Funding & Training Focus - 01 April

No fools here… just funding

Alright, we know what day it is. But before you start side-eyeing this newsletter, we promise, no tricks, and definitely no fake funding pots.

In fact, this week brings something genuinely exciting for Renfrewshire. Alongside the usual mix of opportunities, there’s a brand new fund on the way that’s all about supporting recovery, wellbeing, and stronger, more connected communities – the SURE fund.

If your group is helping people build skills, connect with others, challenge stigma, or start honest conversations around alcohol and drugs, this is one to keep an eye on.

So grab a cuppa, have a scroll, and see what’s out there. And for once, you can read on without worrying you’re being April fooled…

As always, if you’d like to chat through any of the opportunities, I’m here: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

• Animal Welfare
• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Housing
• Miscellaneous
• Older People
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Training

Trustee Recruitment Support
 

Funding to Support Animal Welfare Charities
The Animal Defence Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to animal welfare, provides funding to support approved animal welfare charities working to rescue and care for animals that have suffered cruelty. The Trust's main objectives are protecting animals from suffering and mistreatment, promoting research to reduce animal use in scientific experiments, and ensuring proper accommodation for animals during transportation. The grants, which are for capital projects and running costs aim to support a wide range of activities, including providing shelter, medical treatment, and care for abused or neglected animals. The next closing date for applications is 31 March 2027.

Funding to Improve Access to Emerging Technologies within the Creative Industries
UK-based not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for up to £400,000 in funding to deliver a programme that helps independent filmmakers and creatives access emerging technologies such as generative AI and virtual production. The British Film Institute (BFI) will award the grant to a single organisation through the National Lottery Innovation Challenge Fund — Challenge Call Six: In Our Hands. The chosen organisation will support at least 10 creatives, including freelancers and independent studios working in film, animation, and immersive media, to pilot their projects. Funding may be used for revenue costs such as staffing, training, outreach, accessibility measures, participant payments, and some overheads. Applicants are welcome to collaborate with for-profit partners. Applications close on 9 April 2026.


The William Syson Foundation - Small Grants Fund
The Small Grants Fund welcomes applications from arts charities working in any art form or cross-art form including but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, poetry, literature, film-making, music, photography, and digital arts. The Fund can only accept applications from arts charities registered in Scotland. They aim to provide a response within 10 weeks from the closing date. Please submit a brief, simple application form submitted with audited / independently examined annual accounts and up-to-date child protection/vulnerable adult safeguarding policies.

 

Holiday Grants for Disadvantaged and Disabled Children (UK)
Grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 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 12 January and 30 April 2026 can be made until the 19th August 2026. Applications must be made at least 6 weeks before the trip.

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 1 May 2026.


Grants of up to £250,000 Available to Empower Scottish Communities
Grassroots organisations in Scotland can apply for grants of up to £250,000 to support local projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Funding is available for community‑led initiatives lasting up to five years that bring people together, reduce disadvantage, and build local resilience. A wide range of activities can be supported, provided they show strong community involvement and clear social impact. Examples include regular wellbeing activities that help people connect, community kitchens or advice services, community gardens, and environmental initiatives such as clean-ups, waste reduction, and repair or upcycling workshops. Projects must be shaped and driven by local people. The funding is provided through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Community Action programme. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline.


Funding to Strengthen Community Organisations
Grants of £300 to £50,000 are available for up to two years to help strengthen voluntary and community organisations in Scotland. The National Lottery Community Fund’s (NLCF) Strengthening Organisations programme helps organisations test new ideas, develop their capacity, and improve how they operate. Eligible organisations must already have funding from the NLCF, work with people affected by poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination, and involve the people they support in shaping their work. Activity might include improving systems or technology, adapting services, piloting approaches tried elsewhere, widening participation, or collaborating with other organisations. Supported costs include equipment, staffing, transport, training and some organisational overheads. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


National Lottery goes All In for Glasgow 2026 with new funding bringing the Games to communities across Scotland
An additional £2.2 million of National Lottery funding is being announced to support community, arts, and sports activity inspired by Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the excitement of the Games to towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland.
The funding will be delivered through National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, the small grants programme that helps grassroots activity thrive. It will support projects that use sport, arts, and community engagement to get people active, bring communities together, and create local celebrations – ensuring the benefits of Glasgow 2026 are felt widely across the country. 
The £2.2 million additional investment announced today is made up of £1 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, £1 million from sportscotland and £200,000 from Creative Scotland.  
All In is the national call to action for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which invites communities to celebrate the Games in their own altogether brilliant way.   
This summer organisations delivering Glasgow 2026–inspired activities can apply for up to £10,000 of National Lottery funding for projects lasting up to 12 months that will: 

• Increase access and remove barriers so more people can take part in arts or sports activities 

• Bring people together and strengthen connections within and across communities 

• Support health and wellbeing through physical activity and shared community experiences 

• Celebrate cultural diversity and international connections 

• Create a lasting legacy that communities can enjoy beyond the Games  

Interested organisations can call 0300 123 7110 or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk to discuss their projects before applying. 


Funding for Rural Community & Education Projects
Charities that support rural development—especially those focused on young people’s education and poverty relief in rural areas—can apply for funding from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The Trust prioritises larger projects that make a meaningful difference to rural communities. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £75,000, with higher-value awards supporting organisations that have a significant national impact. Previously funded projects have included city farms, Federations of Young Farmers Clubs, and farming community networks. The next application deadline is 24 April 2026.


SPAR Community Cashback Scheme
Convenience retailer SPAR will soon be inviting applications for its Community Cashback Scheme, which awards grants to voluntary or community organisations, schools and charities which make a difference within their local area. The scheme allows shoppers across the UK to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 for an organisation or charity they feel deserves funding. Applicants will need to share the exceptional contribution a local organisation has made to their community and what the grant would be put towards. Seven organisations were awarded funding in 2025. A total of £20,000 is available in this round. Applications will open on 09 April and close on 13 May 2026.
 

The Wildlife Trusts - Green Community Grants
The Green Community Grants Programme offers one-year flexible funding for not-for-profit groups in England, Scotland and Wales with an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million.
Your organisation's main aims and objectives must fit with one of the two funding themes:

• Contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency
• Improving nature-rich spaces and access to them

Whilst your organisational aims and objectives should fit one of these two themes, funding can also be used for a wider range of sustainable activities, including recycling, litter picking, beach cleans or sustainable transport.


Local Energy Scotland - Community Energy Generation Growth Fund
The Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will support community groups across Scotland to set up renewable energy generation projects.
Applications must meet the following objectives:

• Contribute to Scotland’s target of 2GW of community or locally owned renewable energy by 2030.
• Support communities to develop and be engaged in energy projects and the energy transition.
• Deliver concrete economic benefits to communities, while also supporting Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

This funding call will target projects that can deliver a specific, significant milestone by 15 March 2027.
Projects supported will need to:

• Install over 100kW of renewable energy, either at a site or over multiple sites, for example multiple building roofs.
• Install eligible technologies including onshore wind, solar PV, hydro. Battery storage, flexibility and local supply arrangements can be included if it complements renewable generation and improves the business model.
• Generate and provide electricity through a connection to: Sell to the national grid; or Sell to a local energy user with enough demand; or Power your own building.

£1 Billion Funding Boost Announced for Electric Vans, Trucks, & Infrastructure
UK businesses and public sector organisations can access up to £1 billion to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure. The grants aim to reduce upfront costs and improve access to charging facilities. Support includes up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero-emission trucks (covering up to 40% of the purchase cost), and up to £5,000 off new zero-emission vans. Organisations can also apply for up to £1 million to install chargers for vans, coaches and HGVs, covering up to 70% of costs. The investment is intended to support fleet decarbonisation, reduce exposure to fuel price uncertainty, and lower emissions and operating costs. Funding is provided by the UK Government through the Zero Emissions Truck and Van Grants and the Depot Charging Scheme.

Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Projects that Help the Homeless
Small Homeless charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to help homeless people rebuild their lives. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be a registered charity and have an annual turnover of under £500,000, with ‘unrestricted reserves’ of under six months. Typically, organisations awarded funding operate residential or training facilities to assist homeless people. The funding is being made available through Help the Homeless, a grant-giving trust, founded in 1975, to help homeless people off the streets and enable them to live healthy, independent lives. The next application deadline is 5pm on 20 June 2026.

UK Government Pledges £12m to Support Local Journalism 
The UK government has announced up to £12 million in funding for local journalism over the next two years as part of its new Amplify strategy. A large part of the money will go to a new Local News Fund. This fund will support new ideas and help local news organisations become more financially stable. It will also aim to expand reporting and improve coverage in areas with little or no local news. The plan also includes about £1 million per year for community radio. In addition, the government will increase its advertising in local media to give these outlets a more reliable source of income. Further details on how the money will be allocated will be announced in due course.


Rhododendron Trust
The Rhododendron Trust is a grant-making charity focused mainly on the welfare of the disadvantaged in the UK and overseas, but also supporting arts and wildlife charities.
The general aim is of course to select charities which will make good use of a donation from the trust, i.e. where the charity’s goals align with the trust’s aims and where the charity is effective in achieving its goals. An important further consideration is that a donation from the trust should make a significant contribution to the charity’s work – which leads the trust to favour smaller charities over charities which already have a large income.


The Mickel Fund
Grants are distributed twice a year with the sole purpose of improving the lives of others through charitable donations in and around Scotland, and where possible on a global scale.
They focus on five core funding priorities:

• the advancement of education
• the prevention or relief of poverty
• the advancement of health and saving of lives
• the advancement of art, heritage, science and culture
• the advancement of public participation in sports.

The application process for the September 2026 meeting of the Trustees are now open and will remain so until the number of applications has reached capacity.


Funding Available for UK Charities Delivering Frontline Support to the Army Community
UK-registered charities and Community Interest Companies can apply for grants to deliver frontline services supporting serving Army personnel, veterans, and their families. Applicants must demonstrate financial sustainability, at least one year of audited accounts, strong governance, and clear evidence of unmet need. Funding, typically awarded for one year, can support core and project costs but rarely covers full project costs, specific staff posts, research, or expeditions. Grants range from a few hundred pounds to several hundred thousand pounds, with first-time awards usually under £15,000. Applications are assessed at committee meetings, with a deadline of 28 April 2026. The funding is being provided by the Army Benevolent Fund's grants programme.


Funding Available for Adult Social Care Workforce Development
Voluntary, statutory and not-for-profit organisations across the UK can apply for funding for projects that strengthen the adult social care workforce. The funding is provided through the Rayne Foundation’s Better Careers for Better Care programme, to support collaborative projects that improve career development and opportunities for care workers. Six grants of between £60,000 and £150,000 each are expected to be awarded for partnership projects lasting up to 24 months. The aim is to create workplace cultures based on trust, respect and collaboration, helping to support long-term workforce sustainability. Projects should also include some element of care and support for older people. Expressions of interest are open until 12pm on 7 April 2026.


Creative Breaks is now OPEN for applications 2026-2027
A total of around £1.6 million is available for this round of Creative Breaks for 12-month grants for third sector organisations to deliver short breaks for unpaid carers of adults (aged 21 and over), young carers, and the people that they care for.
Funding is limited and Creative Breaks is likely to receive more applications than funding can cover. 71% of applicants were successful in 2025-2026.
You can make an application online. The closing date is Thursday 16 April at 5pm.
Make an application online by visiting the Creative Breaks Applications OPEN page: Creative Breaks 2026-2027. For all other questions or to arrange a support call please contact Maria Suttie, Grants Officer by email: sbf@sharedcarescotland.com Our applicant support workshop can also be viewed here: Applicant support workshop

Funding to Improve the Lives of the Elderly
Community groups, grassroots organisations, small local and registered charities, and Community Interest Companies working with people aged 55 and over can apply for funding from the Home Instead Charities Grant Programme, delivered by Home Instead Charities. Grants are available for projects that enhance wellbeing or reduce social isolation, such as social clubs, day trips, exercise sessions, and community activities. Funding is aimed at small, local initiatives and cannot be used for salaries, core running costs, or capital projects. Applicants must demonstrate inclusivity and have a bank account in the organisation’s name. There is no fixed maximum grant publicly specified, and applications are made via local Home Instead offices. There is no set closing date.

Free Sports Kits Available for Youth Teams
Grassroots youth sports teams in Scotland, England and Wales can apply for support through the Gear Up for Sport programme, funded by UK motor retailer, Arnold Clark. The programme offers free kits for players aged 4 to 15. This includes match kits, tracksuits and training wear, helping to reduce costs for community clubs. Each club can apply for one team, with up to 30 players. Applications must be submitted by a coach or club official, not a parent. Teams from a wide range of sports are eligible. The kits are supplied and delivered directly to the club. Applications are made through Grants Connect. Decisions are usually given within four weeks, and kit orders are placed within six weeks. The programme will reopen in April, with the exact deadline to be confirmed.


Funding Available to Improve Women and Girls’ Access to Football, Cricket and Tennis
Not-for-profit organisations across the UK can apply for £1,000 grants to support projects increasing access to football, cricket and tennis for women and girls, particularly in disadvantaged or remote communities. Eligible applicants include charities, community and youth groups, and sports clubs, primarily operating in Indices of Multiple Deprivation areas 1–3, though some exceptions apply. Funding is unrestricted and can cover delivery and core revenue costs such as equipment, coaching and venue hire, with some exclusions. Applications are submitted online with supporting documents, and close at 5pm on 27 May 2026. The funding is being provided by Barclays through Sported’s Community Sport Fund Access Grant programme.

Grants to Improve the Quality of Life for Disadvantaged & Vulnerable People
Small-to-mid-size registered charities helping improve the quality of life of people in the UK, particularly those disadvantaged and vulnerable, can apply for grants of up to £5,000. The funding is being made available through the Hedley Foundation. Each year, the Foundation makes around 250 grants for initiatives that benefit the lives of young people, disabled people, elderly people, the terminally ill, and otherwise disadvantaged people and their carers. Occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved. The next closing date for applications is the 10 June 2025.

Organisational Grants for young people with additional support needs
Trefoil organisational grants are for registered charities or nor-for-profit organisations helping young people with additional support needs in Scotland. Trefoil funds specific projects and the equipment required. The Trust does not fund overhead costs e.g., salaries or capital projects. Applications are open now. The deadline for the next round of funding is Friday 7 August 2026.


Safe Spaces Youth Work Fund
The Youth Scotland Safe Spaces Youth Work Fund is a small grant fund supported by The RS Macdonald Charitable Trust. This fund was created in response to the specific challenges which youth groups face around the prevention of—and alleviation of—risk of harm to children and young people. It will make small awards to enable youth groups to deliver better youth work to young people who are at risk or who have experienced ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Funds can be used for general youth work activity which creates safe spaces for young people who are at risk, as well as providing the opportunity to run issue-based programmes for young people affected by abuse and other Adverse Childhood Experiences, according to need. The maximum amount per award is £2,000.

Training

Trustee Recruitment Support

2 Workshops - 28 April and 12 May 2026

This sequence of two workshops will support a cohort of up to 8 charities in getting ready to go live with trustee recruitment. This includes getting ready to make use of LinkedIN as part of the method for reaching a wider audience of potential new trustees.

There will be follow-up actions for the cohort to complete between workshop 1 and workshop 2, to take forward the action plan we discuss in workshop 1.

By the end of workshops, the cohort of charities will be ready to put into action the steps to activate their trustee recruitment.

Pre-work for workshop 1 will be to ensure you have a copy of your charity’s governing document available to bring to the online workshop.

Book here