Funding & Training Focus - 05 August

Welcome to this week’s funding newsletter.

We're pleased to share that the Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund will reopen for applications on 18 September. If you're thinking about applying, we're running a series of information sessions to explain the fund, who can apply and what projects it supports. We're also offering Writing Successful Funding Applications training to help organisations build confidence in developing stronger applications, with practical guidance on outcomes, budgets and what funders are looking for.

Whether you're planning to apply to the Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund or another funding programme, these sessions are a great opportunity to strengthen your skills and prepare for future funding opportunities. Details of all upcoming sessions can be found in the training section below.

Any questions, just send me a message at mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

• Animal Welfare
• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Digital Exclusion
• Environment, Nature & Horticulture
• Homelessness/Housing
• Health
• NHS Community Benefits
• Refugees & asylum Seekers
• Racial Justice
• Unrestricted Grants
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Training/Additional Support

• Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund – Info Sessions 
• Writing Successful Funding Applications
• Advancing Racial Justice Fund webinar
• Charitable Trading
• External Funding Support Webinar
• Recruiting Board Members
• Meet the Funder with Social Investment Scotland
• Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
• Meet the Funder with Corra Foundation 
• Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation 

Online Resources
 

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 the 31st March 2027.

Grants Available to Support Film and Immersive Media in Underserved Areas
Grants of between £12,000 and £150,000 are available through the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund to support UK organisations running development programmes for filmmakers and immersive media creatives. The BFI is the UK’s lead body for film and the moving image, and distributes National Lottery funding to support screen culture. The £3 million programme aims to decentralise project development and strengthen the UK-wide screen sector. Funding can support programmes for creatives developing feature films, documentaries, animation or narrative immersive projects, including VR, AR, XR and 360° media. Applicants must be legally constituted UK organisations, and individuals cannot apply. Round two opens on 27 July 2026 and closes at midday on 9 September 2026. Programme activity must start between 1 January and 31 December 2027.

Funding to Address Social Issues Facing Families
Charitable organisations can now apply for up to £400 of funding for projects that directly impact families and solve significant social issues in communities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Warburtons Community Grant scheme will support a range of activities that support families, create communities that are safer, greener and more inclusive; and help families to gain useful skills for life and work. The funding is administered by the Charities Aid Foundation and can be used to cover specific costs associated with the activities (eg. buying equipment to support an employability project). Applications are considered every quarter. The next closing date for applications is 17 August 2026.

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 (excluding Northern Ireland). The deadline for applications is 7 September 2026.
 
Renfrewshire Council - Sustainable Communities Fund
The Sustainable Communities Fund can provide investment for community organisations to identify, develop or sustain local projects that have a range of social, environmental, or economic benefits.
The fund can also support and enable local organisations to take on land or buildings through a Community Asset Transfer.
The aim of the fund is to support infrastructure and place-based projects across Renfrewshire that will:

• improve the lives of local people
• build resilient communities through sustainable activities.
• advance equality of opportunity and improve accessibility and inclusivity.

For example:

• Community capacity and wealth building projects
• Local natural spaces
• Place-based investments

Youth Scotland - Rural Action Fund
The Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund is a Micro Grant fund being supported by The Gannochy Trust. This fund has been created in response to the challenges which rural youth groups are facing in funding the delivery of community based universal youth work.
It will make small awards to enable youth groups operating in rural communities to provide more and/or better youth work opportunities for young people. The priority for this fund is to support/enable typical youth work activities that directly benefit young people in rural youth groups.

Help Enable Digital Inclusion: Apply for a £1,000 DigiKnowVember 2026 Financial Donation (Subject to eligibility)
Community organisations in Renfrewshire can apply for a £1,000 financial donation to deliver digital inclusion activities during DigiKnowVember 2026 (2-29 November).
Funded by CommsWorld through their Community Benefits commitment, the donation can support activities that help people build digital skills, confidence and access to online services.
Who can apply?

• Third sector, voluntary, community and charitable organisations based in Renfrewshire
• Organisations delivering digital inclusion activity during DigiKnowVember 2026

Key dates

• Applications open: 3 August 2026
• Applications close: 28 August 2026, 5.00pm

Apply online using the Community Benefits Donation - DigiKnowVember 2026 application form. For more information, email digital-inclusion@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Funding to Improve Online Digital Presence for Small Charities
UK charities can apply for funding of up to £2,500 to enhance their online digital presence. The funding is available to charities with an average annual income of less than £1,000,000 to support digital expenditures that other funders may not cover. The funding will help organisations build websites and apps, digitise services, and purchase digital products. The funding is being made available through the Fat Beehive Foundation, and trustees are particularly keen to support traditionally hard-to-fund organisations, such as those supporting prisoners, refugees, or disadvantaged youth. Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed at trustee meetings in April and October. The deadline for applications is the end of September for the October meeting and the end of March for the April meeting. The closing date for the next round of applications is 30 September 2026.

Fundraising Everywhere - Digital Learning Grant
A cohort of 250 fundraisers will receive free access (courtesy of JustGiving) to six months of online training from Fundraising Everywhere designed to improve their digital fundraising skills.
Successful applicants will receive, at no charge:

• over 700 hours of on-demand training
• access to 1:1 coaching calls for tailored support
• monthly live sessions on topics like social media, email marketing, strategy, and leadership
• a digital certificate upon completion to showcase their new skills.

Next deadline: 12th September 2026

Grants to Support Projects in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Fine Art & Art History
UK charities and charitable organisations, including schools and colleges, can apply for grants to support projects in horticulture and plant sciences as well as the study, exhibition and conservation of fine art. The Finnis Scott Foundation is especially interested in supporting horticultural training through bursaries and apprenticeships. The sponsoring institution should submit applications; individuals may not apply directly. The Foundation will consider applications for one-off grants of up to £10,000; however, due to high demand, most grants are currently £5,000 or less. Exceptionally, grants of up to £60,000 are made when funds permit, payable over several years. The next application closing date is 4pm on 11 September 2026.
 

Funding for Community-Led Tree Planting Projects
Community groups, schools, and local organisations can apply for grants to support tree planting and conservation projects on public or publicly accessible land through the International Tree Foundation’s 2025 UK Community Tree Planting Programme. Funding is available for planting between 100 and 10,000 trees per year, with up to £2.15 provided per tree for woodlands and hedging, plus two maintenance grants of £0.10 per tree in the first two summers after planting. Projects may also include community engagement and educational activities. The first assessment round will take place on 1 October 2026, with the main grants awarded shortly afterwards. Subsequent awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. The final application deadline is 11 December 2026.
 

Environmental Grants for Community Projects
Community groups in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales can apply for grants of between £300 and £20,000 for environmental projects. Funding is available for new or existing activities, one-off events, and changes that help organisations deliver their work. Projects should help people connect with nature, improve local environments or reduce pollution. Examples include community gardens, biodiversity projects, outdoor learning, citizen science and local clean-ups. Funding can also support anti-pollution campaigns, composting, repair and reuse schemes, and recycling projects. Applications are open year-round, and applicants should receive a decision within 12 weeks. The grants are provided by The National Lottery Community Fund through the Small Eco Awards programme.
 

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Promote Horticulture and Public Gardens
Organisations involved in horticulture, gardening, or botany can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust. Established in 1970, the Trust has awarded over £3.2 million to more than a thousand recipients, supporting projects that promote horticulture, conserve the environment through biodiversity, develop public gardens, and advance horticultural education. Eligible projects include the restoration of historic gardens, creation of new public garden spaces, horticultural research, publications, and plant study expeditions. Applications are currently open, and the next application deadline is the 15 August 2026.
 

Grants of up to £2,500 Available to Help Disabled People Access Nature (UK)
UK registered charities can apply for grants of £500 to £2,500 to help people with severe physical or learning disabilities access nature and outdoor activities. Funding mainly covered core costs, including staff, transport, equipment, venues and accessibility, although project costs were also eligible. Supported activities included adapted gardening, conservation, outdoor visits and sensory nature sessions. The fund will open from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, or earlier after 150 applications. To be eligible UK registered charities must have an annual income below £750,000 and at least one full set of accounts. Funding is provided by the Woodroffe Benton Foundation grants programme.

Health and Wellbeing Charities Invited to Apply for £50,000 GSK IMPACT Awards
The 2027 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) IMPACT Awards are open for applications from registered charities working to improve health and wellbeing in the UK. Up to 10 winning charities will receive £50,000 in unrestricted funding. Up to five runners-up will receive £5,000. Winners will also receive free training and development valued at an average of £13,500 per organisation. Applicants must have annual income between £150,000 and £3 million. Applicants do not need to present a new project, as the awards recognise and support the organisation’s existing work. Organisations led by and supporting under-represented communities are encouraged to apply. Applications follow a two-stage process. Stage one closes at 5pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to stage two by 17 September, with a final deadline of 5pm on Monday 5 October 2026.
 

Unrestricted Grants Available to Support Community Health Charities
Small charities representing marginalised groups within the UK can apply for unrestricted grants of up to £10,000 to tackle health inequalities within their communities. Eligible organisations must have annual income between £20,000 and £150,000, have operated for at least one year, and be independently constituted. Up to 10 charities will also receive leadership development support valued at £5,000. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 10 August 2026. Funding is provided by GSK in partnership with The King’s Fund through the GSK Community Health Programme.

Grants to Provide Solutions for People in Housing Need
The Lintel Trust, Scotland's Housing Charity, is offering small grants to support community projects addressing housing needs. Grants of £500 or £1,000 are available for initiatives that support people in social housing, with a focus on projects that reduce social isolation, promote digital participation, enable older people to live independently, support individuals with disabilities, and assist those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. Eligible organisations must have a direct connection to housing associations, housing cooperatives, or local authority social housing providers. The next application deadline is 12 August 2026. Interested organisations should visit the Lintel Trust website for more information and application guidelines.


B&Q Foundation: Now open til 14 August!
Funding is available for registered charities who are creating or improving home environments. They focus on charities that support people who are most in need because of homelessness, financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage. In 2026 their focus is on projects that directly improve home environments, rather than community centres, support hubs, or well-being spaces. They currently offer two main funding programmes: the Home Improvement Fund and the Home-Starter Kits Fund.  Previous projects supported have included improvements such as decorating, fixing roofs, refurbishment of garden space, upgrading key fixtures and fittings, and creating new buildings or rooms.

Advancing Racial Justice Fund
The Robertson Trust have launched The Advancing Racial Justice (ARJ) Fund, a new fund focused on supporting Black and People of Colour (BPoC) led organisations in Scotland that are working to tackle to the root causes of racism. 
 Who it’s for: BPoC led community groups, charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) with an asset lock in Scotland (with at least 50% representation across staff, leadership and board), with an income of £200,000 or less.
Funding available:

• £10,000 to progress your idea through an early development stage.
• Followed by £10,000–£40,000 per year for up to three years.

What it supports: Community-led work that tackles systemic racism. We are especially interested in how racial injustice amplifies the harms of poverty and trauma.

Funding for Charities Supporting Refugees and People Leaving Prison
Small UK charities supporting asylum seekers, refugees, people in prison or those who have recently left prison can apply for grants of £5,000 to £7,000 a year for up to two years. Priority will be given to projects providing essential services for asylum seekers and refugees, helping refugees take part in community life, supporting people in prison, particularly women, and assisting people after release with resettlement, family relationships and reducing reoffending. Eligible organisations must have an annual income of £200,000 or less. The deadline for applications is 3pm on 27 August 2026. Funding is provided by the Hilden Charitable Fund through its UK Funding Programme.
 

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 7 September 2026.

Unrestricted Grants of up to £1,000 Available to Charities
Grants between £750 and £1,000 are available to support the work of charitable organisations in Scotland. The Paristamen Charity offers unrestricted grants through its Responsive Grant Programme to small and medium-sized charities with annual incomes between £25,000 and £500,000. These grants are intended to impact the organisation's overall operations positively. Applications from UK-wide and overseas charities will also be considered if they have a significant presence in Scotland. Churches and other faith-based organisations are welcome to apply. Trustees meetings are typically held three times a year towards the end of June, October, and February, with decisions generally confirmed by 21st of the following month (July, November, or March). The next closing date for applications is 1st October 2026.

Grants of up to £25,000 Available to Prevent People Entering the Criminal Justice System
UK registered charities working in social and criminal justice can apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Charles Hayward Foundation’s Main Grants Programme. The funding supports projects that help prevent people from entering the criminal justice system, as well as projects that help those already involved to rebuild their lives. The Foundation is interested in early intervention work with vulnerable families, projects that steer young people away from crime, support for girls and young women, prison and community-based rehabilitation programmes, help with accommodation, family relationships, mentoring and employment, and practical alternatives to prison, especially for women and young people. Charities must have an annual income of between £350,000 and £4 million. The next application deadline is 18 September 2026.
 

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

Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People
Grants of up to £15,000 are available to UK charities and not-for-profit organisations working with young people aged 12-21 who are socially excluded or marginalised, and who are experiencing or may have experienced significant issues within their lives. The Allen Lane Foundation Young People's Programme is keen to support young people (outside Greater London) who are facing difficult challenges and barriers to accessing support and opportunities, particularly children who are considered persistently absent from school, those leaving school with no qualifications, and children and young people in/leaving care. The average grant is around £5,000 to £6,000. Trustees meet to discuss grant applications three times a year, generally in February, June and October. Applications can be made at any time.
 

Funding to Tackle Hunger Amongst Young People
Grants of £500, £1,000 and £1,500 are available to schools and other not for profit organisations for the provision of healthy food, including breakfast and holiday clubs, snacks, cooking and growing activities, foodbanks and initiatives addressing holiday hunger. Shortlisted projects enter an in-store blue token customer vote, with all shortlisted applicants receiving funding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Funding is provided by Tesco through the Fruit and Veg Grants programme.
 

Funding to Support the Education of Young People with Physical or Learning Disabilities
Schools, charitable organisations, and other groups in Scotland supporting the education of young people aged 21 or under who have a physical or learning disability or are socially disadvantaged can apply for funding from the John Watson Trust. Whilst the Trust operates primarily within Edinburgh and the Lothians, it may also award grants Scotland-wide to eligible individuals and organisations, including schools, established charitable organisations and other groups supporting disadvantaged young people. Grants can cover expenses such as special or additional tuition, school trips, bus passes, school supplies and equipment, and laptops for students with special education needs.  Although applicants can apply for grants of any size, most grants made to individuals by John Watson’s Trust will be in the range of £200 to £2000. The next closing date is 23 October 2026.

Training

Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund – Info Sessions (multiple dates available)

Learn about the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund - ideal for new applicants.

The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund reopens again for its 6th year. Ideal for new applicants or groups who are considering applying.

These information sessions will provide a detailed overview of:

• Eligibility criteria and who can apply
• Funding limits and project expectations
• Application timelines and required documentation
• Overview of the application form
• Monitoring and reporting requirements across the year

The sessions will also include time for questions and discussion.

These sessions are recommended for any third sector organisation considering applying, particularly those unfamiliar with the eligibility requirements and application process.

Please note: we are offering a variety of times and dates, please read through these carefully before making your selection.
In person attendance book here.
Online attendance book here.
 


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.


Advancing Racial Justice Fund information webinar
Online 6th August, 10-11:15
Please sign up to our dedicated Advancing Racial Justice mailing list to receive the booking link for this session.
Join us to find out more about the Advancing Racial Justice Fund and whether it might be a good fit for your organisation or group.
During this session, we'll provide an overview of the fund, explain the application process, and share what a strong application will look like.


Charitable Trading
10 August 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
This ONLINE workshop is a precursor to the Just Enterprise ‘Establishing a Trading Subsidiary’ workshop.
During this session, participants will explore the law and how it applies to charity trading. You’ll discover what kinds of trading are permissible for charities, and how you can carry out non-charitable trading and still stay on the right side of the law.
 

Invest in Renfrewshire External Funding Support Webinar August 2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 10:00 – 12:00
The Invest in Renfrewshire Communities Team hosts monthly webinars for Renfrewshire third sector groups on external funding opportunities. Sessions cover current grant programmes, guidance on developing funding applications, and support to help groups demonstrate their social and economic impact and project outcomes. The webinars also highlight the wider support available from the Invest in Renfrewshire team.
To book a space please contact our Funding & Development Officer via Email:  Econdev.community@renfrewshire.gov.uk or Tel: 07812409366. 
 

Secure a fully funded place on the Digital Trustees Sept 2026 Cohort
Across two focused sessions, up to 30 organisations will work with the Third Sector Lab team to understand what digital skills their board needs, build confidence around digital governance, and connect with skilled tech professionals who are ready to serve as trustees or board advisers.
We have supported hundreds of charities, social enterprises, CICs and community groups to find the right digital, data or design expert for their board.Applications close 21 August 2026.


Recruiting Board Members
24 August 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Are you planning to recruit new/additional members to join the board of your social enterprise? This workshop will look at the steps you need to take when recruiting board members including how to find the right people for your organisation and the ways in which you can approach them.


Meet the Funder - Social Investment Scotland
1 September, 10.00-11.00
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Chris Holloways, Head of Social Investment Scotland (SIS), about the funding and finance options they offer and how they support charities, social enterprises and community organisations across Scotland. They will also hear how social investment can help organisations to grow, develop assets, and increase their long-term sustainability and impact.
Attendees will gain an overview of SIS’s main funding and finance options and how these can support organisations at different stages of development. The session will highlight the types of activity that can be supported and provide practical advice on making a strong application.


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.
 

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.

Online Resources
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