Funding & Training Focus - 18 February

Local opportunities and looking ahead

There’s a real mix of funding on offer this week, with something for groups of all shapes and sizes across Renfrewshire. From smaller local grants through the Local Area Partnership Fund to larger national grants supporting climate action, health, culture, inclusion and community assets, there are opportunities at every level.

As we come towards the end of the financial year, it feels like a good moment to look ahead. We’re starting to plan our training programme for the year ahead and want to make sure it reflects what you actually need. If there’s any training you’d like us to offer, or particular topics you’d find useful, please do let us know. Your feedback will help shape what we prioritise: Training Needs 2026/2027 – Fill in form

As always, if you would like to talk through any of the opportunities below, sense-check an idea, or get support with an application, just get in touch: mwollberg@engagerenfreshire.com

Funding

• SURE Fund - Note of Interest
• Art and Culture
• Communities
• Digital
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Health
• Local Area Partnership Fund
• Miscellaneous
• Museums
• Refugee Festival Scotland
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Events/Training

• Free, accessible online safety webinars for CyberScotland Week 2026
• Scottish Community Mediation Centre Training

SURE Fund 

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, in collaboration with Engage Renfrewshire, is delighted to launch a brand new community grants initiative – the SURE Fund.

The SURE Fund will provide a number of small grants (up to a max £20,000 per award) to support community-led activity that reduces alcohol and drug related harm, supports recovery and wellbeing, and builds stronger, more connected communities.

We’re particularly interested in projects that create positive opportunities for people to build skills, try something new, volunteer or connect with others, and those that engage young people in innovative ways to challenge stigma and open up conversations about alcohol and drugs.

Above all, we want to fund activity that reduces harm, supports recovery and wellbeing, values lived and living experience, and helps build stronger, safer and more connected communities over the longer term.

Note of Interest
 

Funding Opens for Creative Programmes to Highlight Asian Arts & Culture
Grants of up to £100,000 are available to UK not-for-profit organisations for projects that explore and promote Asian culture. Funding is provided through the Bagri Foundation’s Arts & Culture Grants programme to support initiatives focusing on traditional or contemporary Asian culture, and featuring established or mid-career artists from Asia or its diasporas. Open to UK-based charities, CIOs, CICs, exempt charities, and experienced creative collectives, the scheme supports a wide range of cultural activity including crafts, exhibitions, performance, literature events, and public commissions. Grants usually cover 10-30% of total project costs, and average about £20,000. Organisations requesting grants over £75,000 should contact the Foundation before applying. Applications follow a two-stage process. The stage one deadline is the 11 March 2026, with shortlisted applicants invited to submit a full application by the 17 April 2026. Find out more
 

Funding to Support the Promotion of the Arts for Public Benefit
UK arts organisations committed to fostering excellence and emerging talent are invited to apply for grants through the Jerwood Foundation’s 2026 funding round. This initiative supports projects that enhance public access to the arts and contribute to the professional development of artists. Funding is available for a range of activities including exhibitions, performances, residencies, and other creative initiatives that demonstrate both artistic ambition and meaningful public engagement. The Foundation encourages proposals from organisations with a clear vision for nurturing talent and delivering high-quality, accessible arts experiences. Applications must be submitted by 2pm on 18 March 2026. Find out more

Funding to Make Scotland’s Urban & Rural Communities More Sustainable
To help urban and rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable, the National Lottery Community Fund is awarding grants of up to £1 million to enable voluntary, community and public sector organisations to take ownership of land and buildings. Delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Land Fund enables both urban and rural communities to successfully manage local land and land assets to meet local need and deliver benefit for the whole community. Practical support is also provided to help communities to develop their aspirations into viable projects. Applications can be made at any time. Find out more

Screwfix Foundation
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not-for-profit organisations (including specialist not-for-profit schools) to fund projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for those in need in the UK. The funding is being made available through Screwfix Foundations, and the grants are available for a wide range of projects, from repairing buildings and improving facilities in deprived areas to decorating the homes of people living with sickness and disabilities. Applications are reviewed every quarter, and the next deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Find out more

£750,00 for Charities Supporting Disadvantaged Communities
Small Scottish charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations that support people affected by poverty or disadvantage are invited to apply for a share of £750,000 in funding. The Boost Small Grants Fund, delivered by the Corra Foundation, supports community-led organisations that provide practical help, organise local activities, or respond to community needs. Constituted groups with an annual income of £50,000 or less can apply for grants of up to £3,000. Unconstituted groups may apply for grants of up to £1,500. It is anticipated that approximately 250 to 300 grants will be awarded. Applications can be made at any time until all funding is allocated. Find out more

Funding for Community Health & Wellbeing Projects
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Laughology is giving away £20,000 through its Happiness Fund in 2026. The fund supports neighbourhood-based community projects that help build happy, strong, and resilient communities across the UK. Funding is available to small not-for-profit organisations to set up new groups or activities that improve mental health and wellbeing, promote inclusion, and support learning and skills development in local communities. Applicants must demonstrate how their project will become financially sustainable in the long term, either by continuing independently or by securing funding from other sources. The programme will run over two funding cycles. Each cycle will award two grants of £5,000. Find out more

 

Funding to Tackle Digital Exclusion
Grants of between £15,000 and £50,000 are available to UK charities, CICs and other not-for-profit organisations working to tackle digital exclusion in their communities. The Access Foundation’s Digital Divide Grants programme funds projects lasting up to twelve months that aim to improve digital access, skills and support for disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must show clear, measurable outcomes, such as digital skills training, improved access to equipment, or support to help people move into education or employment. Funding decisions are typically made within twelve weeks of submission. Find out more
 

Funding for Transformative IT Projects
Registered charities, community interest companies, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for IT projects that benefit communities across the UK. The funding is made available through the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists Grants 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 are reviewed four times a year, with the next deadline on 20 May 2026. Find out more

The Scottish Government's Climate Engagement Fund
Grants up to £80,000 are available for established community groups and voluntary organisations for projects that help build people’s understanding of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives, and the need for climate action. Apply by 01 March at gov.scot. Find out more
 

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 15 August 2026. Find out more
 

Funding Available for Creative Youth-Led Nature Projects
Grants of £500 are available for projects led by young people that celebrate UK native wildflowers, plants and fungi in exciting and engaging ways. The funding is made available through Grow Wild’s Youth Grants programme to support young people to deliver a wide range of creative projects that will inspire communities and help people connect to each other and nature. Grants can be used for anything project-related, from basic materials and equipment to resources or training. Young people aged 16 to 25 can apply directly as an individual or as a group, but will need to nominate a youth, community or education-focused organisation to support them with their project. The deadline for applications is 3pm on 18 March 2026. Find out more

Funding to Help Hospices Improve their End-of-Life Care Facilities
Hospices across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man can now apply for a share of £100,000 in funding to improve their end-of-life care facilities. Grants of up to £10,000 will support capital costs, including LED lighting installation, boiler and heating improvements, EV charging points, environmentally friendly windows, and the creation of sensory gardens and accessible outdoor spaces. The funding aims to enhance comfort for hospice users, while helping hospices improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. Eligible applicants must be members of Hospice UK, including NHS Hospices. The funding is delivered by Hospice UK in partnership with the Screwfix Foundation, through the Hospice Capital Improvement Grants Programme. Applications close on 13 April 2026, with decisions announced at the end of May 2026. Find out more

 

Local Area Partnership Fund

Local Partnerships provide small grants and funding for local activities and projects that help to meet local priorities. Awards of up to £5,000 are available for voluntary and community organisations.
There are 7 Local Partnerships, which mirror the Community Council boundaries in Renfrewshire. These are:

• Paisley North, West and Central
• Paisley East
• Gleniffer
• Renfrew
• Johnstone and Linwood
• Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and Langbank
• The Villages.

Each Local Partnership has its own priorities. 
Closing date for applications: Sunday 15 March 2026
Find out more

Innovation for All Foundation Reopens its Grants Programme
The Innovation for All Foundation, set up by intellectual property firm Kilburn & Strode, has reopened applications for its ‘Innovation for Good’ grant programme. The programme offers grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 to support projects that use creative solutions to tackle a wide range of social challenges. In the past, the Foundation has funded projects in areas such as medical research, mental health, the creative arts, IT, and technology. The grants are open to registered UK charities. Successful applicants will be chosen by a vote of Kilburn & Strode employees. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. Find out more

National Archives has reopened its Seed Corn Grant
The National Archives has reopened its Seed Corn Grant, offering funding of £500 to £5,000 for community groups, archives, and heritage organisations to test early-stage ideas. This scheme supports risky or experimental projects, such as piloting new engagement methods, building partnerships, or conducting research and development, without the pressure of delivering immediate large-scale outputs. Eligible applicants include grassroots organisations and the wider GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), though Higher Education Institutions cannot lead applications. Projects can last up to one year, with all funds required to be spent by December 2027. The deadline to apply is Friday, 17 April 2026. Find out more

Unrestricted Grants of up to £1,000 Available to Charities
Grants between £500 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 01 June 2026. Find out more

The National Churches Trust’s Medium Grants Programme
Grants of up to £10,000 are available to listed and unlisted Christian places of worship, of any denomination, across the UK towards project development and investigative work up to RIBA planning stage 1, to support churches preparing for a major project, and in developing their project to the point at which they can approach a major grant funder. Grants will never exceed 50% of the net project costs for this phase. The National Churches Trusts’ Medium Grants Programme is also now able to offer grants of up to £10,000 for urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. Grants cannot exceed 50% of the net project costs. The deadline for applications is 14 April 2026. Find out more

Grants to Support Serving Soldiers, Veterans & their Families
Grants of up to £15,000 are available to charities and community interest companies supporting soldiers, veterans, and their immediate families in Scotland. A variety of projects and activities can be funded, including mental health support, educational programmes and employment assistance, family support, housing assistance, independent living, and elderly care. This might include helping wounded soldiers to adapt to life after service, assisting elderly veterans to keep their independence, or supporting soldiers to embark on new careers. Organisations should provide a service that addresses a need not already met by statutory or other providers, including charities. Priority is given to member organisations of the Confederation of Service Charities or Veterans Scotland. The funding is provided by the Army Benevolent Fund which will accept applications until 17 March 2026. Find out more

£100,000 Grants Open for Museums and Community Partnerships
Grants of up to £100,000 are available to support museums and their partners in using collections to advance inclusion, equity, and social and climate justice. The funding, made available through the Museums Association’s Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund (EFCCF), comprises two distinct streams. Core Grants support individual museums with strong participatory and inclusion strategies, while Partnership Project Grants support collaborations with community organisations. Since 2011, the fund has awarded over £14 million to nearly 200 projects. The next application deadline is 22 July 2026. Find out more


Grants for Small & Medium Sized Museums to Improve the Care of their Collections
Small and medium-sized museums that are members of the Association of Independent Museums can apply for funding to improve the care for their collections. The funding is being made available with support from the Pilgrim Trust. Grants of up to £1,200 are available to cover the cost of a three-day professional collections care audit. Larger museums are advised to apply directly to the Pilgrim Trust for funding. The funding is made available through the Collections Care and Conservation Grants scheme, which closes to applications at 5pm on 27 March 2026. Find out more

Small Grants Fund
Grants up to £750 are available to small community groups to take part in the Refugee Festival in June. Funding events and activities that highlight the contribution of people from refugee communities. Priority for celebration, collaboration and building a shared future. Apply before 24 February. Find out more

 

Rowing Foundation Grants Programme
Organisations, clubs, and schools involved in rowing can apply for grants of between £500 and £4,000 (up to 50% of the project's overall cost) from the Rowing Foundation to support junior & student rowers, as well as adaptive rowing for all ages. This funding, targeted at groups ineligible for larger grants or with smaller needs, helps purchase equipment such as boats, sculls, ergs, oars, and safety gear, aiming to increase participation in rowing among young people, individuals with disabilities, and those in education. The Foundation offers two programmes: Equipment grants, with applications due by noon on 1 June 2026, and Refurbishment grants, accepting applications year-round. 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 10 May 2026. Find out more

 

Home Improvement Grants for People in Need
Grants of up to £10,000 are available to UK registered charities to support essential home improvements for people in need. The funding is made available through the B&Q Foundation’s Home Improvement Grants scheme which aims to make homes safer, more welcoming and comfortable for people facing homelessness, disability, domestic abuse, serious illness, or financial hardship. Grants can support a range of home improvement works, including essential repairs, decorating, the installation of fixtures, safety features, and other indoor and outdoor improvements. The deadline for applications is 6pm on 20 February 2026.

Grants of up to £25,000 Available to Prevent People Entering the Criminal Justice System
UK registered charities working in the areas of Social and Criminal Justice can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to prevent people entering the criminal justice system and to support those already in it to rebuild their lives. The funding is being made available through the Charles Hayward Foundation’s Main Grants Programme. The Foundation will fund early intervention programmes for young children and their families, tailored preventative work with young people at risk, holistic support services that reduce re-offending and aid resettlement, and schemes offering viable alternatives to custody. Additionally, the Foundation looks to alleviate the consequences of domestic abuse. Charities with an annual income of between £350,000 and £4 million are eligible to apply. The next application deadline is 22 May 2026. Find out more

Funding to Support People Affected by Homelessness
Grants of £1,000 are available to support projects that help people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to build essential life skills that promote independence and long-term stability. The funding supports practical activities such as food education, healthy living, and budgeting. Priority is given to projects working with people leaving the armed forces, prison, or the care system. Grants are awarded by the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust to UK registered charities or exempt organisations with an annual income and expenditure between £100,000 and £1,000,000. The Trust does not fund Community Interest Companies (CICs) or other non-eligible non-profit organisations. Salary costs are only funded when a staff member is specifically employed to deliver the project. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2026. Find out more
 

Funding Programme to Support Vulnerable People
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the Bank of Scotland Foundation has announced that it will re-open its Energise Programme on the 2nd March 2026 for projects that improve the quality of life for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. The programme offers two-year unrestricted grants of up to £40,000 (£20,000 per annum) to help small and local charities continue providing vital services and become more sustainable. The funding can be used for core, delivery, project, and general running costs, enabling charities to use their funding in the way that best helps them. To be eligible, organisations must have an annual income of less than £150,000. The application deadline is 12pm on 11 March 2026. Find out more

Funding For Projects That Assist Disadvantaged Young People
Grants of up to £6,000 are available for projects that empower disadvantaged young people aged 11–25 in the UK to fulfil their potential by providing safe spaces, diversionary activities, and opportunities to build life skills such as confidence, resilience, and job readiness. The funding is provided by the KFC Foundation and is open to local charities and registered community interest in areas of high deprivation. The closing date for applications is 27 February 2026. Find out more

Grants to Promote Physics Amongst Under-Represented Young People
Grants of up to £4,000 are available to engage families with young people under 16 who are from under-represented groups, including girls and young women, disabled youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, and Black Caribbean youth, to encourage them to continue their physics studies after 16 years of age. The Institute of Physics is now accepting submissions for its updated Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS), which supports the Limit Less programme aimed at addressing under-representation in the physics community. The funding is intended for events and activities across the UK and Ireland that foster meaningful connections between the public and physics while promoting sustained engagement. Applications are welcomed from a wide range of applicants, including individuals, researchers, schools, museums, community and non-profit groups, arts organisations, and libraries. Schools considering applying should design activities that are accessible and appealing to both students and their families, ensuring that the projects align with the IOP’s objectives of broadening public engagement with physics. The deadline for submitting applications is 10 May 2026.  Find out more

Sasha Foundation
The Foundation is endowed to provide financial support and guidance to established charitable organisations that the trustees believe would be her choice and ambition to support if she were here to decide.
In the UK this involves supporting young people with a bias towards young people, who are suffering from depression and mental health issues or who are confronting drug abuse issues. Additionally, it involves supporting education and healthcare projects and programs in the third world, with a bias towards education for young women. At minimum, the trustees will meet twice a year to consider applications: the associate deadlines each year for submitting applications are 01/04 and 01/10. Typically grants will be up to £10,000 and at most will be for 50% of the total budgeted cost of the proposed project/program. Find out more

 

Training

Lead Scotland is hosting five free, accessible online webinars as part of CyberScotland Week, running from 23–27 February 2026.
Join us every day at 11am for simple, practical steps you can take to stay safe online, whether you’re looking for a refresher or learning the basics for the first time.
Designed for disabled people, suitable for everyone.

1. 6 things to do for staying safe online, Monday 23 February 11:00-12:00
2. Staying safe from phishing, Tuesday 24 February 11:00-12:00
3. Staying safe on social media, Wednesday 25 February 11:00-12:00
4. Staying safe from sextortion scams, Thursday 26 February 11:00-12:00
5. Staying safe while shopping online, Friday 27 February 11:00-12:00

Stay ahead of the game and keep yourself safe by signing up to our webinars.

Register to secure your free place and let us know about any accessibility requirements 

Or head to the CyberScotland Week website for more events from other organisations
 

New training calendar launched for 2026
The Scottish Community Mediation Centre are pleased to announce the launch of our training calendar. For 2026 we have some exciting new workshops to offer, plus our popular and well-respected courses in mediation, conflict resolution and restorative skills.  Below are a few highlights of the coming year.
 
Mediation ‘taster’ workshop (1.25 hours)
Heard of mediation but not sure what it means? This short workshop explores some of the principles of mediation and outlines the process.
Dates:  22 April   07 September  08 December
 
Introduction to restorative skills (1.25 hours)
This ‘taster’ workshop provides a short introduction to the definitions used in the restorative world, together with some of the practical skills that restorative practitioners need.
Dates: 29 April   16 September
 
Introduction to Restorative Practice (1 day)
Based on our well-respected and accredited six-day Restorative Skills course, this workshop provides managers, team leaders and workers an understanding of:

• the restorative process
• restorative skills required of a facilitator
• an outline of the restorative meeting

Dates: 20 May   21 October.
 
For more information on any of these courses and how to book a place, visit our calendar now!