Funding & Training Focus - 11 October

Grey skies, but plenty to brighten the day!

Well, the weather across Renfrewshire hasn't exactly been playing ball this week. A bit of rain, a bit of wind and short spells of sunshine. Thankfully, there's plenty happening in the funding world to lift the spirits.

The newsletter this week brings a range of opportunities, from small grants for community groups and projects supporting older people, to funding for music, young people and strengthening financial resilience.

So, put the kettle on, find a quiet spot in the office and have a browse. As always, if there's anything you'd like to chat through, I'm just an email away at mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

Animal Welfare
Art and Culture
Canoeing and Waterways
Communities
Environment, Nature & Horticulture
Financial Resilience
Marginalised Communities
Miscellaneous
NHS Community Benefits
Older People
Renfrewshire HSCP Section 10 Grants Fund 2026/27 - Applications Now Open
Vulnerable People
Young People

Training/Additional Support

Understand Your Role as an Office Bearer
Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector
How to demonstrate impact to funders & supporters
Funding Fundamentals: Choosing the Right Funds and Thinking Like a Funder
Meet the Funder Sessions

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 the 1st December 2026.

Grants of Up to £100,000 Available for Animal Rescue Charities
Registered charities that rescue and rehome animals in the UK, Isle of Man and Guernsey can apply for grants of up to £100,000 to improve the wellbeing of pets. Funding can cover veterinary care, food, boarding, utility bills, equipment, vehicles and building improvements. Charities must have been operating for at least two years, with priority given to smaller organisations. Funding cannot be used for salaries or projects that have already been completed. Applications can be submitted at any time of year, as long as funding remains available. Grants are provided by the Pets Foundation through its Rescue and Rehoming programme.

Funding to Improve Young People’s Lives Through Music & the Creative Arts
Funding is available for organisations that use music-focused activities to improve the lives of young people aged 16 and above across the UK. Since its inception in 1989, the Brit Trust has distributed over £28 million to various organisations, primarily through funds raised at the BRIT Awards and the Music Industry Trusts Award events. This funding supports music and arts initiatives that promote education, wellbeing, and community engagement, helping individuals realise their full potential, regardless of ability, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Applications are open to registered charities until the 5.00 pm on 29 April 2027.

Funding to Support Arts and Music Projects
The Fidelio Trust is offering grants of up to £5,000 to talented early-career individuals and groups in the arts, particularly music, who would be unable to pursue their project or activity without financial support. An appropriate institution, college, Arts Festival or similar organisation must recommend Individuals and groups. Funding is available for special tuition or coaching costs, participation in external competitions, support for a specially arranged performance, and support for a musical composition. The closing date for applications is midday on 22 January 2027.

Funding to Support Crafts, Heritage & Classical Music Projects
The Radcliffe Trust offers grants of £2,500 to £7,500 to UK charities, community interest companies and other not-for-profit organisations for heritage, crafts and classical music projects. Its Heritage & Crafts scheme supports traditional craft skills, conservation and training, while its Music scheme provides grants of up to £5,000 for classical music performances, education and youth orchestras. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications close on 31 January 2027, with projects normally expected to start on or after 1 July 2027.

Funding to Boost Community and Individual Music-Making (UK)
Funding is now available to support projects that increase participation in music within disadvantaged and marginalised communities. The funding is available to individuals, community groups and schools through the Music for All Awards programme delivered by Music for All. Grants can support the purchase of instruments and equipment including electro-acoustic guitars, Pbuzz instruments, ukuleles, keyboard bundles, drum kits and Orange Crush Mini amps. UK-based charities, community music groups, schools and educational bodies are eligible to apply, with awards typically ranging from £800 for individual development to several thousand pounds for wider community and youth music projects. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 30 November 2026.

Grants to Support Canoeing and Inland Waterway Conservation
Not-for-profit organisations, charities, clubs, and other interest groups based in the UK can apply for a grant of £500 - £10,000 to help them to increase participation in canoeing. The grants can be used to promote new or improved access points for canoe trails on to moving water, estuaries, canals and reservoirs. This can include new and improved launch and landing platforms, steps or ramps; improvements to pathways and accessible routes to the water’s edge and signage and information that promotes positive behaviour. Examples of projects supported include a grant for Canoe Trail Improvement at Lazonby and Bamford on the upper Derbyshire Derwent delivered in partnership with the Parish Council. The funding is being made available through the Paddle Trust and the closing date for applications is 7 December 2026.

Ross and Liddell - Community Bursary Programme
£500 are available to local community organisations in Scotland that make a vital difference to their local area.
Previous grants have been awarded to youth drama groups, sports clubs, mental health charities, early years groups and many more. See funder website for examples of previous awards. Currently open to applications until 30 November 2026.

Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable Communities
UK-registered charities working to reduce hardship and improve lives in the UK and overseas can apply for funding to support vulnerable people and communities. The Trust prioritises organisations guided by Christian values but also welcomes others, providing practical help to improve physical and spiritual wellbeing. Most grants range from £1,000 to £3,000, with no fixed minimum or maximum, and have supported projects like malaria prevention and school meals in Africa. Grants are limited to UK charities only, as overseas organisations cannot be funded directly. Applications to the Souter Charitable Trust are reviewed monthly and can be submitted anytime, with the next deadline on 26 November 2026.

Funding Available for Community Organisations Promoting Equality and Social Justice
The Lipman-Miliband Trust offers grants totalling £27,000 to £30,000 over three years to UK-based organisations supporting socialist political education and research, alongside activities that promote equality, democracy and social change. Applicants must have been operating for at least two years and have an annual income of between £5,000 and £500,000. Funding through the Trust’s Large Grants Programme can cover day-to-day running costs and other core organisational expenses but cannot be used for party-political activities. First-stage applications close on 26 February 2027.

Funding Available for Christian Organisations Delivering Community Projects
Christian charities, churches and cathedrals across the UK and Ireland can apply for funding through Benefact Trust's Community Impact Grants programme to address social issues and support local communities. Grants support projects and activities for up to three years that tackle poverty, homelessness, isolation and other social challenges, while helping to strengthen Christian communities. Applicants should normally have an annual income of at least £25,000. Funding is available for running costs only and cannot be used for capital projects. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Grants of up to £10,000 Available for Projects Addressing Urban and Rural Deprivation
Charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 to tackle deprivation in urban and rural communities. The funding can support core costs, including salaries, running expenses and project delivery, helping frontline groups maintain essential services. The funding is made available through the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation’s small grants programme, which is open to organisations with annual income below £250,000. Applicants must contribute at least 50% in match funding. There is no deadline, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Organisations Invited to Host New Community Coding and AI Hubs
UK-registered companies and charities, chartered bodies, Scottish local authorities and further or higher education institutions can apply to host one of four new community coding and AI hubs in Scotland. Successful organisations will receive equipment, training and ongoing support, but no cash funding. Hubs must provide publicly accessible extracurricular computing activities, primarily for young people aged 16 and under, and support other local clubs. Expressions of interest close at 3pm on 17 December 2026. Support is provided by Digital Xtra through its Code Xtra programme.

Environmental Charities Can Double Donations Through Big Give’s Earth Raise 2027 Campaign
UK-registered environmental charities can apply to Big Give’s Earth Raise 2027 campaign to double public donations through match funding. Charities working in the UK or overseas are eligible, as long as protecting or improving the environment is one of their charitable aims. Successful applicants will receive a dedicated amount of match funding, released when members of the public donate through Big Give’s online fundraising platform during the campaign week. Funding can cover environmental projects or day-to-day running costs, including work on biodiversity conservation, climate action, sustainable communities and waste reduction. Applications close at 5pm on 15 January 2027, with the fundraising campaign running from 22 to 29

Grants to Support Projects in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Fine Art & Art History
UK-registered charities can seek grants of up to £10,000 for horticulture, plant sciences, fine art and art history projects, although most awards are £5,000 or less. Funding supports capital and revenue activities, including horticultural training, bursaries, apprenticeships and historical art conservation. Smaller charities are preferred, while community interest companies and mainstream schools are excluded. The next closing date for applications is 4pm on 9 December 2026. Funding is provided by the Finnis Scott Foundation through its charitable grants programme.

£6 Million Fund to Help Small Charities and Social Enterprises Build Financial Resilience
A new £6 million UK-wide fund has been launched to help small charities, community groups, social enterprises and early-stage social entrepreneurs generate their own income and improve their long-term financial stability. The Henry Smith Foundation's new Enterprise Gateway Fund will provide grants of £500,000 to £1.5 million over three years to partner organisations with an annual income of at least £500,000. These partners will distribute grants to smaller organisations and provide business development support, peer learning and networking opportunities. The Foundation will prioritise disadvantaged areas and communities with limited access to enterprise support. Small organisations and social entrepreneurs cannot apply directly to the Foundation. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm on 25 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants must submit full applications by 5pm on 22 January 2027.

Funding to Support Migrant Justice
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is making grants of up to £60,000 per year (over 3 to 5 years) available to support not-for-profit organisations working towards migrant justice in the UK. The Migration Fund aims to support organisations to build on their services to strengthen relationships with migrants and diaspora communities, and help them plan for positive change. The Foundation will consider applications for core funding and funding dedicated to specific programmes and partnerships. Potential applicants need to contact the Foundation to discuss ideas before submitting applications related to this focus area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Weir Charitable Trust
Scottish-based community groups and small charities working in the areas of sport, recreational facilities, health, culture, and animal welfare can apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Weir Charitable Trust. The trust aims to assist organisations that have difficulty securing funding elsewhere. Applications are accepted twice a year and the next deadline is 5 pm on 26 February 2027.

Grants for Better Better and Safer Roads
Grants are available for research, education, and community projects to promote and enhance better and safer roads in terms of design, engineering, and aesthetics, including improvements in the road user experience. Funded activities include courses on traffic engineering and transport planning, as well as research projects and programmes or schemes to improve the highway network and 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 deadline is 9 April 2027.

Grants of Up to £750,000 to Help Older People Stay in or Return to Work
UK-based organisations can apply for grants of up to £750,000 over four years to help people aged 50 and over who are disabled or have long-term health conditions stay in work or return to employment. Funding is available for research, evaluation and new approaches to supporting older workers. This includes digital solutions, sharing knowledge and good practice, and expanding approaches that have proved successful. Funding cannot be used for clinical treatments, existing services or projects focused solely on collecting data. Applications involving organisations working together are encouraged. All projects must involve people with direct experience of the issues being addressed. The deadline for initial applications is 14 January 2027, with shortlisted applicants invited to submit full applications in April 2027. The funding is provided by the Nuffield Foundation through its Extending Healthier Working Lives programme. A total of £5.5 million is available across two funding rounds.

Grants Available to Combat Isolation and Loneliness Amongst Older People and Adults with Disabilities
Funding of between £100 and £2,500 is available for individuals, charities and small community groups in England, Scotland & Wales to combat isolation and loneliness amongst older people and other adults with a disability. The funding, which is being made through the Barchester's Charitable Foundation, focuses on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications for individuals must be completed by a third-party sponsor such as a health care professional, social worker or charity/support group representative. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis, with funds allocated to those who demonstrate greatest need. The Foundation is open for group applications in January, April, July and October, and will notify applicants of the outcome within two months. Applications on behalf of individuals can be submitted at any time. Group and charity applications reopen on 04 January 2027.

The W.G. Edwards Charitable Foundation
The W. G Edwards Charitable Foundation is an independent grant-making charity which assists with the provision of care for the over-65s. The Foundation makes small grants to improve the health and wellbeing of people over the age of 65 in the UK. This could be assistance towards a capital project such as refurbishment, furniture or equipment; or towards an innovative project such as fitness classes, lunch clubs, gardening projects, etc. The Foundation only supports items or projects where at least 90% of the beneficiaries are over the age of 65. Around 100 organisations each year are successful in obtaining grants usually between £1,000 - £1,500.

Small Grants of up to £3,000 Available for Community Groups Supporting Disadvantaged People
Small community groups and charities across Scotland with annual income of £50,000, including some unconstituted groups, can apply for grants of £500 to £3,000 to help people affected by poverty or disadvantage. Examples of what could be supported include parent and toddler groups, food pantries, or social activities for older people, etc. A total of £1 million is available until April 2027, with around 325 grants expected. Applications are assessed on community need, with decisions typically provided within six weeks. The funding is being provided by Corra Foundation Boost Fund.

Capital Grants Available for Projects Benefiting Disadvantaged People
The Clothworkers Foundation awards grants to charities and other not for profit organisations (including special schools) to support capital projects that support disadvantaged sections of the community. This can include the purchase or renovation of buildings, as well as the purchase of equipment and vehicles. To be eligible, the projects must fit within one or more of the Foundation’s specified programme areas. This includes alcohol & substance misuse; disadvantaged minority communities; disadvantaged young people; domestic & sexual abuse; homelessness; and older people. Applications can be made at any time. The Foundation aims to make a decision within 12 weeks for grants and projects of less than £15,000, or within 4 months for grants over £15,000.

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 5 February 2027.

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 22 January 2027.

Training

Understand you role
12 November 2026
AM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002332038027
PM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002378793875

Session contents:

What do you already know about the roles of office bearers?
Common misconceptions about Office Bearers in Unincorporated and Incorporated Organisations
Governing Regulator, Governing Document
Compliance
Potential impacts on Organisational reputation of lack of clarity
Succession

The Scottish Governance Code
13 November 2026
AM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002423206715
PM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002423822557

The Scottish Governance Code is a statement of best practice that outlines core principles of good governance for charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises in Scotland. In this session we will explore the code, learn how it can have a positive impact in your organisation, and see how you can easily adopt it.

How to demonstrate impact to funders & supporters
18 November 12.30-1.15 via zoom.
Attendees will discover:

A structured evaluation framework to help plan and implement their impact evaluation
How to select the right approach & methods
What practical considerations to take into account

They will:

Gain insights through practical examples & case studies
Receive a practical worksheet to take away

This webinar is for senior leaders/CEOs or Board members of medium-sized charities.
To book: send an email catherine@strategic-consulting.scot

Funding Fundamentals: Choosing the Right Funds and Thinking Like a Funder
19 November, 10:00 am-11:30 am
Learn how to identify the most suitable funding opportunities and understand what funders are looking for when assessing applications

Funding Fundamentals: Writing Strong Progress Reports for Funders
24 November, 10:00 am-11:30am
Discover how to create clear, engaging progress reports that demonstrate impact and strengthen relationships with funders.

Meet the Funders take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 10am. They're a great chance to hear directly from funders, learn more about their programmes and ask questions.

Coming up:

Know Your Numbers – Just Enterprise
Online November 23 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Aimed at those who have little or no previous knowledge in understanding and interpreting financial documentation, this session will cover:

How to read your annual accounts
The difference between your balance sheet and income
The importance of cash and assets
What your Board needs to know

Was this helpful?

This will help us improve this site.

All Newsletters SDS Newsletter General Volunteering Wellbeing Network Funding Employment In-Ren RenSEN Our Children

Funding & Training Focus - 11 October

Training

Share this