Funding Focus - 15 September

Autumn’s here… and the funding is coming in

There’s definitely an autumn feeling in the air now. The mornings are darker, the jumpers are making a comeback, and September seems to be flying by. Thankfully, the funding opportunities are keeping pace.

This week’s newsletter has a good mix, from small grants for local communities and young people to larger amounts supporting stronger communities, nature, sport, health and wellbeing. There’s also unrestricted funding available, which is always worth a closer look.

A few deadlines are coming up fairly soon, so it’s worth having a scroll sooner rather than later. As always, if you’d like to chat through an opportunity, sense-check an idea, or get a second pair of eyes on an application, I’m always happy to help: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

• Alcohol & Drugs
• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Digital/IT
• Environment, Nature & Horticulture
• Food
• Homelessness/Housing
• Health
• NHS Community Benefits
• Racial Justice
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Women & Girls
• Young People

Training/Additional Support

• Writing Successful Funding Applications
• Bookkeeping Training
• Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
• Lets's Evaluate - Free Evaluation Training
• Meet the Funder with Corra Foundation 
• Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation 

Online Resources

The Alcohol and Drugs Fund
Local Support Micro Grants Local Support Micro Grants is for grassroots and community-based groups in Scotland, which deliver frontline services to support people affected by alcohol and drugs, people in recovery and/or their families. Who can apply: Scottish charities, social enterprises or constituted community/voluntary groups that operate on a not-for-profit basis, with an annual income of up to £75,000.
Grant size: £1,000 to £15,000 per year to fund work up to April 2029
Closing date: It is a rolling fund, so there is no fixed closing date.

Grants of Up to £15,000 Available to Support Museums
Museums Galleries Scotland is offering grants of £300 to £15,000 through its Small Grants Fund to help museums across Scotland develop their work. Funding can support small-scale projects, the purchase of equipment and resources, and preparatory or scoping work. Accredited museums can apply for up to £15,000, non-accredited museums for up to £10,000, and museums working towards Accreditation for up to £3,000. Grants can cover 100% of eligible project costs, and projects must be completed within 12 months. Projects must contribute to outcomes such as resilience and sustainability, collections care, workforce development, participation or wellbeing. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 7 October 2026. The deadline for full applications is 5pm on 21 October 2026.
 

Grants of up to £45,000 Available for Film Festivals
Organisations based in Scotland with relevant film screening experience can apply for grants of £15,000 to £45,000 to deliver film festivals and public screening programmes benefiting Scottish audiences. Funding can support programming, staffing, training, outreach, accessibility, venue and equipment hire, marketing, audience research, community engagement and organisational development. Applicants must secure at least 30% of project costs from other sources and apply to the BFI Diversity Standards before submission. Two-year Development Funding is available for eligible established programmes. Activity must run from September 2026, with applications due by midnight on 12 November 2026. Funding is provided by Screen Scotland through the National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund.

Funding of up to £5,000 Available to Tackle Problems within Families
Charities that support families or individuals facing family-related problems such as domestic abuse, separation, mental health challenges, addiction, or financial hardship, etc can apply for grants of up to £5,000. This funding can cover core costs like staff salaries or utility bills, revenue costs such as running support groups or training volunteers, and capital costs including purchasing equipment or refurbishing a family centre. Grants are awarded twice a year, with the next deadline to apply being is 1 March 2027. The funding is provided by the Kelly Family Charitable Trust, which usually supports smaller charities with an income under £500,000 but may also consider larger organisations working on innovative pilot projects. Newer charities are especially encouraged to apply, to help them develop and grow.
 

Small Charities Invited to Apply for Grants Supporting Disabled Children and Families
Small UK-registered charities and community interest companies with annual income below £350,000 can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support work with disabled children and young people aged 0 to 25, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Funding can be used for activities, equipment, and materials, including family, sibling, and bereavement support; respite; specialised play and leisure opportunities; hydrotherapy pool or sensory room improvements; and minibuses. Priority is given to organisations in areas of high deprivation. Applications are accepted at any time online and decisions expected within 12 weeks. The funding is being provided by The True Colours Trust through the UK Small Grants programme.
 

Funding for Respite Breaks for Disabled Children and their Families
Families and groups of children, schools, organisations, and other registered charities can apply to the Adamson Trust for financial assistance towards the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children with physical, mental, or emotional impairments. To be eligible, the child must be a UK resident aged 3 to 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 30 September 2026.
 

Grants of up to £5,000 to Support Adult Unpaid Carers
UK registered or exempt charities with a minimum annual income and expenditure of £1 million can apply for grants of £5,000 to deliver therapeutic support for unpaid carers aged 18 and over. Eligible activities could for example include wellbeing sessions, nature-based activities, healthy eating workshops, therapeutic peer support and short outdoor wellbeing programmes. Staff salaries are only eligible where the role is specifically employed for the project. CICs, social enterprises and other non-profits are excluded. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Funding is made available through the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust grants programme.
 

Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities
UK charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to support children and adults with severe learning difficulties and autism. The funding is made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works, 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 £5,000 is 31 December 2026. Applications for £5,000 and below can be submitted at any time.

Participatory Budgeting: £1,500 Available for Erskine
Bridgewater Housing Association are delighted to launch our new Participatory Budgeting Fund, giving local people a direct say in how community funding is spent.
Thanks to the Lintel Trust Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Project, our Mains Drive clothes bank has generated £500. Bridgewater is adding a further £1,000 through Community Benefit Funding from our contractors, creating a total fund of £1,500.
Three projects will each receive £500.
Could your project benefit Erskine?
We’re looking for community-led projects that:

• Respond to a local need and benefit people in Erskine
• Are shaped and led by local people
• Build on existing strengths or develop new ideas
• Are inclusive and accessible
• Offer good value for money
• Can be delivered within 12 months

All eligible applications will be presented to members of our Service Improvement Group and Armchair Critic Group, who will decide which projects receive funding.
This is your community. Your ideas. Your decision.
We’re not necessarily looking for the biggest or most ambitious projects — we want to support ideas that can make a real difference locally.
Application deadline: 5pm, 9 October 2026
Awards announced: 29 October 2026
To request an application form and guidance, or if you have a query, contact Kirsty Sweenie on 0141 812 2237.


Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Support Communities
Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) across the UK can apply for unrestricted grants of up to £5,000 for one year. The funding is intended to support work that improves the lives of people and communities. To be eligible, organisations must have been operating for at least one year, have annual income and expenditure of less than £200,000, hold limited unrestricted reserves, publish their accounts and maintain a public website. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a clear need for their work and the impact it will have. Funding is not available for capital projects, hospices, medical research, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), scouting groups or services that charge participants. Applications open at 10am on 3 September 2026 and will close when 40 applications have been received or after two weeks, whichever comes first. Funding is provided by The Leathersellers’ Foundation through its Small Grants Programme.
 

Grants of up to £250,000 Available to Support Stronger Communities
Organisations of any size or level of experience in Scotland can apply for grants of £20,001 to £250,000 for new or existing community projects lasting up to five years. Projects must be open, inclusive and led by the community. They should bring people together, support people affected by poverty, disadvantage or discrimination, and contribute to at least two of the programme’s outcomes. These outcomes focus on stronger relationships, improved health and wellbeing, better access to nature, and environmental improvements. Organisations that have not previously received long-term funding are unlikely to be awarded more than £100,000. The funding is provided by The National Lottery Community Fund through the Community Action programme. Applications can be submitted at any time but should contact the funder to discuss the length and amount of funding before applying.
 

Grants of up to £3,000 Available to Improve Local Communities
Charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to £3,000 for initiatives that have a positive impact on their local community. The Better Community Business Network Grant Initiative aims to improve the quality of life and expectations of people and their communities, especially those who come from disadvantaged or socially deprived backgrounds. The types of causes supported include education, health, ex-offenders, homelessness/poverty, arts & culture, the environment, sports, the elderly, disability, and social cohesion. A total of £36,000 in funding is awarded annually to grassroots charities and community initiatives across the UK. The deadline for applications is 9 November 2026.
 

Funding for Community Radio Stations
Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, has announced that the Community Radio Fund has re-opened for applications. Eligible UK community radio services can apply for a share of £904,644 through two funding streams. The Equipment Stream offers grants of up to £2,000 for studio, transmission and accessibility equipment to analogue community radio services broadcasting for at least 10 years. The Sustainability Stream provides up to £100,000 for roles or projects improving long-term sustainability, including management, fundraising, administration and financial management, with some multi-year awards available. Applications close at 5pm on 14 October 2026.
 

Funding for Community Health & Wellbeing Projects
Two grants of £5,000 are available to grassroots, community-based, not-for-profit, and non-political organisations across the UK for projects that improve mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, learning, or skills development. Funding can support local community projects and activities, with priority given to initiatives that can continue beyond the grant and deliver lasting benefits. Large national charities are ineligible, and funding cannot be used for salaries, rent, medical research, retrospective costs or projects outside the UK. Applications must be submitted online by 2 October 2026. The funding is being provided by Laughology through the Happiness Fund.

Funding for Transformative IT Projects
Registered charities, community interest companies, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for IT projects that benefit communities across the UK. The funding is made available through the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists Grants 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. The next funding round will open on Monday, September 14 and close on November 3 (or sooner if the Company reach their cap of 50). It will reopen every three months again.

Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups
Schools, clubs and community groups across the UK can now apply for free tree packs from the Woodland Trust to encourage nature recovery and community wellbeing. Eligible applicants include schools, sports clubs, faith groups, Scouts and Guides, local councils and residents’ associations, with packs of 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings available for delivery in March 2026. Trees are UK- and Ireland-sourced, and guidance on planting and aftercare is provided, though sapling protection is not included. Applicants must secure landowner permission and provide a six-digit grid reference of the planting site. The funding is being made available through the Woodland Trust’s Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups programme. Applications are expected to close in January 2027.
 

Funding for Community-Led Nature Projects
The Wildlife Trusts has announced that its Green Community Grants programme will reopen on 30 September 2026. Not-for-profit organisations in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for one-year flexible grants of £10,000 to £25,000 for projects supporting nature recovery, tackling the climate emergency, or improving nature-rich spaces and access to them. Applicants must have operated for at least 12 months and have aims aligned with the programme’s themes. Funding may also support recycling, litter picking, beach cleans and sustainable transport. Priority will be given to smaller organisations, those supporting deprived or marginalised communities, and groups focused on habitat or species protection. The 2025 pilot funded 35 projects, including youth habitat creation, carbon-literacy education and community mushroom farming. Applications close on 21 October 2026.
 

Funding to Support One Large-Scale Rewilding Project
Rewilding Britain is offering a £100,000 grant to support one large-scale rewilding project in England, Scotland, or Wales. The Rewilding Challenge Fund encourages community groups, farmers, landowners, and land managers to work collaboratively and ‘Think Big, Act Wild’. The fund will nurture innovative, pioneering initiatives that show strong potential to scale up rewilding on land and at sea and demonstrate the economic and social benefits of rewilding for local communities and biodiversity. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 9 October 2026. Shortlisted projects will be invited to submit a full application.
 

Grants of up to £1,000 Available for Young People to Improve Local Green Spaces
Applications are open for projects that help young people lead initiatives that promote local biodiversity awareness or improve access to nature and local green spaces. Past projects supported have ranged from school festivals and biodiversity murals to community gardens and guided nature walks. Awards of up to £1,000 are available to cover costs such as materials, room hire, publicity, speakers, training, transport and project-specific staff. The scheme aims to benefit groups of young people, typically aged 16 or under, with proposals expected to be youth-led and supported by schools, home educators, community organisations, small charities or student groups. Funding is provided by the Linnean Society of London under its Our Local Nature Grant Scheme, now in its sixth year. The closing date for applications is midnight on the 25th October 2026. Successful projects will begin in January 2027 and conclude by July.

Asda Foundation - Foodbank Fundamentals Fund
The Foodbank Fundamentals Fund is specifically for organisations whose core purpose is to distribute food and alleviate food poverty in their local community.
If you are a foodbank or food service provider that needs to stock up on food, invest in equipment to expand your reach, or support the delivery of your services, the Foodbank Fundamentals Fund is here to help.
Funding can be used for food (including baby items), basic hygiene products, white goods, storage, fittings, and fuel for deliveries to isolated individuals.
Currently open to applications. Applications close at 10am on 22 September.

Grants of up to £100,000 Available for Projects Improving Access to Essential Healthcare
UK-registered charities, non-profit organisations and Community Interest Companies (CICs) can apply for grants typically ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 for projects that provide direct healthcare interventions to people in the UK who have limited access to essential healthcare. Priority areas include rehabilitation and aftercare following physical trauma or surgery, health-related green spaces, and oral and dental health outreach, particularly for homeless, vulnerable and rural communities. Funding can cover the costs of frontline project staff, but general organisational overheads are not eligible. Projects must demonstrate measurable health outcomes. Public sector organisations may apply, but a non-profit organisation must act as the lead applicant. Applications close on 30 June 2027. Funding is provided by the Vinehill Trust through its 2027 Health funding cycle.

Grants to Improve Housing for Disadvantaged People
Registered charities in the UK can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to address housing needs and assist with the financial wellbeing of people who are disadvantaged or facing deprivation. The funding is being made available through the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation. Priority is given to charities operating in the top 50% of the UK Index of Multiple Deprivation. Eligible applicants must be registered charities established for at least three years with a minimum of three trustees. Funding can cover core costs such as salaries and utilities, as well as project expenses like equipment and materials. The round will close as soon as 75 applications have been received, so applicants should apply promptly. Trustees will meet in December 2026 to consider applications.

CharityGiving Annual Grant
 Your organisation could be eligible to receive a share of a £50,000 donation!
As part of our annual corporate giving initiative, five incredible causes will each secure a gift of £10,000 to support their vital work.

• To be eligible, your charity must:
• Be UK-based (not a CIC)
• Spend its funds on UK-based causes only
• Have received less than £1m in income and had less than £1m of expenditure in the last financial year
• Have been registered for more than one year, with published accounts
• Employ 50 or fewer full-time staff

If you'd like your organisation to be considered, simply complete our application form!
All you need to tell us are a few basic details about your charity, how you'd use the funds, and the impact it would make.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 25 September 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted during the week beginning 2nd November 2026.
 

Funding Available for PTAs, Youth Groups and Community Initiatives
UK-based voluntary and community organisations, including charities, CICs, PTAs, social enterprises and CIOs, can apply for grants of up to £2,500 for projects within 50 miles of an Arnold Clark branch. Funding can support education, youth groups, sports clubs, environmental initiatives and community improvement activities, including resources for extracurricular activities, uniforms, trips, materials, venue hire, transport, defibrillators, play parks, community gardens and local events. Applicants must operate solely within the UK and complete an online form explaining their organisation, activities and proposed use of funding. Applications close on 30 September 2026. The funding is provided by Arnold Clark through the Arnold Clark Community Fund.

Pilot fund launched to support Scotland's historic places of worship
The Scotland's Places of Worship Fund is a pilot scheme being delivered by Historic Environment Scotland during the 2026/27 financial year. Up to £1 million will be available through the pilot scheme for the financial year 2026-7. This will be met from the HES Grants budget and will be managed as a standalone fund.
The fund has been developed following the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The scheme will help eligible listed places of worship recover VAT costs associated with qualifying repair works. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and the availability of funds.
 
£250,000 Grants to Support Domestic Abuse Counselling
UK charitable organisations, including eligible charities, CIOs and CICs with annual income below £2 million, can apply for one of 15 five-year grants of £250,000 (£50,000 annually) to provide longer-term counselling for domestic abuse survivors. Applicants must have at least three years’ experience delivering counselling to victim-survivors, with services offering person-centred, holistic and trauma-informed support of at least 12 sessions. Five grants are ring-fenced for organisations supporting children and/or young people. The fund opens on 23 September 2026; Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm on 21 October, and shortlisted applicants must submit full applications by 18 December 2026. Funding is provided by the Henry Smith Foundation through its Domestic Abuse: Counselling Fund.

The Robertson Trust: Advancing Racial Justice Fund
Co-developed by The Robertson Trust, the Advancing Racial Justice Fund will support Black and People of Colour (PoC) communities in dismantling systemic racism, driving lasting social change, and achieving racial justice in Scotland.
Who can apply: Unconstituted groups (community groups), constituted groups, registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are led by people who identify as Black or a Person of Colour; at least 50% of staff, senior leadership, and the Board. Must have an annual income of £200,000 or less and work directly with/within BPoC communities in Scotland.
Grant size: Grants will last for three years, with a minimum of £10,000 per year and a maximum of £40,000 per year. This is in addition to a one-off £10,000 development grant that all grant holders will receive to help them develop their projects.
Closing date: The closing date for this fund is the 14th October 2026 at 9am.

Funding for the Provision or Upgrading of Sports Facilities
Organisations such as local authorities, schools, area sports associations, sports trusts and charities; etc can apply for funding of up to £200,000 to improve their sports facilities. In areas of high deprivation, the maximum grant can be £250,000 (up to 75% of project costs). Grants are available to help with the provision or upgrading of sports facilities for the public good and that benefit the community. Priority will be given to projects which focus on increasing participation within underrepresented groups in sport such as young people, women and girls, disabled people or those from deprived communities. The next closing date for small grant applications is 1 April 2027.  

Up to £50,000 Available to Support LGBT+ Sport and Physical Activity
UK-based, LGBT+ led non-profit groups and organisations can apply for grants of £5,000 to £25,000 per year to support community-based sport and physical activity, with up to £50,000 available for two-year projects. Applicants must have operated for at least six months and regularly deliver activities such as football, hiking, dance, gardening, skateboarding or circus skills. Priority will be given to under-resourced grassroots organisations supporting LGBT+ communities facing additional barriers to participation. Applications can be submitted in writing or by video by 12 noon on 4 November 2026, with decisions expected in early February 2027. The funding is being provided by Consortium through the LGBT+ Get Active Fund, supported by the London Marathon Foundation.

Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Small Charities Supporting Vulnerable People
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for small charities working to improve the lives of vulnerable people across the UK. The funding is provided by the Wise Music Foundation, which aims to make a positive difference for people facing hardship, illness, or poverty, particularly children, the homeless, older people, and those with disabilities. The Foundation also supports a wider range of causes, including education, cultural activities, arts and heritage, health and disability support, overseas famine relief, food banks, and other charitable initiatives. Charities with an annual turnover of up to £500,000 are eligible to apply. The average grant awarded is £1,500. Trustees meet quarterly to consider applications, and the next closing date is 30 November 2026.
 

 Funding to Alleviate Social Deprivation
Scottish charities with an annual income of less than £1 million that address poverty and deprivation, with a particular focus on women, children, and young people, can apply for grants of up to £25,000 per year for up to 3 years through the Volant Charitable Trust Large Grants Programme. Managed by Foundation Scotland, the scheme supports both project and core costs, excluding capital and retrospective funding. Funded work may include food provision, mental health support, services for isolated women, and outreach for at-risk youth. Examples of past projects include a community food pantry in Glasgow, a peer support programme for young mothers in Edinburgh, and counselling for teenagers in rural Fife. There is a two-stage application process, with a deadline of midnight on 28 September 2026. 

The Boost Fund
The Boost Fund is for small community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage.
Who can apply: Charities registered in Scotland, constituted voluntary or community organisations, or CICs.
Grant Size: Grants of £500-£3,000 to constituted groups and charities with an annual income of £50,000 or less. Unconstituted groups can apply for grants of between £250-£1,500. There is £1 million available to distribute through April 2027.
Closing date: The Boost Fund will remain open for applications until all funds are spent, so there is no fixed closing date.
 

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 26 October 2026.

The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund - Young Women and Girls
Funding is available for:

• Organisations working with young women aged 17-30 already in contact with the criminal justice system who need holistic support to help them move away from offending behaviours, such as maintaining safe tenancies, securing and retaining jobs and building secure and healthy family relationships; pre-release and through the gate support for young women to meet their immediate needs and/or support for young mothers up to the age of 30 prior to and after serving a custodial sentence.
• Organisations must be working with vulnerable young women and girls who are already in contact with the criminal justice system and who are highly vulnerable to entering it or who are known to be at risk.
• Organisations must be led by and for women and girls or have specialist knowledge and expertise and be working primarily or exclusively in specific areas.

Alongside the open grant programme, they also make strategic grants. These are invitation only opportunities where the Trust identifies an organisation that it would like to work with to achieve their overall strategic goals.

Up to £100,000 Available for Projects Supporting Vulnerable Young Women at Risk of Reoffending
Grants of up to £100,000 are available to UK organisations providing long-term, wraparound support for young women aged 17 to 30 who are already in contact with the criminal justice system. Projects must aim to reduce reoffending and use gender-responsive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches, with an emphasis on consistent support addressing multiple needs. Funding can support pre-release, through-the-gate and post-release services addressing housing, employment, family relationships and resettlement, including support for mothers and specialist provision for neurodiverse women and those from Black and minoritised communities.. The funding is being provided by the Triangle Trust. The Expression of Interest deadline is 2pm on 15 October 2026

Funding to Encourage Volunteering Amongst Young People
Grants of up to £500 are available to individuals or groups of young people aged 30 or under who aim to make a difference through volunteering or community service. The funding is made available through the Alec Dickson Trust. It prioritises projects involving many volunteers, addresses the specific needs of disadvantaged communities and individuals, and is innovative and sustainable. The Trust is seeking projects that identify a specific need and propose activities to address it, which are as long-lasting and sustainable as possible. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 4 October 2026.
 

Funding Available to Evaluate Employment Skills Programmes for Young People
UK organisations can apply for grants of up to £500,000 to evaluate existing programmes that help 16 to 24-year-olds facing significant barriers to employment develop essential employment skills and access good jobs. Partnerships should apply, bringing together programme delivery organisations and independent evaluators. Delivery partners may include third-sector organisations, education and training providers, employers, and organisations working with young people. Independent evaluators should have appropriate expertise in impact and process evaluation. Most evaluation grants will be between £200,000 and £400,000, although additional funding may also be available to support programme delivery. Brand-new programmes are generally not eligible, and you should establish partnerships before submitting an application. The Nuffield Foundation provides funding through the Essential Employment Skills Fund. The deadline for submitting outline proposals is 10 December 2026.

Training

Writing Successful funding applications
In person training at Engage. Multiple dates available.
Practical training for third sector organisations on writing strong funding applications, clear outcomes and realistic budgets.
A practical and informative training session to help community groups and third sector organisations strengthen their funding applications. The session covers the basics of writing strong applications, understanding what funders are really looking for, writing clear outcomes, and using tools to evidence national and local need. We will also look at creating realistic budgets and using AI safely when preparing applications.
This training is ideal for people with limited experience of funding applications who want to build confidence and improve how they answer funders’ questions.

• Tuesday 22 September 10am-1pm
• Thursday 24 September 10am-1pm

 To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here.


Bookkeeping Training
In person and online session available.
Basic Bookkeeping Training for community groups and organisations.

• The structure of the course would include the following:
• Accounting records – cash books / bank reconciliations/ asset register
• Accounting for restricted funds
• Types of Charity Accounts – receipts & payments / accrued accounts
• Understanding financial statements & reserves
• Budgets
• Financial Policies & Procedures

Thursday 1st October 6-7pm Online. To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here


Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
Online 10:00-11:00, 6 October 2026
You'll hear about the benefits of registering with easyfundraising, how organisations can encourage supporter participation, and examples of successful fundraising campaigns. A question-and-answer session will give attendees the opportunity to speak directly with the easyfundraising team.
Whether you're new to easyfundraising or looking to make more of the platform, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn more.
 

Let's Evaluate! – Free Evaluation Training for Third Sector Members
21 Oct – 25 Nov. In person at Engage.
Engage Renfrewshire is offering Let's Evaluate! by Evaluation Support Scotland, a free three-workshop programme helping third sector organisations demonstrate their impact. Sessions combine trainer input, practical exercises, and time to apply learning to your own work.    

• Workshop 1: Getting Started - Wednesday 21 October. Setting outcomes and indicators to measure the difference you make.
• Workshop 2: Make to Measure - Wednesday 18 November. Choosing evaluation methods and building a monitoring plan.
• Workshop 3: Telling My Story - Wednesday 25 November. Analysing and reporting on outcomes for learning and funders.

All sessions run 10am-4pm at Engage Renfrewshire's offices (accessible venue, hearing loop). Please bring a packed lunch; tea/coffee provided. This programme is free to third sector members (normally £360 per attendee if booked directly). Places are limited to 16 attendees, one per organisation, and due to anticipated demand, attendees must commit to all three workshops with line manager agreement before booking. Please request the sign-up form via info@engagerenfrewshire.com
 

Meet the Funder Event with the Corra Foundation: Boost Fund
Online  10:00-11:00, 3 November 2026
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Corra Foundation about the Boost Fund and how it supports small, community-led organisations across Scotland.
Learn how the fund can help organisations to strengthen their capacity, grow their activities, and increase their impact within local communities. Attendees will gain an overview of the Boost Fund, including the types of organisations and activities it supports.


Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation
Online 10:00-11:00, 1 December 2026
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Aviva Foundation about their funding and how they support charities and community organisations across the UK.
They will learn how the foundation supports work that helps individuals and communities to overcome challenges, improve wellbeing, and build stronger, more resilient futures.


Renfrewshire Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar (September & October)
The Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar lists the various interagency learning opportunities available in Renfrewshire Council.
Interagency partners can apply for courses highlighted in this calendar by completing an Interagency Staff Booking form.
Please contact training.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk to find out more and receive up to date information o training opportunities.

Webinar: Trustees and fundraising
Webinar: Digital Fundraising: Tools and Tactics
Webinar: Applying for Grants
Toolkit: Preparing and Applying for Grants
Toolkit: Managing, Monitoring & Reporting
Webinar: How to elevate your fundraising with AI
Webinar: AI tools every fundraiser should know