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Funding & Training Focus - 28 October

Well, here we are, planning for 2027 already! Is it just us, or has this year absolutely flown by? When it comes to funding, forward planning is key. So, in true funding fashion, I’m practising what I preach!

Save the date for the Renfrewshire Funding Fayre 2027!
I know it feels a wee bit early, but the best funding plans start well before the deadline. The Funding Fayre will be a great opportunity to meet funders, explore opportunities and connect with others. Find out more and book your place here: Link

Don't worry, there's still plenty happening before then! Have a look through this month's funding opportunities, training and Meet the Funder sessions. As always, if there's anything you'd like to chat through, I'm just an email away at mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com

Funding

Art and Culture
Children & Families
Communities
Digital/IT
Environment, Nature & Horticulture
Financial Resilience
Food
Health
Marginalised Communities
NHS Community Benefits
Renfrewshire HSCP Section 10 Grants Fund 2026/27 - Applications Now Open
Vulnerable People
Women & Girls
Young People

Training/Additional Support

Charity Trustee Duties and Responsibilities
How to Hold Effective and Engaging Meetings
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

Online Resources

Funding for Arts, Health & Heritage Projects
Grants are available to UK-registered charities for arts, creative health and heritage crafts projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged people. The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust typically awards grants of between £500 and £8,000 for project and core costs, with unrestricted funding available to charities with annual income below £250,000. Activities could include community music-making, arts-based health projects, short breaks for young carers, animal-assisted therapy, horticulture, and projects that use traditional craft skills to support training and employment. Large charities must submit a first-stage application by 5pm on 8 January 2027. Small charities and shortlisted large charities must apply by 22 January 2027.

Submit your application now for Book Week Scotland 2027 event funding!
Book Week Scotland, brought to you by Scottish Book Trust, is Scotland's annual, national celebration of books and reading. From its inception in 2011, Book Week Scotland has provided an evolving programme involving libraries, communities and cultural organisations ensuring that people across Scotland have the opportunity to engage with the power and pleasure of reading - events in community, for community, by community.
Following partner feedback, Book Week Scotland has moved from its traditional November slot and is now taking place from 14-20 June 2027.
How to apply
You can find all the information on our criteria and how to apply on our website. Please do take time to read our Funding Guidance before you get started.
When you're ready to submit your application you can complete our short application form. The deadline for applications is by midnight on Wednesday 13 January 2027.

Grants of Up to £100,000 Available to Support Disadvantaged Families on Deprived Communities
Small and medium-sized voluntary organisations across the UK can apply for grants of £10,000 to £50,000 for one year, or up to £100,000 over three years, to support disadvantaged families. Funding can cover staff salaries, day-to-day running costs and projects that provide early support to families, help those affected by addiction, or support families of people in prison. Organisations must work in areas that meet the funder's deprivation criteria. These include the most deprived 15% of urban areas and 50% of rural areas. Grants can cover no more than half of the total costs. Applications are accepted throughout the year through a two-stage online process, with funding decisions made quarterly. Funding is provided though the Forte Charitable Foundation through its Major Grants programme.

Grants of up to £10,000 Available to Support Deaf Children and Their Families
Community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants Programme. The programme supports projects that help deaf children aged 0–5 learn, grow and develop during their early years. The first five years of a child's life are especially important for learning and development. Deaf children may need additional support to develop their language, communication and social skills, and the programme aims to help organisations provide this support. Projects can also involve families, professionals and older deaf children, provided their involvement directly benefits deaf children aged 0–5. Funding can cover a range of project costs, including venue hire, transport, promotional materials, sessional staff wages, interpreters, language tutors and equipment. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Arnold Clark Community Fund
The Arnold Clark Community Fund helps registered UK charities and community groups close to Arnold Clark branches build stronger communities across the UK. They have several programmes:

Cost of Living Support: available to organisations whose work directly supports those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, such as foodbanks, toy banks, accommodation or poverty relief, and any other eligible organisation where people/communities in the UK are the primary and immediate focus of investment.
Community Support: supporting local charities and organisations that provide important services, strengthen communities and help them build a better future, covering areas such as mental health, disability, equality and diversity, relief support, arts and culture, animal welfare, education, youth groups, community enhancement and sustainability.
Gear Up For Sport: provides free kits and training equipment to youth sports teams across the UK.

UEFA Launches Innovation Fund to Support Volunteers and Communities
Start-ups, charities, non-profit organisations, universities, research centres and technology providers in the UK and Ireland can apply for funding from a total pot of £200,000 to develop innovative projects that benefit volunteers and communities during UEFA EURO 2028 and beyond. Projects must either help volunteers gain recognition for their skills or develop accessible online or in-person activities that encourage people who might otherwise miss out to get involved in major football events. Applicants must already have a working early version of their idea that can be tested with users. Successful applicants will receive funding, expert guidance, workshops and opportunities to test their projects in practice. Projects will run from February 2027 to May 2028. Applications close on Sunday 15 November 2026. Funding is provided by UEFA and UK & Ireland 2028 Limited through the UEFA EURO 2028 Innovation Programme.

Funding to Increase the Use of Gaelic
Community organisations can apply for a share of £200,000 in funding to deliver projects that promote the use of Gaelic amongst Scottish communities. Bòrd na Gàidhlig is offering funding through their Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd (Community Grants) scheme, which aims to increase the use of Gaelic, especially among young people, enhance Gaelic learning, and promote a positive image of Gaelic. Organisations can apply for grants of up to £6,000 for one-year projects or up to £12,000 for longer-term projects lasting up to two years. Up to 80% project costs will be supported. The deadline for applications is 3pm on 15 December 2026.

Grants of up to £500,000 Available for Community Projects to Tackle Inequality and Poor Health
Not-for-profit organisations in Scotland can apply for grants of up to £500,000 through The National Lottery Community Fund’s Fairer Life Chances programme. The programme aims to build stronger communities and improve the lives of people facing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination. It supports projects lasting up to five years that help disadvantaged children, young people and families, or improve people’s health and access to support. Projects could include family support hubs, peer-led mental health networks, outreach for care-experienced young people, and support groups for isolated carers. Projects should be co-designed with the people they aim to support, and include clear plans for measuring their impact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and most grants are expected to be under £250,000.

Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund
The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, which supports community groups in Scotland to develop local ecosystem restoration projects, is now accepting applications on a rolling basis.
This Fund focuses on the development stages of undertaking ecosystem restoration (the design, planning and preparation for ecosystem restoration).
You can apply for up to £13,500 to pay for the activities of your project. If your project is successful, you will also receive up to £1,500 of professional fundraising time to help you apply for funding to take your project to the next stage.
You can apply to the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund at any time through Inspiring Scotland's simple two-stage application process. This approach helps us focus on projects that are a strong fit, while reducing the time and effort needed to complete a full application.

£1,000 Grants Available to Help Small Businesses Improve Resilience
Grants of £1,000 are available to small businesses to support practical business improvements. Applicants must have a UK business bank account and either a Companies House registration number or evidence that they are registered as self-employed. Funding can be used for software, payment systems, equipment, consultancy and improvements that make businesses more environmentally friendly. There are 25 grants available, and applications close at 11.59pm on 29 November 2026. Funding is provided by Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business, with support from Square, through the Powering Local Businesses programme.

£6 Million Fund to Help Small Charities and Social Enterprises Build Financial Resilience
A new £6 million UK-wide fund will 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 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 open on 28 October 2026 and close at 5pm on 25 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants must submit full applications by 5pm on 22 January 2027.

Funding for up to £25,000 for Financial Wellbeing and Climate Action Projects
Small UK charities and not-for-profit organisations with annual income of up to £1 million and at least 12 months’ operating history can apply for up to £25,000 in annual match funding. Eligible organisations include charities, CIOs, CICs and CLGs. Funding supports projects improving financial wellbeing or helping communities address climate change, including financial education, debt advice, nature restoration and environmental skills. Core costs are eligible where organisational aims align with the funding themes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Crowdfunder, followed by a six-week crowdfunding campaign if approved. Individual donations are matched up to £250. Funding is provided by the Aviva Foundation through its Communities Fund.

Funding Available for Large-Scale Projects to Reduce Food Insecurity
Not-for-profit organisations working in partnership, such as charities, community interest companies (CICs), charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), schools, universities, and public bodies can apply funding to help people access healthy, affordable food in environmentally sustainable ways. The National Lottery Community Fund is inviting applications to its Climate Action Fund – Food Systems, offering grants of between £2.5 million to £7 million for long-term projects that aim to improve the UK’s food system and reduce food insecurity. Projects should address the root causes of food insecurity by making lasting changes to how food is produced, distributed, and accessed. Grants typically range from £3 million to £5 million, last between three and seven years, and can cover costs such as staff, transport, utilities, equipment, and community support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

New Parent Cooking Community Food Small Grants Fund
This pilot programme offers grants of up to £1,000 to support community organisations in delivering practical cooking and food education sessions for parents and carers of children aged 6-18 months.
The fund aims to help families build confidence preparing healthy, affordable meals, develop positive family eating habits, improve food literacy and support healthier food choices as children transition from weaning to family meals.
Projects should demonstrate how they will build community capacity, improve food literacy and cooking skills and support children and families while contributing to Good Food Nation outcomes.

Application Form
Guidance Document

Please send completed application forms to Renfrewshire Health Improvement Team (ggc.healthimprovement.renfrewshire@nhs.scot) by 5pm on Friday 6th November 2026.

Funding for Projects that Defend Human Rights of Marginalised Groups
UK-registered charities focused on promoting and defending human rights, particularly for marginalised and excluded groups, can apply for grants of up to £40,000 per year for up to three years through the AB Charitable Trust’s Open Programme. Funding is available for both core and project costs and supports charities with annual incomes between £150,000 and £1.5 million. Priority areas include upholding the UK’s human rights framework, improving access to justice, reforming the criminal legal system, and supporting migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum. Eligible organisations may be engaged in legal advice, advocacy, policy work, campaigning, narrative change, or community organising. The next application deadline is 29 January 2027.

Grants of up to £2,000 for Specialist Dementia and End-of-Life Training
Hospices that are members of Hospice UK can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to deliver specialist training courses for care home staff, with a particular focus on dementia care for people approaching end of life. The funding, totalling £50,000, supports at least 25 hospices annually and can be used for CPD-accredited training costs such as teaching, venue hire, travel, and catering, but not for in-house training. Both new and repeat courses are eligible, and hospices may apply for up to two grants per year. Applications must be submitted online at least one month before training, with successful hospices managing all aspects from planning to evaluation. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and funds must be claimed within 12 months of award.

Funding for Medical Health Charities
Registered charities, hospices and medical organisations within the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland can apply for grants to support medical projects, care, research or medical training. The Hospital Saturday Fund provides two types of funding: standard grants of up to £2,000; or large grants of up to £10,000. The Fund will also consider grants for running costs, however large grant applications should be towards specific projects, research or equipment rather than running costs. Organisations can apply for a standard grant by 5 January 2027, or a large grant by 2 December 2026.

Grants Available for Charities Supporting Breast Cancer Recovery and Well-being
UK-registered charities that support people affected by breast cancer can apply for grants of up to £6,000. The funding is available for projects that improve the physical and mental health of people affected by breast cancer. This includes counselling, wellbeing activities, complementary therapies and practical support. Projects should normally be completed within 12 to 18 months. Charities can apply in partnership, provided one organisation takes the lead. Applications must be submitted by 28 May 2027, along with financial accounts and a breakdown of project costs. The funding is being made available the Pink Ribbon Foundation's 2027 Grant Programme. Larger grants may be awarded in some cases.

The Will Charitable Trust
The Trust provides financial assistance to UK registered or exempt charities whose activities fall within the following three categories:

care of and services for blind people, and the prevention and/or cure of blindness;
long-term care of people with learning disabilities either: in a residential care or supported living environment in a way that provides a family environment and wide choice of activities and lifestyle; or: by providing long-term day/employment activities;
care of and services for people suffering from cancer and their families.

Only UK registered charities or those properly exempt qualify for grants. Charities should have a turnover of more than £50,000. Applications are now open until 20th November 2026.

Section 10 Grants Fund 2026/27

Are you part of a voluntary or community organisation making a difference in Renfrewshire?

Renfrewshire HSCP is inviting applications to its Section 10 Grants Fund 2026/27, which supports organisations that promote social welfare and contribute to the themes within the IJB Strategic Plan, available here.

Who can apply?
Your organisation must:

Be formally constituted.
Operate within Renfrewshire.
Support at least one theme of the IJB Strategic Plan.

What can be funded?
Grants can support:

Travel costs for volunteers and community members.
Venue hire.
Tutor or facilitator fees.
Equipment and materials for wellbeing activities.

Funding available
Grants of up to £2,000 are available.

How to apply
To request an application form or discuss a potential application, please contact allan.mair@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
All successful applicants must agree to Renfrewshire Council's Conditions of Grant.

Funding Available for Prisoner Rehabilitation and Early Intervention Schemes
UK registered charities with an annual income between £350,000 and £4 million can apply for grants of up to £25,000 per year for up to three years for projects that prevent criminal activity and rehabilitate offenders. Key funding areas include early intervention for families, diversionary schemes for at-risk youth, and rehabilitation support focusing on accommodation, mentoring, and employment. Priority is given to initiatives supporting victims of domestic abuse and criminal exploitation, as well as those offering viable alternatives to custody. The Foundation encourages smaller charities with incomes under £350,000 to apply through its separate Small Grant programme. The deadline for this funding round is 5 February 2027.

Rosa - Voices from the Frontline
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline fund offers one-year grants to support campaigning and influencing work that enables women and girls to use their voice to achieve change. They will fund a broad range of activity including:

Campaigning for changes in policy and laws including activities such as petitions, social media campaigns and lobbying.
National campaigns that address issues that affect women and girls.
Influencing community leaders and power holders about issues that affect women in a particular place or community.
Gathering evidence or producing tools and reports which enable women and women’s organisations to campaign for change.
Mentoring or training for women on how to participate in public life and influence social policy.
Video and media campaigns about specific issues facing women.
Training activists in campaigning, advocacy, lobbying or public speaking.

Funding Available for Women-Led Organisations Tackling Inequality and Violence
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to Scottish charities, social enterprises and unincorporated groups with annual turnover below £500,000, supporting projects benefiting women and girls exclusively. Priority will be given to women’s organisations, especially those run by and for women. Around £100,000 is available for activities promoting leadership, skills, wellbeing, recovery from violence, and tackling poverty, loneliness and inequality. Funding can support new or existing projects, with unrestricted grants available to organisations with an established track record. The fund prioritises women-led organisations and those with turnover below £300,000. Mixed-sex projects are ineligible. Applications close on 30 October 2026, with decisions expected in March 2027. Funding is provided through the Women’s Fund for Scotland.

Grants of up to £500,000 to Evaluate Employment Skills Programmes for Young People
UK organisations working in partnership can apply for grants of up to £500,000 to evaluate programmes that help young people aged 16 to 24 overcome barriers to employment, develop essential skills and access good-quality jobs. Applications should be led by organisations or researchers responsible for evaluating the programmes, working alongside delivery partners such as schools, colleges, charities and local authorities. The funding mainly supports detailed assessments of how well existing or adapted programmes work, although some programme delivery costs may also be covered. The deadline for initial applications is 10 December 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in March 2027, with funding decisions expected in July 2027. Funding is provided by the Nuffield Foundation through its new Essential Employment Skills Fund.

Charity Trustee Duties and Responsibilities
09 November 2026
AM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002295077477
PM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002295949084

What you must know and must do as a Charity Trustee for a Charity registered in Scotland

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Identify (With/without notes) what Charity Trustees Must Do
Identify (With/without notes) what Charity Trustees Must Know
Identify (With/without notes) who can or cannot be a Charity Trustee
Use the “reasonable person” test
Identify areas where work needs to be done in your organisation
Feedback this learning to your organisation

How to Hold Effective and Engaging Meetings
10 November 2026
AM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002327998946
PM https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002328145384

In this session you will receive information and practical tips to help deliver more effective and engaging meetings. We will explore different types of meetings and how to choose the best one. We will look at holding meetings online - so please have a copy of your governing document with you!

Understand Your Role as an Office Bearer
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

Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector
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 Funder sessions 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

Online Resources
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

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Funding & Training Focus - 28 October

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