Funding & Training Focus - 10 December

Funding finds for colder days

The temperature’s dipped again across Renfrewshire, and while many of us are eyeing up the thicker jumpers, the funding world is showing no signs of slowing down. This week brings a real mix of opportunities to support the groups who keep our communities going strong, from theatres needing essential repairs to charities tackling human rights, disability, mental health, and animal welfare.

There’s also support for organisations helping older people stay connected, projects improving food access for children and young people and some substantial long term funding for charities working with families and vulnerable young people.

So grab a warm drink, and have a scroll through. With deadlines stretching into the new year, it’s a good time to get ideas moving.

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

Funding

• Animals
• Art and Culture
• Children and Families
• Digital Innovation/IT
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Marginalised Groups
• Mental Health
• Older People
• Racial Diversity
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Events/Training

Digital Workshops January & February 2026

Funding

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 April 2026. Find out more

Match Funding Campaign to Support Arts & Culture Charities
The Big Give, in partnership with Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture, has opened a match funding campaign to support arts and culture charities working to create positive social change across the UK. Up to £30,000 in match funding is available to help organisations run their own seven-day online Arts for Impact match funding campaign in March 2026. The initiative supports projects that use arts and culture to improve wellbeing, strengthen communities, and bring about meaningful, long-term change. To be eligible, charities must have an annual income of at least £25,000. Those interested in participating must submit their application by 17 December 2025. Find out more

Grants of up to £7,500 Available to Not-For-Profit Theatres to Carry Out Essential Works
Grants of up to £7,500 are available through The Theatres Trust's Small Grants Programme for UK non-profit theatres. This initiative, backed by The Linbury Trust, aims to support projects aimed at ensuring the future viability and success of non-profit theatres in the UK, including essential small capital works, digital upgrades, and critical machinery installations. The deadline for applications in this round is 5pm on 16 January 2026. Find out more

Funding to Support Frontline Services for Babies & New Parents
Multi-year funding is available for charities delivering frontline services that improve outcomes for babies during their first 1001 critical days – from pregnancy to age two. The funding is provided by the 1001 Foundation, which aims to bring about meaningful change in the way services are delivered, and support parents and carers to give their baby the best start in life. Organisations can apply for up to £100,000 per year for up to five years to deliver services in community-based family hubs and other "one stop shop" settings. Projects could include infant feeding support, parenting programmes, perinatal mental health services, and help for dads or marginalised communities. Most awards are expected to range from £20,000 to £80,000 per year. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 19 December 2025. Find out more


Shine Bright Long Term Funding
Two-year grants totalling £60,000 (£30,000 per year) for registered UK charities delivering bold and innovative ideas that go beyond short-term fixes, targeting the underlying causes of issues facing vulnerable children. The awards are unrestricted, they can be used for any purpose that supports your organisation.
Who should apply? Registered UK charities with a turnover under £1.5m, working with children aged 18 and under.
Funding Priorities Must align with one of the following: Tackling Homelessness, Supporting Child Carers, Combatting Abuse,, Battling Addiction. Closes 30.04.26 Find out more


Holiday Grants for Disadvantaged and Disabled Children
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 19 March 2026. Applications must be made at least 6 weeks before the trip. Find out more

Funding for Transformative IT Projects
Registered charities, educational establishments, community interest companies, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for IT projects that benefit communities and people across the UK. The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists makes the funding available through their IT4Good Grant Programme, which aims to support innovative projects and activities that use information technology (IT) to create positive impact through education, digital inclusion, charitable, and public engagement initiatives. This could include developing and delivering innovative new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware. Larger grants may be made in exceptional circumstances. Applications can be submitted at any time until 5pm on 6 February 2026. Find out more

CARES Community Solar Fund
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is supporting community and faith organisations to install solar PV and battery storage in their buildings. This is a short-term pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and Great British Energy, with funds needing to be spent and claimed by 31 March 2026. Demand is expected to be high for this funding, with many communities already in a position to mobilise projects very quickly. Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are developing a new project, read the guidance and self-assessment checklist carefully and prioritise seeking a quote if you think you are eligible. Find out more

Funding for Projects that Defend Human Rights of Marginalised Groups
UK-registered charities focused on promoting and defending human rights, particularly for marginalised and excluded groups, can apply for grants of up to £30,000 per year for up to three years through the AB Charitable Trust’s Open Programme. Funding is available for both core and project costs and supports charities with annual incomes between £150,000 and £1.5 million. Priority areas include upholding the UK’s human rights framework, improving access to justice, reforming the criminal legal system, and supporting migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum. Eligible organisations may be engaged in legal advice, advocacy, policy work, campaigning, narrative change, or community organising. The next application deadline is 30 January 2026. Find out more

Grants of up to £75,000 Available for Mental Health Facilities and Equipment
Grants of up to £75,000 are available to charities and local authorities working in mental health. The Wolfson Foundation provides funding for capital projects, with a particular focus on training, employment, and supported housing. Projects should aim to increase access to services for new and existing users, enhance the quality and range of services, and improve organisational sustainability. Grants are typically awarded for new builds, refurbishments, or equipment. Match funding is required for projects costing more than £50,000. Applications follow a two-stage process. The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 5 January 2026. Organisations invited to proceed will have until 1 March 2026 to submit a full application. Find out more
 

Funding for Charities Working with Older People
Grants of £25,000 to £75,000 are available for charities and local authorities across the UK that provide care and services for older people, particularly those with neurodegenerative conditions or those who are isolated. The Wolfson Foundation will provide funding for new builds, refurbishments or equipment projects which aim to increase access to services for new and existing users, enhance the quality and range of services, and improve organisational sustainability. Match funding is required for projects costing more than £50,000. Applications follow a two-stage process. The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 5 January 2026. Organisations invited to proceed will have until 1 March 2026 to submit a full application. Find out more

Nuffield Foundation Opens Racial Diversity UK Fund
The Nuffield Foundation’s Racial Diversity UK Fund (RDUK) offers research grants of £15,000 to £500,000 to study racial diversity and inequalities in the UK, with one annual autumn deadline and the next round closing in October 2026. The autumn 2025 theme is “migration, arrivals, and legacies,” focusing on colonial legacies, migration and settlement experiences, impacts on communities, future multi‑racial demographics, and routes to residency and citizenship. Funded projects are expected to inform public debate, policy and practice on tackling racial inequalities and to help chart pathways towards a UK that benefits from its growing racial diversity, with applications particularly encouraged from researchers and organisations in racially minoritised communities, working in partnership where possible. Alongside the fund, the Foundation is commissioning an evidence review on racial demography and racial outcome disparities from 1948 to 2048. Find out more

Grants Available for Disabled Individuals and Groups to Play Tennis
Disabled individuals, disability groups, tennis clubs, schools, and associations across the UK that work with people with disabilities can apply for grants from the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust to support participation in tennis. Individuals may receive up to £600, while groups, clubs, or projects can obtain up to £1,600. The grants can be used for coaching with LTA-licensed coaches, court hire, tennis wheelchairs, and equipment like rackets. Applicants seeking sports wheelchairs may be required to make a personal contribution. The Trust holds four funding meetings annually; the next application deadline is 1 February 2026. Find out more

Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Small Charities Supporting Vulnerable People
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for small charities working to improve the lives of vulnerable people across the UK. The funding is provided by the Wise Music Foundation, which aims to make a positive difference for people facing hardship, illness, or poverty, particularly children, the homeless, older people, and those with disabilities. The Foundation also supports a wider range of causes, including education, cultural activities, arts and heritage, health and disability support, overseas famine relief, food banks, and other charitable initiatives. Charities with an annual turnover of up to £500,000 are eligible to apply. The average grant awarded is £1,500. Trustees meet quarterly to consider applications, and the next closing date is 28 February 2026. Find out more


Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Charities Supporting Vulnerable & Disadvantaged People
The Leathersellers' Company has announced that its Small Grants Programme will reopen for applications at 10 am on 15 December 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 40 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. For example, in November 2025,  the entire allocation was exhausted in just 30 minutes after opening.  Find out more


Grants of up to £75,000 Available to Charities Working with Disabled People
Grants ranging from £25,000 to £75,000 are available to UK-registered charities and local authorities for capital projects that support individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence. Eligible projects include new buildings, refurbishments, or equipment, particularly those focusing on training, employment, or supported housing, and those that facilitate transitions from children's to adult services. Projects must have capital costs of at least £50,000 and a funding shortfall of at least £25,000. Applications follow a two-stage process. The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 5 January 2026. Organisations invited to proceed will have until 1 March 2026 to submit a full application. The funding is made available through the Wolfson Foundation's Funding for Charities Working with Disability Programme. Find out more

Funding to Strengthen & Expand Youth Organisations
Organisations working with young people in the UK can apply for grants of up to £40,000 per year for up to two years to help strengthen, sustain and expand their work. The focus of this funding round is on improving access to services, providing services in rural or underrepresented areas, and supporting young people from marginalised communities. An additional £5,000 is for learning and strategic development activities. Between seven and ten grants will be awarded. The funding is being made available through the Alliance for Youth Organising Anchor grants programme, and the application deadline is 26 January 2026. Find out more


Funding for Educational & Vocational Projects to Improve the Lives of Disadvantaged Young People
Charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to deliver educational and vocational projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK. Funding is provided by the Sofronie Foundation to support initiatives that increase access to higher education, such as programmes that raise aspirations, build confidence, and develop skills in preparation for university. The foundation also aims to increase access to vocational training through initiatives that equip young people with practical skills, or work experience to prepare them for future employment. Programmes that encourage an interest in STEM careers are also supported. Funding can be used to cover all project delivery costs, including staffing. There is no specified award amount. Applications can be made at any time, but it may take up to three months to receive a decision. Find out more


Social Impact Funding
Two-year grants of £10,000 (£5,000 per year) for UK charities tackling key societal issues affecting young people. The awards are unrestricted; they can be used for any purpose that supports your organisation.
Who should apply? Registered UK charities with a turnover under £1.5m. One charity is selected per focus area, per year.
Funding Priorities Throughout the year, we support projects focused on: Child Exploitation, Child Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support, Anti-Racism, and Online Abuse. This round will accept applications related to: Child Exploitation, Child Mental Health Find out more

 

Training

SCVO, Mhor Collective & Tara French Consulting Practitioner Workshops