between Armed Forces organisations and specialist non-Armed Forces organisations. The programme supports projects lasting up to 12 months. Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on 21 January 2025. Find out more

British Gas Trust Energy Support Fund Reopens for Applications
The British Gas Energy Trust's Energy Support Fund is accepting applications until the 17th April 2025, offering grants up to £2,000 to assist British Gas customers with a pre-payment meter in England, Scotland, and Wales with outstanding gas and electricity debts. Eligible applicants must have a minimum debt of £50 not have received a grant from the Trust in the past 12 months, and have sought money advice within the last six months. The fund is currently closed to credit account customers. Find out more

Funding to Help Museums Build Financial Sustainability
Grants of up to £100,000 are available for accredited and non-accredited museums in Scotland to help them address issues that prevent them from building financial sustainability. The Unlocking Potential Fund, part of Museums Galleries Scotland’s Museum Futures Programme, will support museums in overcoming barriers such as outdated systems, ineffective websites, and skills gaps, helping them build financial resilience and advance strategic development. Formally constituted groups of museums are also eligible to apply. Applicants must complete an organisational health checker before applying. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with decisions provided within eight weeks of submission. The fund will remain open until February 2026. Find out more

Funding to Improve the Lives of the Elderly
Community groups and small charities working with older people are invited to apply for funding aimed at reducing isolation and improving the wellbeing of those aged 55 and over. Grants range from £500 for grassroots organisations to £1,500 for small registered charities and Community Interest Companies. Successful projects often include social clubs, trips, yoga, and guest speakers. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with the next round closing 31 October for awards in November 2025. The scheme is offered through the Home Instead Charities Community Grant, funded by Home Instead Charities. Find out more

Corra's Racial Equity Fund now open
The Corra Racial Equity Fund provides unrestricted funding to organisations that are led by, and working with, people from Black and racially minoritised backgrounds. Open to charities and registered not for profit organisations with an annual income of £250,000 or less. Organisations can apply for funding of up to £50,000 across five years (no more than £10,000 in any one year). 75% or more of your Board of Trustees/ Management Committee, are from a Black and racially minoritised background. 50% or more of the senior staff are from a Black and racially minoritised background (where staff exist). Closing date to send in an application is 12 noon – Wednesday 29th October 2025. Find out more

Rowing Foundation Grants Programme
Organisations, clubs, and schools involved in rowing can apply for grants of between £500 and £4,000 (up to 50% of the project's overall cost) from the Rowing Foundation to support junior & student rowers, as well as adaptive rowing for all ages. This funding, targeted at groups ineligible for larger grants or with smaller needs, helps purchase equipment such as boats, sculls, ergs, oars, and safety gear, aiming to increase participation in rowing among young people, individuals with disabilities, and those in education. The Foundation offers two programmes: Equipment grants, with applications due by noon on 12 January 2026, and Refurbishment grants, accepting applications year-round Find out more

Grants of up to £5,000 For Organisations that Support Women and Girls
Not-for-profit organisations that support women and girls aged 12 and over can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to run projects that promote equality, empower women, support recovery, and build leadership skills. A total of £100,000 is available to support projects that help disadvantaged women and survivors of abuse. Priority will be given to charities, social enterprises, and community groups with an annual income of less than £500,000. The funding is provided by the Women’s Fund for Scotland, and applications must be submitted by 17 November 2025. Since its launch, the programme has awarded more than 1,000 grants worth £3.4 million to over 700 organisations. Find out more

Grants Available for Projects Benefiting Disadvantaged People
Funding is available to support registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations including special schools that work with disadvantaged or marginalised people within the UK. Projects must address one or more priority areas, such as alcohol and substance misuse, disability support, disadvantaged young people, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness, LGBT+ communities, or support for older people. Grants can be used to cover capital costs, including the construction or refurbishment of facilities and the purchase of essential equipment needed to deliver vital services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions typically made within 12 weeks for requests under £15,000 and within six months for larger grants. This support is offered through the Clothworkers’ Foundation’s Open Grants Programme. Find out more

Training

Breast Awareness Workshop

12 November 2025 - 10am-4pm
Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8TB
Our Train the Trainer (TtT) programme is a free breast health promotion training course that trains local healthcare professionals and community workers to promote breast awareness, breast screening and risk reduction messages within their wider local communities. As a result, we’re aiming for breast screening attendance in the area to increase and people will present earlier to their GP with any changes to their breast that they may have noticed. 
 
The course can be delivered as a face to face one-day workshop or can be completed in your own time via an eLearning course – both free of charge. The training, support and resources are all completely free, and all we ask if that trainees commit to providing us with ongoing feedback including numbers and outcomes of their engagement work.   To book a space on this workshop, register as an e-learner, or set up a meeting to discuss further details or alternative dates, please email trainthetrainer@breastcancernow.org