Funding & Training - 29 April

Sun’s out… and so are the funding opportunities

We’ve had a cracking spell of sunshine across Renfrewshire lately, which of course means we’re all cautiously optimistic… and keeping a jumper nearby just in case. While the weather’s been behaving for once, the funding world is also looking pretty bright.

This week’s round-up is packed with opportunities supporting everything from community projects and young people to sport, wellbeing, and some bigger pots for longer-term change. So whether you’re making the most of the sunshine or hiding from it indoors, there’s plenty here worth a look.

And if you’re thinking about putting in an application, we’ve just announced a new date for our Writing Successful Funding Applications training. If you’d like to join, you can sign up here.

So grab a cuppa (or an ice cream, we won’t judge), have a scroll, and as always, if you’d like to chat through any of the opportunities below, I’m here: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com


Funding

• Animals
• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Health & Wellbeing
• Miscellaneous
• Museums
• Sport
• The Sure Fund
• Women & Girls
• Young People

Training/Additional Support

• Legal structures workshop
• Writing Successful Funding Applications
• Families Outside CPD Accredited Training
• Renfrewshire ADP - Naloxone training

Pets Foundation - Preventing Pet Relinquishment
Funding to projects which aim to keep pets with their owners and out of rescue. This includes projects providing emergency pet fostering for people facing crisis, subsidised veterinary care, neutering schemes, and pet food banks.
The Foundation will consider applications towards specific projects. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to:

• equipment used either to care for animals
• expenditure on animal welfare, including food, vet bills and boarding fees
• capital projects
• vehicles used for the organisation’s main charitable activity(ies)
• salaries of staff directly involved in the provision of activities which aim to keep pets with their owners and prevent pet relinquishment
• the funding of relevant learning and development opportunities for staff and volunteers directly involved in the delivery of the charity’s main activities

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.


Grants to Support Animal Welfare Charities
Charities registered in the UK that work to provide sanctuary, rehoming, and rehabilitation for animals both domestically and/or internationally are invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000. Organisations involved with wildlife conservation, the rescue, rehabilitation and (where possible) release of animals are also eligible to apply. The funding can be used for general running costs or capital purchases. This funding opportunity is provided by the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, which welcomes repeat applications from charities, subject to the availability of funds. Preference is given to smaller animal welfare charities. The next deadline to apply is 01 August 2026.

The Health Lottery Foundation - Arts & Activity Funding
This grant round is only for projects in the theme of Arts & Activities: supporting adults aged 25 and over to take part in arts and activities.
They are particularly interested in projects that use music, art, or physical activity to improve wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen social connections.
They fund projects that:

• Support adults aged 25+
• Use music, art, or sport/physical activity as the primary intervention.
• Deliver non-clinical activities that improve wellbeing.
• Create positive outcomes such as improved mental health, confidence, resilience, or social connection.

Eligible costs include staffing, delivery, materials, venue hire, and essential equipment. A maximum of 10% of the total budget can be allocated to central or overhead costs. Now open, until Friday 1 May (noon).

Grants to Support Early Years Development for Deaf Children
Grants of up to £10,000 are available through the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants Programme for community groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations supporting deaf children and their families across the UK. In this round, funding will support projects and activities that promote the development of deaf children in their early years (ages 0–5). This stage is crucial, particularly for children who may face challenges with language, communication, and social skills without the right support. Projects may involve families, professionals, and older deaf children provided they contribute to early years development. Funding can cover costs such as venue hire, transport, promotional materials, wages for sessional workers, interpreters, language tutors, and equipment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with set assessment dates throughout the year.


Funding for Charities Supporting Children with Language and Hearing Difficulties
Funding is available to small UK-registered charities that support children with speech, language, or hearing difficulties. The Speech, Language and Hearing Foundation provides grants for education, therapy, and research that improve the lives of children facing communication challenges or complex developmental needs. Previous grants have funded part-time speech and language therapists in disadvantaged schools, postgraduate study in educational audiology, improvements to classroom acoustics, research into childhood deafness, and laptops to support speech and language therapy services. While no grant amount is specified, recent awards have ranged from £500 to £15,000. Applications can be made at any time.

 

Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Local Action Group (GRI LAG) Community Led Local Development (CLLD)
Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Local Action Group are inviting you to express an interest in capital and/or revenue funding expected to be confirmed within the coming weeks.  Expressions of Interest are welcome from rural community groups and organisations with project ideas and focus of delivery that aim to address at least 1 of the following priorities:

• To encourage and support rural communities and villages.
•  Address Climate Change, assisting in the net zero challenge.
• Increase and sustain local rural businesses, micro businesses, and social enterprise.
• Address inclusion, diversity, and equality issues – this includes rural poverty including child, elderly, and fuel.
• Create specific opportunities for young people.
• Foster partnership working.

For Renfrewshire, the communities of Langbank, Bishopton, Houston, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, Ranfurly, Linwood, Howwood and Bridge of Weir are all included.
Please express your interest in the funding via the following link: Expression of Interest - grilag.com
*Inchinnan has recently been proposed for inclusion as an eligible area and this is currently being submitted to the Scottish Government for approval. While the Local Action Group (LAG) is cautiously optimistic that approval will be granted in due course, this cannot be guaranteed at this stage.
In the meantime, potential applicants from Inchinnan are encouraged to begin developing strong applications. As a newly proposed eligible area, it is particularly important that applications clearly demonstrate the potential benefits that Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) funding could bring to the Inchinnan community, and how proposals align with the priorities of the Local Action Group.
Please note that, until formal approval is confirmed, eligibility for funding cannot be assured. However, applications are being encouraged in good faith to ensure that Inchinnan projects are well-positioned should approval be secured.


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 1 April to 30 September 2026 are entered into October's prize draw.
 

Grants of Up to £9,000 Available for Projects that support the Environment and Countryside
Registered UK-based non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £3,000 a year for up to three years through the King Charles III Charitable Fund’s Small Grants Programme. This round supports projects under the Fund’s Environment and Countryside themes, including habitat restoration, species conservation, carbon reduction and sequestration, circular economy activity, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, nature-friendly farming, and initiatives that strengthen the future of rural communities. To be eligible, organisations must have an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000, have operated for at least two years, and apply for projects costing under £50,000. The programme is highly competitive, with more than 1,400 applications received and only 100 grants awarded. Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on 7 May 2026.

Grants of up to £25,000 for Adult Health and Wellbeing Projects
Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £25,000 for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of adults aged 25. The fund is particularly interested in non clinical projects using music, art, or sport and physical activity to build confidence, improve mental health, strengthen resilience, and increase social connection. Examples of projects supported could include examples could include dance or movement programmes for adults experiencing loneliness, creative wellbeing groups using painting, crafts or other arts-based activities, walking football or chair-based exercise sessions, and therapeutic drumming, singing or group music projects. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 1 May 2026.

Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable People
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to UK-registered charities working to reduce disadvantage and improve quality of life for vulnerable people. Funding is available for projects across a range of priority areas, including poverty relief, disability inclusion, and health and wellbeing. It also supports work with children and young people, older people and veterans, as well as projects in the arts, heritage and environment. Eligible applicants include small and grassroots charities with an annual turnover below £500,000, as well as medical charities with an income below £15 million. Applications are made through a two-stage process, and the deadline for initial applications is 1 September 2026. The funding is provided by the Grocers’ Charity through its Open Grants Programme.

£100,000 Grants Open for Museums and Community Partnerships
Grants of up to £100,000 are available to support museums and their partners in using collections to advance inclusion, equity, and social and climate justice. The funding, made available through the Museums Association’s Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund (EFCCF), comprises two distinct streams. Core Grants support individual museums with strong participatory and inclusion strategies, while Partnership Project Grants support collaborations with community organisations. Since 2011, the fund has awarded over £14 million to nearly 200 projects. The next application deadline is 22 July 2026.

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund Opens for 2026
The supermarket chain Aldi is once again offering grants to sports clubs across Scotland that run sporting activities for the benefit of a range of participants in their local community. The funding is for groups located near where an Aldi store is operating.
Aldi set up the fund as part of its goal to increase the positive impact it has on local communities and to help as many sports clubs as possible.
 
Applications will be considered from a range of groups based in Scotland:

• A local, community-focused club with Sport at the heart of what they do.
• A registered community amateur sports club (CASC).
• A school or educational organisation.
• A religious organisation.
• A Scout or Guide group.
• A charitable service fund of the Armed Forces.
• A Community Interest Company registered with The Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies.
• One-off grants of up to £3,000 can be used to cover a range of costs including:
• The purchase of new team strips.
• The purchase of equipment.
• Subsidising transport costs.

Deadline for West Scotland (Postcode areas PA, KA) - 6 July to 2 August.

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 September 2026.  


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 18 May 2026, and Refurbishment grants, accepting applications year-round

The SURE Fund is offering small grants (up to £20,000 each) to support community‑led projects that reduce alcohol and drug related harm, support recovery, and help build stronger, more connected communities.

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) brings together partners to reduce the harms caused by problematic alcohol and drug use.

As part of their ongoing commitment to applying a community led approach the ADP will work in partnership with Engage Renfrewshire to deliver a community grants programme (The SURE Fund) supporting grass root responses to preventing and reducing alcohol and drug related harm in Renfrewshire.

Read the full fund guidance to see if your project is eligible, learn what the money can and can't fund, and see a timeline for delivery of the fund.

Applications close on 13 May

The Big Give - The Women & Girls Match Fund
he Women & Girls Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities that are working to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls in England and Scotland.
Applications from charities that are led by Black and minoritised women and girls, LGBTQI women and girls, or Disabled women and girls will be prioritised in the assessment process.
Charities should be seeking to raise either £2,500, £5,000 or £10,000 in public donations (to be doubled by the match funds). Now open, until 5pm on Friday 19 June 2026.
 

Up to £100,000 Available for Projects Supporting Vulnerable Girls at Risk of Entering the Criminal Justice System
UK not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply for grants of up to £100,000 for 18-, 24-, 30- or 36-month projects supporting girls aged 11 to 18 who are already involved in, or at high risk of entering, the criminal justice system’. Eligible applicants include registered charities, community interest companies and not-for-profit social enterprises with a UK office, annual income of £5 million or less, audited or independently examined accounts, and relevant gender- and trauma-informed experience. Funding is for project costs, with priority for specialist and women-and-girls-led organisations. Applications close for Expressions of Interest on 21 May 2026. Shortlisted organisations will then be invited to submit a full application The funding is being provided by the Triangle Trust 1949 Fund.

£10 Million UK Youth Fund Opens for Small Youth and Outdoor Learning Organisations
Small youth and outdoor learning organisations across the UK can apply for a new £10 million funding round offering unrestricted grants over several years. The programme aims to improve financial stability and strengthen everyday operations. Eligible applicants include charities, not-for-profit organisations, and community interest companies (CICs) with an annual turnover below £500,000. At least 70% of the young people they support must be aged 8 to 25. Grants are worth up to 10% of annual turnover. Funding can cover core and staffing costs, youth work delivery, basic essentials, training, and longer-term sustainability activity. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 11.59pm on 6 May 2026. Shortlisted organisations will be invited to complete a full application by 3 June 2026. The funding is provided by UK Youth and Pears Foundation through the UK Youth Fund.


Up to £10,000 for Projects Supporting Young People’s Mental Health
UK-based registered charities and grassroots organisations are invited to apply for funding from the Sasha Love Foundation. The Foundation offers grants of up to £10,000 for projects supporting young people affected by depression, mental health challenges, and drug-related issues. Funding is also available for overseas education and healthcare initiatives, with a particular focus on improving access to education for young women in developing countries. Previously funded projects include the Liss NEET Project, which supports young people who are not in education, employment or training, and Malaika Kids, which provides support for children and families in some of the poorest parts of Tanzania. Grants may cover up to 50% of total project costs. The next application deadline is the 1st October 2026.

Training

Legal Structures Workshop

Thursday 07 May 10.00 -12.30pm
Engage Renfrewshire
Book now for this in-person workshop on what’s the best legal structure for your group, with presentation from Karina MacLeod of Arachas3 followed by 1:1 30 min support sessions with Karina (between 1.00pm – 3.00pm, time slots allocated) The session will be held at Engage Renfrewshire, 10 Falcon Crescent, Paisley.

To book your place, contact icunningham@engagerenfrewshire.com  

Writing Successful Funding Applications

NEW DATE ADDED - 08 May 2026 at 10am

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.

What will you gain from attending?

This session will support participants to:

• Better understand the current funding landscape
• Write clear project plans and outcomes
• Evidence community need using reliable data
• Create realistic budgets
• Use AI safely and appropriately when preparing applications

What do you need to bring?

Laptop if possible.

Book here

CPD opportunity for your network: Accredited online mediator training now open

Accredited by Scottish Mediation, the course provides high‑quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for third sector staff, volunteers, managers and leaders who work with conflict in their day‑to‑day roles, whether within teams, governance, communities or service delivery. Participants develop practical, transferable skills in communication, negotiation, ethics and trauma‑informed mediation practice, with learning that can be immediately applied across the third sector.
 
Can I ask you to please share details of the course with your networks? I’ve included below suggested texts for social media and newsletter. I’ve also attached two images you might use, one optimised for Instagram and another that can be used with LinkedIn / Instagram / newsletters.
 
Course details

• Delivery platform: Zoom - joining details will be sent a few days prior to course start date.
• Course training dates: 11th May (9:30-12:30), 12th May, 19th May and 26th May (9:30-16:00) followed by 2nd June (20 minute assessment slot will be arranged with you). Participants must attend all dates.
• Cost: £680 (plus VAT) for business / professionals; £630 (plus VAT) voluntary sector / students

The course can also be used as a step towards full mediator accreditation, making it particularly valuable CPD for those seeking to build or formalise mediation expertise.
 
Full information is available here:
https://www.scottishconflictresolution.org.uk/about/blog/our-new-mediator-and-mediation-skills-training-course

Families Outside CPD Accredited Training

Date: Wednesday 27th May
Time: 9:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Online via Teams
Cost: £95 per person 

By the end of the training session, participants should be able to:

• Better understand the impact of imprisonment on children and families, including the most prevalent issues facing families
• Understand and give examples of how a family might be affected at each stage of the criminal justice process
• Understand the emotional and practical needs of children affected by imprisonment
• Understand the most relevant articles within the UNCRC which relate to children with a parent in prison
• Understand and implement Child Impact Assessments as a tool for supporting children with a family member involved in the justice system
• Apply their learning when supporting families affected by imprisonment and feel confident when supporting families in their own role

Book here