Engage Newsletters
Keep up to date with Engage Renfrewshire
Funding & Training Focus - 19 August
A little bit of darkness, and plenty of funding opportunities
If you managed to catch the solar eclipse last week, you’ll know that sometimes it’s worth taking a moment to look up and see what’s happening around us. And with autumn fast approaching, it’s also a good time for Renfrewshire’s community groups to look ahead and think about what might help bring the next few months of plans to life.
If you're considering applying to the Community and Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding we'd recommend joining an upcoming info session to also help you plan your project and build your application. Details for all the remaining sessions are below.
This week’s funding round-up has a real mix, from digital inclusion and community wellbeing to environmental projects, education, arts and support for vulnerable people. There are also some useful training opportunities coming up, so plenty to have a look at.
As always, if you’d like to chat through any of the opportunities or need a hand with an application, I’m only an email away: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com
Funding
- Animal Welfare
- Art and Culture
- Communities
- Digital Exclusion
- Environment, Nature & Horticulture
- Homelessness/Housing
- Health
- NHS Community Benefits
- Vulnerable People
- Women & Girls
- Young People
Training/Additional Support
- Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund – Info Sessions
- Writing Successful Funding Applications
- Digital Trustees September Cohort
- Recruiting Board Members
- Meet the Funder with Social Investment Scotland
- Bookkeeping Training (2 sessions)
- Governance MOT Health check - 17 Sept
- Lease, Legal Agreements and Community Asset Transfer - 24 Sept
- Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
- Lets's Evaluate - Free Evaluation Training
- Meet the Funder with Corra Foundation
- Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation
Online Resources
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.
Capital Grants for Theatre Improvements
Theatre Operators can apply for grants of up to £20,000 to reduce their theatres' environmental impact. The Theatre Improvement Scheme can support various projects that consider how theatre buildings or equipment can reduce their environmental impact. This might range from building management systems to more efficient water heaters, or a green roof to new windows. The funding is being made available through the Theatres Trust in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation and the closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 September 2026.
Grants to Safeguard Endangered UK Crafts Now Open for Applications
Individual craft practitioners and organisations promoting crafts can now apply for grants of up to £2,500 to support traditional craft skills at risk of disappearing. The funding can be used for activities such as training, purchasing tools or materials, developing specialist equipment, or promoting endangered crafts, provided projects demonstrate clear public benefit. This initiative is part of a wider effort to protect practices listed on the Red List of Endangered Crafts and is made possible through the Endangered Crafts Fund, run by Heritage Crafts with support from the Radcliffe Trust, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Dulverton Trust. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 16 October 2026.
Bauer Media Community Benefit Fund
Eligible third sector, voluntary, charitable, and constituted community organisations can apply for a £5,000 grant to support a project under one or more of the three themes selected by Bauer Media:
- Sustainability – Projects that protect or enhance the environment, encourage recycling and biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, or promote greener and more sustainable communities.
- Education – Projects that provide new or additional learning opportunities which lead to the attainment of accredited certification or qualification, particularly those which support young people and adults to increase participation in further or higher education or employment.
- Active Travel – Projects that support a reduction in carbon emissions or enhance achievement of net zero targets e.g. encourage walking, cycling, shared transport and other sustainable forms of travel. Helping people to travel more safely, improve health and wellbeing, and reduce reliance on car journeys.
The fund aims to support projects that make a positive and sustainable difference to communities across Renfrewshire.
Please use the link below to access the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form and complete in full to provide details of your project and how the £5,000 funding would be used.
Bauer Media - Community Benefit Fund - Expression of Interest – Fill in form
Closing date: Friday 11 September 2026
The Fuze Foundation Making a Difference Grant 2026
The Fuze Foundation’s Making a Difference Grant offers to support a small, registered Scottish charity delivering a meaningful project in Scotland.
Applications are particularly encouraged from projects that demonstrate:
- A clearly identified community need
- A measurable and lasting impact
- Good value for money
- Support for vulnerable or disadvantaged people
- Promotion of equality, dignity and inclusion
- Sustainable outcomes beyond the life of the grant
- Strong alignment with the charitable purposes and values of The Fuze Foundation
The grant is open to projects that reflect the Foundation’s Humanist values of compassion, dignity, equality, education and community support. Funding may support a complete project or contribute towards the cost of a larger initiative. The Foundation may award one grant of or divide the funding between two or more exceptional applicants where appropriate. Next deadline: 7th September 2026
Help Enable Digital Inclusion: Apply for a £1,000 DigiKnowVember 2026 Financial Donation (Subject to eligibility)
Community organisations in Renfrewshire can apply for a £1,000 financial donation to deliver digital inclusion activities during DigiKnowVember 2026 (2-29 November).
Funded by CommsWorld through their Community Benefits commitment, the donation can support activities that help people build digital skills, confidence and access to online services.
Who can apply?
- Third sector, voluntary, community and charitable organisations based in Renfrewshire
- Organisations delivering digital inclusion activity during DigiKnowVember 2026
Key dates
- Applications open: 3 August 2026
- Applications close: 28 August 2026, 5.00pm
Apply online using the Community Benefits Donation - DigiKnowVember 2026 application form. For more information, email digital-inclusion@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund – Open on a rolling basis
The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund supports community groups in Scotland to develop local ecosystem restoration projects.
This Fund focuses on the development stages of undertaking ecosystem restoration (the design, planning and preparation for ecosystem restoration).
Funding is available for the early stages of ecosystem restoration, including project design, planning, and preparation. Applications can be submitted at any time through a simple two-stage process, helping groups explore ideas and develop projects with minimal administrative burden. You can find full details on how to apply here:
How to apply to the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund – Inspiring Scotland
Grants of Up to £9,000 Available for Projects that support Education and Heritage & Conservation
Registered UK-based non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £3,000 a year for up to three years through the King Charles III Charitable Fund’s small grants programme. The small grants programme supports UK-registered nonprofit organisations that make a meaningful difference in key areas such as social inclusion, health and wellbeing, education, environment, countryside, and heritage and conservation. This round will support projects under the Fund’s Education and Heritage Conservation funding themes. To be eligible, organisations must have an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000, have operated for at least two years, and apply for projects costing under £50,000. The programme is highly competitive, with more than 1,400 applications received and only 100 grants awarded. Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on 19 August 2026.
Funding for Social and Environmental Action
UK-registered charities with an annual income below £1 million can apply to the Southall Trust for grants of up to £5,000. Funding supports social action, peace and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, and Quaker work and witness. Grants may cover running costs, equipment, buildings, projects and other charitable activities. Priority is given to organisations addressing local needs, promoting social justice, inclusion and diversity, and tackling structural inequalities. Previous grant recipients may be considered for funding lasting up to three years. Applications close on 11 September 2026, but the fund may close earlier if demand is high.
New CARES funding available for community renewable energy projects
The Community Energy Growth Fund is now open through the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), delivered by Local Energy Scotland. Funding is available to help communities take projects from development through to ownership, supporting local action on climate change and helping retain the benefits of renewable energy within communities. Eligible Scottish community organisations can access support to develop, build and own renewable energy generation projects. Applications are open until 14 September 2026.
Changing Places Toilets Fund – Open now until 5 October 2026
The Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund supports the creation of new, permanent, fully accessible Changing Places Toilets across Scotland, particularly in areas and types of locations where provision is currently limited.
Changing Places Toilets are specialist facilities that enable people with complex disabilities to access public spaces safely and with dignity. They include features such as an adult-sized changing bench, ceiling track hoist, and additional space for carers
Find out more and apply here:
How to apply to the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund – Inspiring Scotland
Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Projects that Help the Homeless
Small Homeless charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to help homeless people rebuild their lives. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be a registered charity and have an annual turnover of under £500,000, with ‘unrestricted reserves’ of under six months. Typically, organisations awarded funding operate residential or training facilities to assist homeless people. The funding is being made available through Help the Homeless, a grant-giving trust, founded in 1975, to help homeless people off the streets and enable them to live healthy, independent lives. Previously funded projects include the Booth Centre, an advice and activity centre for homeless people in Manchester, which received a grant of £1,500 to transform the centre and a grant of £3,000 to the Amber Foundation to enable the Foundation to buy new bedroom furniture for their residential centre in Devon. The next application deadline is 5pm on 20 September 2026.
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 31 August 2026.
Agnes Hunter Trust SCIO
The Agnes Hunter Trust SCIO was established in 1954 to support registered charities delivering health and social welfare projects in Scotland. The Trust now focuses on one key area of funding support: offering grants to charities that support disabled people in Scotland.
Service provision will focus on providing opportunities and enabling people to lead fulfilling lives. This may include activities that offer advice, information and support, or life-skills, volunteering and employability training.
Applicant charities may assist with a wide range or specific groups of people, for example those living with mental ill health, cancer, physical and sensory impairments and long-term health conditions, as well as people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and other neurodivergent people. Next deadline: 27th August 2026
Female Coaches for Girls Grant
Small grants are available to not-for-profit groups to make football, cricket and tennis more accessible to women and girls in underserved communities across the UK. Sports clubs, youth groups, charities and community organisations can apply for two grants of £200 each to cover the cost of a Level 1 or equivalent coaching qualification and any additional safeguarding and first aid requirements for their chosen sport. Applications are particularly encouraged from female coaches from diverse backgrounds and with lived experience. The Female Coaches for Girls Grant forms part of the Barclays Community Sport Fund, delivered in partnership with the Sported Foundation. Applications must be submitted by 4 November 2026, although the fund may close early if oversubscribed.
Training
Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund – Info Sessions (multiple dates available)
Learn about the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund - ideal for new applicants.
The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund reopens again for its 6th year. Ideal for new applicants or groups who are considering applying.
These information sessions will provide a detailed overview of:
- Eligibility criteria and who can apply
- Funding limits and project expectations
- Application timelines and required documentation
- Overview of the application form
- Monitoring and reporting requirements across the year
The sessions will also include time for questions and discussion.
These sessions are recommended for any third sector organisation considering applying, particularly those unfamiliar with the eligibility requirements and application process.
Please note: we are offering a variety of times and dates, please read through these carefully before making your selection.
- Wednesday 26 August 1pm-2pm
- Thursday 27 August 6pm-7pm
- Monday 31 August 2pm-3pm
In person attendance book here.
Online attendance book here.
Writing Successful funding applications
In person training at Engage. Multiple dates available.
Practical training for third sector organisations on writing strong funding applications, clear outcomes and realistic budgets.
A practical and informative training session to help community groups and third sector organisations strengthen their funding applications. The session covers the basics of writing strong applications, understanding what funders are really looking for, writing clear outcomes, and using tools to evidence national and local need. We will also look at creating realistic budgets and using AI safely when preparing applications.
This training is ideal for people with limited experience of funding applications who want to build confidence and improve how they answer funders’ questions.
- Tuesday 8 September 10am-1pm
- Thursday 10 September 10am-1pm
- Tuesday 22 September 10am-1pm
- Thursday 24 September 10am-1pm
To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here.
Secure a fully funded place on the Digital Trustees Sept 2026 Cohort
Across two focused sessions, up to 30 organisations will work with the Third Sector Lab team to understand what digital skills their board needs, build confidence around digital governance, and connect with skilled tech professionals who are ready to serve as trustees or board advisers.
We have supported hundreds of charities, social enterprises, CICs and community groups to find the right digital, data or design expert for their board. Applications close 21 August 2026.
Recruiting Board Members
24 August 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Are you planning to recruit new/additional members to join the board of your social enterprise? This workshop will look at the steps you need to take when recruiting board members including how to find the right people for your organisation and the ways in which you can approach them.
Meet the Funder - Social Investment Scotland
1 September, 10.00-11.00
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Chris Holloways, Head of Social Investment Scotland (SIS), about the funding and finance options they offer and how they support charities, social enterprises and community organisations across Scotland. They will also hear how social investment can help organisations to grow, develop assets, and increase their long-term sustainability and impact.
Attendees will gain an overview of SIS’s main funding and finance options and how these can support organisations at different stages of development. The session will highlight the types of activity that can be supported and provide practical advice on making a strong application.
Bookkeeping Training
In person and online session available.
Basic Bookkeeping Training for community groups and organisations.
- The structure of the course would include the following:
- Accounting records – cash books / bank reconciliations/ asset register
- Accounting for restricted funds
- Types of Charity Accounts – receipts & payments / accrued accounts
- Understanding financial statements & reserves
- Budgets
- Financial Policies & Procedures
Thursday 3rd September 10am-12pm in person at Engage Renfrewshire. To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here. Only two spaces remaining at the time of writing.
Thursday 1st October 6-7pm Online. To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here
Governance MOT Health Check
Thursday 17 September 10am-12.30pm. In person at Engage.
Strong organisations don't happen by accident. They are built on good governance, clear decision-making and strong foundations.
This practical workshop helps trustees, directors and senior staff take a step back and assess the health of their organisation.
Together, we'll explore what good governance looks like in practice, identify common risks and gaps, and review key areas such as governance documents, board effectiveness, legal compliance, policies, decision-making and organisational oversight.
Ideal for: Trustees, board members, directors, CEOs and senior managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations
To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here.
Leases, Legal Agreements and Community Asset Transfer: What you need to know
Thursday 24 September 10am-12.30pm. Online.
Taking on a building or community asset can create exciting opportunities, but it also brings significant legal and organisational responsibilities.
This workshop provides a practical introduction to the legal issues organisations should consider before entering into a lease, licence, management agreement or Community Asset Transfer (CAT). We'll explore key lease terms, common legal risks, governance considerations, repair and maintenance obligations, negotiation points, and how different routes to ownership or occupation can affect your organisation. Community Asset Transfer and lease-based approaches are both recognised routes that organisations may consider when taking on assets.
The session is designed to cut through legal jargon and help organisations ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.
Ideal for: Community groups, charities, social enterprises, trustees, directors and anyone considering taking on a building, land or other community asset
To secure a place, book via Eventbrite here.
Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
Online 10:00-11:00, 6 October 2026
You'll hear about the benefits of registering with easyfundraising, how organisations can encourage supporter participation, and examples of successful fundraising campaigns. A question-and-answer session will give attendees the opportunity to speak directly with the easyfundraising team.
Whether you're new to easyfundraising or looking to make more of the platform, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn more.
Let's Evaluate! – Free Evaluation Training for Third Sector Members
21 Oct – 25 Nov. In person at Engage.
Engage Renfrewshire is offering Let's Evaluate! by Evaluation Support Scotland, a free three-workshop programme helping third sector organisations demonstrate their impact. Sessions combine trainer input, practical exercises, and time to apply learning to your own work.
- Workshop 1: Getting Started - Wednesday 21 October. Setting outcomes and indicators to measure the difference you make.
- Workshop 2: Make to Measure - Wednesday 18 November. Choosing evaluation methods and building a monitoring plan.
- Workshop 3: Telling My Story - Wednesday 25 November. Analysing and reporting on outcomes for learning and funders.
All sessions run 10am-4pm at Engage Renfrewshire's offices (accessible venue, hearing loop). Please bring a packed lunch; tea/coffee provided. This programme is free to third sector members (normally £360 per attendee if booked directly). Places are limited to 16 attendees, one per organisation, and due to anticipated demand, attendees must commit to all three workshops with line manager agreement before booking. Please request the sign-up form via info@engagerenfrewshire.com
Meet the Funder Event with the Corra Foundation: Boost Fund
Online 10:00-11:00, 3 November 2026
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Corra Foundation about the Boost Fund and how it supports small, community-led organisations across Scotland.
Learn how the fund can help organisations to strengthen their capacity, grow their activities, and increase their impact within local communities. Attendees will gain an overview of the Boost Fund, including the types of organisations and activities it supports.
Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation
Online 10:00-11:00, 1 December 2026
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from Aviva Foundation about their funding and how they support charities and community organisations across the UK.
They will learn how the foundation supports work that helps individuals and communities to overcome challenges, improve wellbeing, and build stronger, more resilient futures.
Renfrewshire Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar August, September & October)
The Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar lists the various interagency learning opportunities available in Renfrewshire Council.
Interagency partners can apply for courses highlighted in this calendar by completing an Interagency Staff Booking form.
Please contact training.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk to find out more and receive up to date information o training opportunities.
Upcoming meet the funder events:
Webinar: Trustees and fundraising
Webinar: Digital Fundraising: Tools and Tactics
Webinar: Applying for Grants
Toolkit: Preparing and Applying for Grants
Toolkit: Managing, Monitoring & Reporting
Webinar: How to elevate your fundraising with AI
Webinar: AI tools every fundraiser should know