Funding & Training Focus - 02 April

Sunshine and Funding - a rare but glorious combo!

Renfrewshire has blue skies, and we’ve got funding news, it’s almost too good to be true! While we bask in this unheard-of spell of lovely weather, why not take advantage of some fantastic funding opportunities? Whether your projects focus on the environment, young people, or health and well-being, there’s plenty to explore.

Check out the latest opportunities below, including grants of up to £10 million for heritage projects and funding for safer and better roads, both rarer than a Scottish heatwave!

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

Environmental

SPT People and Place Programme Community Fund
The SPT People and Place Programme Community Fund is to support community organisations hoping to deliver active and sustainable travel behaviour change initiatives over 2025/26. The fund is for community organisations delivering these initiatives in the SPT region and will support projects with value between £5,000 and £50,000. Applications are now open, and close end of day Monday 14 April 2025. Find out more


Grants of up to £1,500 Available to Enhance Parks and Green Spaces
Constitute community organisations and Friends groups operating is Scotland will soon be able to apply for grants of up to £1,500 to improve and develop local parks and green spaces. The funding is being made available through the Parks4Life Community Fund, which is managed by Greenspace Scotland, will open for applications on the 2nd April 2025. Eligible projects may include organising community events, enhancing park facilities, implementing environmental improvements, and promoting biodiversity. The closing date for applications will be 25 April 2025. Find out more


People's Trust for Endangered Species - Conservation Insight Grants
Scientific researchers and conservationists in the UK and around the world are invited to apply for funding for work that is aimed at the preservation of endangered species. Grants of up to £10,000 per annum for up to two years will be awarded to projects seeking to find the critical scientific evidence that will facilitate the conservation of one or more species or their habitat, or provide the answer to a key conservation question that will enable conservationists to undertake critical conservation action. The funding is made available by the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species through their Conservation Insight Grants programme which closes to applications at 11:59pm on 25 August 2024. Find out more


Funding for Marine Conservation Projects
Marine conservation charities and not for profit organisations (including schools) based and working in the UK can apply for grants of up to £2,500 towards projects and research that address the root causes of marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK, and increase the number of people taking action for marine conservation. The funding, which is being made available through the Sea-Changers Main Grants programme, seeks to support creative and innovative approaches which have lasting benefits and outcomes. Sea-Changers is particularly interested in grassroots projects which galvanise community action and in projects which increase the number of people taking action for marine conservation. Small grants of up to £500 are also available. Applications to the Small Grants programme can be made at any time. The next application deadline for the Main Grants programme is 31 March 2025. Find out more


Biffa Award's Partnership Grants Scheme Opens for Applications
Biffa Award has launched its 2025 Partnership Grants Scheme to support major projects enhancing community facilities and protecting the environment. Grants between £250,000 and £1,000,000 are available for Built Environment projects, improving cultural, heritage, and visitor centres, and Natural Environment projects, which restore biodiversity and habitats. Eligible applicants include charitable or not-for-profit organisations located near Biffa landfill sites. A Third Party Contributor must cover 10% of the application value, with all additional funding secured. Projects must start in February 2026, complete within a year, and provide at least 104 days of public access annually. Expressions of Interest close at noon on the 30th May 2025, with full applications due later. Decisions will be announced in December 2025. Interested organisations should visit the Biffa Award website for full application details. Find out more

Health, Wellbeing & Sport

Funding Support for Museum-Based Health and Wellbeing Projects
The Museums Association (MA) has announced the forthcoming launch of the Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund. The fund which will open for applications on the 28th April 2025 will support UK museums to grow and sustain existing programmes that deliver measurable health and wellbeing outcomes. Funded projects may include mental health support, creative therapies, initiatives to reduce loneliness, physical health activities, and partnerships with healthcare or community organisations. Programmes should focus on vulnerable groups, such as older adults, refugees, or people with long-term conditions, and demonstrate proven impact, strong strategic alignment, and a commitment to sustainability. Staff training and development to enhance wellbeing work may also be supported. The fund prioritises deepening existing activity rather than launching new or short-term projects. The closing date for applications will be  26 June 2025. Find out more
 

Funding to Help People with Parkinson's to Become & Stay Active
Community groups and organisations across the UK can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to help people with Parkinson's to become and stay active. The Funding is for new activities that encourage people affected by Parkinson’s to participate in physical activity and sports or increased participation in these areas. This could be anything fun that encourages people, particularly those from isolated and ethnic communities, to get moving such as a walking group, a dance class, or playing table tennis. The funding, which is made available through the Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme, can be used to cover costs such as equipment, facility hire, maintenance of equipment, coaching fees, and training. Applications can be made at any time until all of the funding has been allocated. 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 and adaptive rowing for all ages. This funding, targeted towards groups ineligible for larger grants or with smaller needs, helps purchase equipment like boats, sculls, ergos, oars, and safety gear, aiming to increase participation in rowing among young people, disabled individuals, and those in education. The Foundation offers two programmes: Equipment grants, with applications due by noon on 02 June 2025, and Refurbishment grants, accepting applications year-round. Find out more

Homelessness

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. Previously funded projects include the Booth Centre, an advice and activity centre for homeless people in Manchester, which received a grant of £1,500 to transform the centre and a grant of £3,000 to the Amber Foundation to enable the Foundation to buy new bedroom furniture for their residential centre in Devon. The next closing date for applications is 15 June 2025. Find out more
 

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Charities Supporting Vulnerable & Disadvantaged People
The Leathersellers' Company has announced that its next application round for the Small Grants Programme will reopen for applications on the 31st March 2025. This funding is available to small charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) that provide essential services for vulnerable people in deprived communities across the UK. The Small Grants Programme awards grants of up to £5,000 to organisations with an annual income of less than £200,000. The number of applications will be capped, and submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; specifically, the first 45 applications received after each round opens will be considered. There are eight application windows throughout the year, and each window will close once 45 applications have been received. The application process is extremely competitive. On 04 November, 2024, for example, the entire allocation of applications was exhausted in just 15 minutes after opening. Find out more

Miscellaneous

AXA Startup Angel Competition 2025
The AXA Startup Angel Competition 2025 is now open for applications, offering two top prizes of £25,000 along with mentoring from leading UK entrepreneurs. This initiative provides both financial support and expert guidance to help transform innovative business ideas into successful business ventures. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and above, welcoming a diverse range of applicants—from recent graduates to those considering a career change. In addition to the two top prizes, four runners-up will receive a media and mentoring package worth over £18,000, designed to offer valuable support and exposure to emerging entrepreneurs. The deadline for entries 06 July 2025. Find out more


UK Charities Can Apply for Grants Up to £50,000 for Legal Support Projects
UK-registered charities are invited to apply for grants ranging from £25,000 to £50,000 for projects that advance access to justice within the UK. The Shoosmiths Foundation has allocated a total funding pool of £100,000 to support initiatives that either sustain or improve community access to specialist legal advice or expand pro bono legal support through partnerships with organisations and educational institutions. Priority will be given to smaller UK-registered charities, with applications required to focus on specific projects rather than unrestricted funding. The closing date for applications is 08 April 2025. Find out more


National Lottery Grants for Heritage - Grants of up to £10 Million Available
Not-for-profit organisations across the UK can now apply for grants of between £250,000 and £10 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for projects connecting people and communities to UK heritage. The funding can support a broad range of activities and project costs such as volunteer expenses, capital works, repairs, maintenance, conservation costs, professional fees, event costs, and the acquisition of heritage. All projects must also consider long-term environmental sustainability. Partnerships are encouraged. Up to 10% match funding is required. The next closing date for expressions of interest for National Lottery Grants for Heritage is 12 pm on 28 May 2025. Find out more


Grants to Promote and Secure Better and Safer Roads
Grants and bursaries are available for research, education, and community projects to promote and secure better and safer roads in terms of design, engineering, and aesthetics, including enhancements of the experience of road users. Funded activity includes courses on traffic engineering and transport planning, research projects and programmes or schemes to improve the highway network and the roadside environment, such as roadside parks and open spaces. No maximum or minimum grant levels are indicated. However, most grants given in the past have been between 5,000 and £30,000. The funding is being made available through the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and the next application closing date is 11 April 2025. Find out more

Schools/Education

Royal Society of Chemistry – Outreach Fund
Individuals such as researchers, as well as museums, schools, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts groups and libraries, etc, can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to run chemistry-based events and activities for public audiences and in schools through the Royal Society of Chemistry's Outreach Fund. The fund aims to support projects that enhance the science communication abilities of chemists. The primary goal is to enable chemists to engage with schools and public audiences effectively. By doing so, the fund seeks to foster a genuine interest in chemistry among students and pupils. Additionally, the aim is to encourage chemists to connect with the wider public, offering engaging interactions and discussions. Furthermore, the fund aims to provide inspiring opportunities for chemistry engagement to under-represented audiences, communities, and locations. The next closing date for applications to the small and large grants programmes is 06 June 2025. Find out more
 

Funding for Rural Community and Education Projects
Charities supporting rural development, particularly young people's education and poverty relief within rural areas, can apply for funding through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The funding focuses on supporting larger initiatives that would significantly impact rural communities. Grants available are for £1,000 - 50,000.  Larger grants are used to support organisations that significantly impact rural communities nationally. Projects funded in the past have ranged from City farms, Federations of Young Farmers Clubs and farming Community Networks. The next closing date for applications is 23 May 2025. Find out more

Scotland's Changemakers Programme

Are you changing the world for the good? Do you have potential to scale what you do to even greater impact? you could be helping one community or all of Scotland…

If you want to be part of the Scotland’s Changemakers programme, apply now for the chance join our second cohort on a journey to change Scotland for the better.

We welcome social entrepreneurs and charities on a programme of support that will help you to build your network and develop the tools to make even more of a difference for the things you care about. Check out our video to see some of the brilliant individuals who have already joined us to scale their impact.

The programme is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation and hosted at our headquarters at Blair Estate. Depending on where you are on your journey we will allocate you to one of two programmes best suited to your strategy, with the chance for both groups to come together twice a year as one.

This is not a course, its an experience. The only commitment we ask of you is that you show up for all the experiences we provide, because if you don’t then someone else is missing out.

Entry requirements:

• A social business or charity headquartered in Scotland
• Proven social impact
• Clearly articulated scale ambition to increase reach and impact by a minimum of 50% in the next 3 years
• Demonstrable growth mindset

Applications close 5pm on 18 April. 

Apply here

Social Impact & Community Development

Grants of up to £25,000 Available for Address Community Needs
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations in Scotland to promote community activities including promoting physical activity, enhancing arts participation, alleviating poverty, supporting marginalised groups, improving biodiversity, enhancing green spaces, and providing mental health support. Offered through the People’s Postcode Trust, this funding is available to organisations such as Community Interest Companies (CICs) with an asset lock, Community Benefit Societies, and Parochial Church Councils registered with the Charity Commission. Smaller constituted voluntary groups and companies limited by guarantee may apply for up to £2,500. Priority is given to organisations with annual incomes under £250,000, those operating in areas within the top 15% on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, and groups working with underrepresented communities. Applications for Round 1 are currently open, with a short deadline set for the 31 March at 12 noon. Subsequent rounds are scheduled for 24th June to 1st July, with a third round to be announced later in the year. Find out more


Scotland Changemakers
Are you changing the world for the good? Do you have potential to scale what you do to even greater impact? You could be helping one community or all of Scotland… If you want to be part of the Scotland’s Changemakers programme, apply now for the chance join our second cohort on a journey to change Scotland for the better. We welcome social entrepreneurs and charities on a programme of support that will help you to build your network and develop the tools to make even more of a difference for the things you care about. Applications close 5pm on 18 April. Find out more


Funding for Projects that Have a Positive Impact on Communities, People or the Environment
The Matthew Good Foundation has opened the next round of its Grants for Good Fund. The aim is to support small charities, not-for-profit groups, and social entrepreneurs passionate about making a difference for people, their communities, and the environment. The Fund will share £15,000 between five shortlisted projects every three months, which will be voted for by John Good Group employees. The project that receives the most votes will receive a grant of £5,000, second place £3,500, third place £2,500, and fourth and fifth place, both receiving £2,000. As well as established projects and charities, the Foundation wants to hear from people with innovative ideas that need some funding to get their projects up and running. To be eligible, applicants must have had an income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months. Funding is awarded every three months and the next deadline for the next funding round is 15 June 2025. Find out more


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 looking for projects that identify a specific need and propose to carry out activities that will help address this need and are as long-lasting and sustainable as possible. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 04 April 2025. Find out more

 

Young People

Funding for Young People to Deliver Positive Change in their Communities
Firstport, Scotland's development agency for start-up social entrepreneurs, offers the 'Pounds for Purpose' grant to empower young individuals aged 16 to 26 to initiate projects that drive positive social or environmental change within their communities. The grant provides up to £500 to cover essential start-up costs such as venue hire, promotional materials, or insurance. It supports well-developed ideas ready for implementation, particularly those with potential to become sustainable social enterprises. To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of Scotland, developing their projects independently or with a small team, and not on behalf of established organizations like colleges or universities. Additionally, the project must benefit people or communities in Scotland and not involve political campaigning or religious promotion. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific closing date, allowing applicants to apply at any time. Find out more
 

Funding for Leisure Activities for Children with Additional Needs
The Happy Days Children’s Charity is inviting applications for funding towards trips, respite breaks and group activity holidays for disadvantaged children and young people with additional needs. The charity awards funding for different types of activities to support families with children aged 3-17 who have a disability, a special need or have been abused. Activities include family day trips, and family holiday breaks. Applications can be submitted by parents, guardians, grandparents or siblings, as well as GPs, consultants, nurses or social workers. Groups that work with special needs children, including SEN schools and women’s refuges, are also eligible to apply for funding for either a day trip, theatre visit, or a group activity holiday. Applications can be made at any time. Find out more

Training/Events

Cancer Research UK Talk Cancer Training

Being delivered in partnership with NHS GGC Public Health Screening Team
Wednesday 23 April 10am-12.30am (ONLINE)
It’s a workshop designed for anyone who is in a position to promote health and wellbeing and would be particularly relevant to non-clinical roles such as reception staff, community link workers etc. If you are having conversations with people and are able to share health messages this workshop is for you. For more information e-mail ggc.phsu.admin@nhs.scot  or sign up here

Invest in Renfrewshire External Funding Webinar

The Invest in Renfrewshire Communities Team host monthly webinars on External Funding Support available for Renfrewshire third sector groups.  The focus will be on the current grant programmes that are open to third sector groups and the type of support available to groups when completing draft funding applications.  The webinar will help assist constituted third sector groups to clearly demonstrate their economic and social benefit, evidence longer term sustainability as well as articulate the impact their proposed projects will have. In addition to this, the monthly webinars also cover wider support available from the Invest in Renfrewshire team including further information on the Invest in Employability programme updates and Business Gateway support. Thursday 24 April 2025 11.00 – 12.30. To book a space please contact our Funding & Development Officer via Email:  Econdev.community@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Nilbymouth Training Opportunity

We are excited to introduce you to Nilbymouth, Nil by Mouth is a registered Scottish Charity existing for the sole purpose of achieving a society free from sectarianism where cultural and religious diversity is respected and celebrated by everyone. They aim to campaign for greater recognition of the damage caused by Sectarianism and promote positive change, work with legislation and policy developers to support the eradication of sectarian attitudes, language and behaviour, develop, promote and deliver education and training to promote good relations and challenge Sectarian attitudes, language and behaviour and provide support and resources for individuals and organisations to challenge Sectarianism. More information here - Home | Nil By Mouth
 
Nilbymouth is delighted to offer a training session specifically for Engage Renfrewshire members, they tailor their workshops depending on the types of groups attending. The Childcare Services session is most suited to staff working with young people in settings outside schools, PB4UP session is delivered to modern apprentices, foundation apprentices, employability groups and access to work courses, and the Beyond Religion and Belief session is an awareness raising session suitable for all staff.
 
To ensure that this session is tailored to your needs and interests, we kindly ask that you complete the attached survey. Your feedback will help us understand which training topics would be most beneficial to your organisation. Please take a moment to fill out the survey and let us know if this session would be of interest to you and which specific topic would be most relevant for your team.
 
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