Funding & Training Focus - 16 October

Hello!

We have lots of exciting opportunities this week, with a mix of funders looking to support a variety of community projects, check out the miscellaneous section! 

We also have some fantastic training planned for anyone who writes funding applications. The Human Rights and Equalities First Approach workshop will give you the skills and tools to showcase your organisations work through a human rights and equalities framework. As more funders look to work with organisations that can clearly demonstrate their human rights and equalities practices, this workshop will give you the skills you need to showcase your work. The session is online on Tuesday 05 November at 1pm. More information and Sign up here 

Invest in Renfrewshire’s Communities Team also have a free webinar on Monday 28 October at 2pm for anyone looking for advice on funding opportunities. 

And finally, BMc Azurri are hosting a networking event on Wednesday 23 October at 11am, for charities looking to diversify their funding streams and improve their fundraising opportunities. Find out more - BMc Azurri Networking Event

• Climate Crisis Solutions 
• Community Sport 
• Data Protection Support 
• Disabled Young People 
• Employability 
• Fuel Insecurity Support – Individuals 
• Green Spaces 
• Miscellaneous 
• Museums 
• Music 
• Older Adults 
• Road Safety 
• Schools 
• Social Enterprise 
• Transport 
• Young People 

Additional Support/Training

• Invest in Renfrewshire External Funding Support Webinar October 2024 
• THRE - Funding and Fundraising with Human Rights and Equalities (Engage Members) - 05 November
• Invitation to Free Training on writing compelling bids for entry on the NHS National Community Benefit Gateway portal
• Charity Excellence Framework
• OSCR Information Sessions - Changes to Charity Law in Scotland

Climate Crisis Solutions

£150 Million Climate Solutions Fellowships Open for Applications
The Royal Academy of Engineering is inviting applications for its Green Future Fellowships programme, an initiative that will fund commercial and scalable solutions to the climate crisis. The £150 million programme will provide funding, capacity-building, and tailored support to scientists, researchers and innovators, helping them develop and scale breakthrough climate solutions. At least 50 fellows (ten a year for five years) will receive up to £3 million each to advance their ideas. These climate tech solutions should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help society adapt to the impacts of climate change. Applicants from any country are welcome, but their work must be based in the UK and deliver benefits to the UK, alongside any global impact. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 4pm on 05 November 2024. Find out more here 

Community Support

Funding to Support Grassroots Community Sport
Pub retailer and brewer Greene King has pledged nearly £350,000 in funding to support grassroots sport within local communities across the UK. Grants of up to £4,000 are available through the Proud To Pitch In Campaign, which raises funding through the sale of Greene King IPA for activities such as football, rugby, cricket, roller hockey or netball. Applications can be made by grassroots and community sports clubs running activities for people aged 18 and over. Projects that previously received funding include renovations to a club's facilities to make them more inclusive and accessible, coaching qualifications and referee courses, and new equipment. Applications can be made at any time until 01 November 2024. Grants will be distributed regularly. Find out more here 
 

Peter Harrison Foundation Opportunities Through Sport Grant Scheme
Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) throughout the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to the Peter Harrison Foundation Active Lives grant scheme. The grant scheme aims to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity at a grassroots level that enable physically, mentally, socially or economically disadvantaged people to develop personal and life skills to fulfil their potential. The grants can be used for various purposes, such as funding new sports programmes, improving existing sports facilities, or providing training and support for sports coaches. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of up to £500,000. The next closing date for applications is 01 January 2025. Find out more here 

Data Protection

Funding Towards Data Protection Consultancy Services
The DPO Centre is inviting applications to their Charity and Community Fund which provides charities and not-for-profit organisations with access to their data protection consultancy services at an 80% reduced rate. Applicants will receive support from subject matter experts and data protection professionals to help decrease the potential for compliance failure across their organisation, leading to fewer data breaches. Organisations can apply for funding of up to £10,000 towards a range of consultancy services including data protection training, policy drafting and reviews, data sharing, impact assessments and gap analysis. The DPO Centre has set aside a £150,000 funding pot, split into 3 application periods throughout the year. The next closing date for applications is  30 November 2024. Find out more here 

Disabled Young People

Grants of up to £35,000 Available for Short Breaks Projects for Disabled Young People
£1.2 million fund is available for third-sector organisations in Scotland to develop and deliver short breaks projects for disabled children and young people (aged 20 and under) and their carers. The fund, made available through Shared Care Scotland’s Better Breaks grant, aims to provide respite from their normal routine. Grants of up to £35,000 are available (for unincorporated organisations, the maximum grant available is £10,000). Activities funded by this grant may include breaks away, residential stays, days out, and regular shorter sessions, benefitting disabled children, young people, and their families. Applications must be submitted online by 11 November 2024. Find out more here 

Employability

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Increase Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged Adults
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to support projects that equip people (18 or older in order) from disadvantaged groups with the critical life skills necessary to gain employment. Priority will be given to projects that target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups facing major hurdles to employment, especially women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers. The funding is being made available through the Thomas Wall Trust, and the deadline for stage 1 applications 06 January 2025. Applicants successful at this stage will be invited to submit a stage 2 application. Find out more here 

Fuel Insecurity

Funding Available to Support Vulnerable Energy Consumers
The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (Energy Redress Scheme) has re-opened for applications, with its largest funding round since the scheme was established. A total of £35 million is available as grants to charities and community energy groups across England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for funding to support projects that help households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills support projects that help households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills as well as the development of innovative products and services related to domestic energy use, and carbon emissions reduction projects. The deadline for applications to this funding round is 5pm on 22 October 2024. Find out more here 

Green Spaces

£15 Million Fund to Improve Access to Green Spaces in Urban Areas
Local authorities and community partners across the UK are invited to apply for grants ranging from £250,000 to £1 million to improve access to nature and green spaces in urban areas. “Nature Towns and Cities” is a new initiative set up by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Trust and Natural England, offering a total of £15 million in funding to support at least 100 towns and cities. The initiative aims to bring organisations together to improve the quality of, and access to, historic parks and urban green spaces while supporting new ways to engage local communities and generate greater investment. Projects can last for up to 3 years. The closing date for expressions of interest is 12 November 2024. Find out more here 

Miscellaneous

Grants of up to £2,000 Available for Environmental, Community, and Music Projects
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to small Scottish charitable organisations to support environmental, community and music projects. Examples of grants awarded in the past include support for horticultural apprenticeships; grants for gardens, wildlife, and the natural environment; grants for organisations working with children, young carers, the elderly, vulnerable, and homeless; grants for music, the arts, and cultural charities; and grants for medical research and support. Applicant organisations must have an annual income of below £100,000. The funding is made available through the Cruach Trust. Applications are considered once a year and the next deadline for applications is 12 September 2025. Find out more here 
 

Funding for Activities to Improve People’s Lives
Grants are available for UK registered charities seeking to enhance and improve people’s lives through advancing the arts, health and medical welfare, and the environment. The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust typically awards grants of between £500 and £6,000 for projects and core costs, with a preference for small-scale, locally based initiatives. The services provided to communities could include promoting access to the arts, conservation activities, music and art therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing, and providing breaks for carers. There are three grant-making meetings held annually. Projects should have a start date of at least three months after the meeting date. The next deadline for applications is 04 February 2025. Find out more here 
 

Grants to Support Communities Impacted by Poverty
Small charities and community groups with an annual income below £30,000 can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects addressing the impact of poverty and/or trauma on people and communities in Scotland. The funding is available through the Robertson Trust’s Wee Grants for Wee Groups programme, which supports organisations focused on building stronger communities. Eligible projects include Men’s Sheds, lunch clubs, community gardens, sports and physical activities for people with disabilities, social activities for asylum seekers and refugees, family fun days, and community events. The programme also supports more targeted initiatives to tackle the financial and material effects of poverty, provide learning and skills development, and assist people in seeking employment. Applications can be submitted at any time, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. Find out more here 
 

Scotmid’s Community Grant Scheme
Small grants of up to £500 are available to assist and support community projects and initiatives throughout Scotland. Funding is available for a wide range of projects benefiting local communities but must be focused on the areas of children; education; community groups; active lifestyles; environment; the elderly; homelessness; fairtrade; arts & culture; and charity. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a group or individual acting for the wider benefit of the local Community; and live within the geographic boundaries of one of Scotmid Regional Committees. Schools are also eligible to apply for activities not part of their statutory responsibilities. This could for example include funding for a breakfast club. Applications can be submitted at any time. Find out more here 

Museums

Grants to Develop Museum Workforce Skills
Grants of up to £350 are available to support museums in developing the skills and expertise of their workforce. The funding is made available through the Association of Independent Museums’ (AIM) Training Grants programme, which will support member museums with training and development costs. This could include course fees, accommodation, travel costs, seminars and workshops, museum study visits and mentoring placements. Priority will be given to smaller museums, staff members and volunteers that have not previously received a training grant. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. AIM training grants awarded in 2024 must be completed and claimed before the 16th December 2024. Find out more here 
 

Funding Available to Help Museums & Galleries to Sustain their Collections
The John Ellerman Foundation is inviting applications for their Museums and Galleries Fund, which aims to strengthen regional museums and galleries in the UK. A total of £520,000 is available to support projects that enable new ways of working for both established and emerging curators, and help safeguard and advance curatorial skills during periods of development or change. The Foundation expects to award five or six grants of around £90,000 each for projects lasting two to three years, with the possibility of higher amounts for exceptional projects. Applications are welcome for a wide range of collections, including visual and decorative arts, as well as social and natural history collections. The process consists of two stages, with the deadline for the first stage set for 6th January 2025. First-stage decisions are expected in Spring 2025, with notifications sent in late February, and final decisions likely by the end of May 2025. Find out more here 

Music

Grants to Support Music Making
Music for All, a UK charity that promotes music making, is set to launch a new round of its Community Project Funding Programme. Grants are available to community groups, schools and individuals under a number of different categories, each with their own criteria and award amounts. This round will support projects working with people with learning and cognitive challenges, individuals facing financial hardship, underprivileged children aged 0-4, and community initiatives for those with mobility and accessibility needs. It will also fund choral singing opportunities for underprivileged groups, as well as the Learn to Play Award for those who either attended a Music for All’s Learn to Play event in October 2023 or were inspired by a Learn to Play tutorial on Music for All’s YouTube channel. The fund will open to applications on 18 October 2024. Find out more here 

Older Adults

Funding for Activities to Improve the Lives of the Elderly 
Small grants are available to fund projects to improve the lives of the elderly across the UK. Home Instead Charities awards grants of up to £1,500 to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations for well-being events, activities or pastimes that prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst adults over 55. Eligible projects may include regular events such as a cinema club, knitting group, or lunch club; one-off activities like a day trip or Christmas lunch; or other initiatives such as yoga classes or guest speaker sessions. The Fund accepts applications four times a year, with the next window opening in October 2024. All applications submitted during this period will be processed and awarded in November. Find out more here 

Road Safety

Funding for Road Safety Projects
The Road Safety Trust is accepting applications for funding to support projects and research aimed at improving road safety across the UK. A range of organisations are eligible to apply, including registered charities, local authorities, police forces, fire and rescue services, universities, not-for-profits, social enterprises, and community interest companies. This year, the funding will support projects addressing road safety inequalities, including disparities based on age, disability, health, gender, rurality, and economic wellbeing that affect public safety on UK roads. Small grants ranging from £10,000 to £50,000, and Large grants of over £50,000 up to £300,000 are available for projects lasting two or three years. The deadline for applications is 01 November 2024. Find out more here 

Schools

Grants for the Planting of Trees, Hedges & Orchards
The Tree Council is inviting applications through the Branching Out fund. Through the Fund, schools, community groups, parish and town councils, and tree warden networks within the UK, etc can apply for grants of between £250 and £2,500 to get communities and young people up to the age of 21 involved in planting and caring for trees, hedges and orchards. The funding will cover the cost of trees, hedges and fruit trees; reasonable costs of non-plastic protection and supports, as well as peat-free compost and/or soil improvers. The closing date for applications is midnight on 01 December 2024. Find out more here. 
 

Funding for Primary School Breakfast Clubs 
Grants are available for UK schools interested in opening free breakfast clubs. The Greggs Foundation will provide an initial start-up grant for equipment such as chest freezers to store food items or toys and activities for the club and a funding towards the running costs. The average club costs £3,500 to set up and run for a year based on 65 children. Schools should be able to attract adult volunteers to help run the scheme, which must show that at least 40% of their pupils qualify for free school meals and that the school serves a disadvantaged community. Each term, Payments are made towards other food items, and Greggs plc donates bread from the nearest shop. Although applications can be made anytime, there is currently a waiting list for funding. Find out more here. 
 

Funding for School Sensory Equipment
Grants of up to £500 are available to schools and educational organisations across the UK seeking funding to kickstart projects that will benefit their students. This month, the Twinkl Community Collection Prize Draw will be giving away a total of £4,000 in funding to provide essential sensory equipment to as many education settings as possible. This could include anything from lights and bubble tubes for sensory spaces to sensory gardens and outdoor equipment. Applications should be submitted by a member of the Senior Leadership Team on behalf of the school. Prize winners will be chosen randomly from all qualifying entries within thirty days following the closing date. One or more winners will be drawn in each draw. The closing date for entries is 31 October 2024. Find out more here  
 

Grants to Support Outdoor Learning for Secondary School Children 
Grants of £1,000 are available to UK state-funded secondary schools, including special schools that work with secondary-age children, to support outdoor learning opportunities for their pupils. The grants can be used to improve school grounds, purchase outdoor learning resources that engage young people with the environment, support travel expenses to outdoor learning centres, and purchase outdoor clothing. Priority will be given to schools with above-average free school meal eligibility, in high deprivation areas, or within the Trust's hub postcodes. The funding is being made available through the Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Essentials Grant scheme which will close to applications when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Find out more here 
 

Grants of up to £3,000 Available for Schools Science Projects
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to primary and secondary schools to support teaching STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The grants are made available through the Royal Society’s Partnership Grant scheme. The scheme aims to enhance science education by encouraging collaboration between schools and professional scientists or engineers. Eligible applicants include primary and secondary school teachers and practising scientists or engineers. Projects must involve students between the ages of 5 and 18. Additionally, the scheme includes an extension called "Tomorrow's Climate Scientists," which funds research on climate change and biodiversity. The Partnership Grants scheme is an annual funding round. There is a two-stage application process. The application process opens in February each year, with three possible submission deadlines.  The next deadline for applications is 29 November 2024. Find out more here 

Social Enterprise

Grants of up to £18,000 available to Social Entrepreneurs
Grants of up to £18,000 plus business support are available to social entrepreneurs looking to start or grow an existing social venture. The funding is being made available through the UnLtd, the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in and around the UK. UnLtd is committed to providing 50% of its awards to Black, Asian and minority ethnic and/or disabled social entrepreneurs. To be eligible, applicants need to be aged 16 or over, live in the UK, and be looking to fulfil a clear social need and demand. The closing date for this funding round is 31 December 2024. Find out more here 

Transport

Grants Available to Support Charity Transport
Funding is available to support the transport needs of charities working to prevent and reduce poverty and trauma in Scotland. Grants of £5,000 to £20,000 per year, for one to three years, are available to support the costs of vehicles or broader transport-related expenses. This will help charities deliver their services and remove barriers for individuals and communities affected by poverty and trauma. This may include lone families, disabled people, young people, asylum seekers, older people, and those living in remote or rural communities. Charities with an annual income between £30,000 and £2 million are eligible to apply. The funding is provided through the Robertson Trust’s Transport Grants programme, with applications accepted at any time. Find out more here 

Young People

Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People and Offenders
Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and in exceptional circumstances Community Interest Companies can apply for grants for projects that support offenders and ex-offenders as well as into work and helping specific less popular groups within the criminal justice sector. The funding is being made available through the Weavers' Company who are looking specifically to support projects helping offenders find work as well as projects that support marginalised groups. A secondary priority is given to projects aiding disadvantaged young people, including immigrants, in realising their potential and engaging in society. The Weavers' Company has two funding streams: a Small Grants Programme offering up to £5,000, and a Main Grants Programme with no maximum limit. Funding covers both project and core costs. Applicants must demonstrate efforts to secure other funding and future sustainability. The next application deadline is 14 November 2024. Find out more here 

Additional Support/Training

Invest in Renfrewshire External Funding Support Webinar October 2024 

The Invest in Renfrewshire Communities (IiRC) Team host monthly webinars on External Funding Support available for Renfrewshire third sector groups.  The focus is on the wider Invest in Renfrewshire programme updates and 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 cover wider support available from the Invest in Renfrewshire team including further information on Social Enterprise support available and updates on the Invest in Employability and the Invest in Business programme updates. 

• Monday 28th October 2024 at 14:00 – 16:00 

To book a space please contact our Funding & Development Officer via Email:  Econdev.community@renfrewshire.gov.uk or Tel: 07974071320.  

THRE - Funding and Fundraising with Human Rights and Equalities (Engage Members) - 05 November

Tuesday 05 November 1pm to 3pm 
Our workshop will introduce you to THRE's Human Rights and Equalities First Approach and provide practical steps to start or continue your human rights and equalities journey. In this session we unpack concepts relating to human rights and equalities to give you the tools to speak about your organisation's work through a human rights and equalities framework. This session is for Engage Renfrewshire members only. This session will be hosted online, we will send you the Zoom link to join 2 days before the event. Book here

Invitation to Free Training on writing compelling bids for entry on the NHS National Community Benefit Gateway portal

Are you a community group, voluntary organisation, charity, social enterprise, co-operative and individual volunteer that exist wholly or mainly to provide benefits for society or the environment and are based in the Greater Glasgow area? Did you know that you can make requests for Community Needs on the NHS National Community Benefit Gateway portal?  A community need is where you have a requirement for help- these can be things like revamp dementia friendly community garden for local community, upgrade IT equipment, take group of disabled children to an event.  Book your free webinar place to find out more and get training on  Writing compelling bids for the NHS National Community Benefit Gateway (NCBG) portal for the Greater Glasgow Area We are also interested to hear what you already know about the NHS National Community Benefit Gateway portal -  Complete the survey here!  The Supplier Development Programme is here to support you and also help improve your tendering skills. Find out more here 

Charity Excellence Framework is a great free resource for anyone looking for funding opportunities, AI support with bid writing, and policy templates. – Find out more - Charity Excellence - Find Charity Funding, Free Help & Resources 

OSCR Information Sessions - Changes to Charity Law in Scotland

• TSI Staff Session – Monday 28 October at 12pm 
• TSI Networks Session 1 – Tuesday 19 November at 2pm 
• TSI Networks Session 2 – Wednesday 04 December at 10am 
• TSI Networks Session 3 – Thursday 05 December at 6.30pm 

These sessions will run for 1.5 hours, but we have allotted 2 hours for the TSI staff session to allow plenty of time for questions and discussion