Funding & Training Focus - 30 September 2026

Funding

• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Digital/IT
• Environment, Nature & Horticulture
• Homelessness/Housing
• NHS Community Benefits
• Racial Justice
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Women & Girls
• Young People

Training/Additional Support

• Bookkeeping Training
• Meet the Funder with easyfundraising
• Lets's Evaluate - Free Evaluation Training
• Meet the Funder with Corra Foundation 
• Meet the Funder with the Aviva Foundation 

Arts and Culture

Up to £10,000 Available for Historic Parks and Gardens Projects
Volunteer groups across the UK can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support sustainable projects and activities relating to historic parks, gardens and other designed landscapes. Applicants do not need to be registered charities, and smaller charities are particularly encouraged to apply. Funding can cover both capital and revenue costs. This can include restoration planning, research, setting up Friends groups, volunteer training, tools and equipment, and practical conservation work. Projects should strengthen conservation, improve knowledge-sharing or encourage more inclusive participation. Applicants must be active groups with a clear plan showing how the grant will establish new activity or develop existing activity so that it can continue in the longer term. Applications must be submitted by 16 October 2026. Funding is provided by The Gardens Trust through its 2026 Community Grant programme.
 

Funding Opens for Creative Programmes to Highlight Asian Arts & Culture
UK not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £ 100,000 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 closing date for stage 1 applications is 11.59 pm on 5 October 2026.  Applicants successful at this stage will have until 11pm on 9 November to submit a full application.
 

Funding to Help Museums Generate Income (Scotland)
Grants of up to £250,000 are available to help accredited and non-accredited museums in Scotland develop income-generating activities that improve their financial sustainability. The funding will enable museums (including formally constituted groups of museums) to trial and implement innovative and ambitious projects that may be considered too risky without external support. This could include event hosting, holiday accommodation, workshops, and new tourism offers. The fund supports feasibility studies for new ideas and significant developments of existing projects, but will not cover routine or ongoing activity. Applicants must complete an organisational health checker before applying. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. The Innovation Fund, part of Museums Galleries Scotland’s Museum Futures Programme, will close to applications on 20 January 2027, or earlier if all funding has been allocated.

Support for Children Living in Severe Poverty
Grants are now available to support children and young people in the UK experiencing a crisis or emergency.  The grants which are made available through the BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme support families with children up to the age of 17 who are living with financial, health and social difficulties by providing items that meet children’s most basic needs, such as kitchen appliances, furniture, baby equipment, beds, clothing, and other items and services that are critical to children’s wellbeing. Applications must come through a registered referral agency supporting the family or young person. The programme is delivered by Family Fund Business Services, and applications can be made at any time.

Communities

Renfrewshire Voices Fund
Renfrewshire Council has launched The Renfrewshire Voices Fund which supports organisations that are led by, represent, or work with equalities groups in Renfrewshire. The small grants programme funds projects that improve understanding of the experiences, needs, and priorities of local equalities groups. The information gathered will help shape future services, policies, and support across Renfrewshire. Organisations can apply for up to £4,000 and should plan to spend the funding by June 2027. If your project requires a longer delivery period, an extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications close on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Grants of up to £5 Million Available to Foster Stronger Community Connections
Grants of between £500,000 and £5 million are available to voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies, and partnerships to support projects that bring diverse communities together. Offered through The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund, the programme supports organisations seeking to scale up proven work that addresses inequality and delivers systemic change. It does not fund new ideas but backs initiatives with a demonstrated track record and the potential to expand their reach or deepen impact. Projects must benefit communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination and work across at least two UK nations—or clearly show how learning will be shared nationally. Funding priorities include strengthening cross-community relationships, creating meaningful online connections, involving communities in shaping their futures, and supporting young people to influence systems. The fund is open on a rolling basis, with only around 20 projects funded annually and decisions typically made within six months.
 

Funding for Projects that Have a Positive Impact on Communities, People or the Environment
The Matthew Good Foundation has opened the next round of its Grants for Good Fund. The aim is to support small charities, not-for-profit groups, and social entrepreneurs passionate about making a difference for people, their communities, and the environment. The Fund will share £15,000 between five shortlisted projects every three months, which will be voted for by John Good Group employees. The project that receives the most votes will receive a grant of £5,000; second place, £3,500; third place, £2,500; and fourth and fifth places, both receiving £2,000. In addition to established projects and charities, the Foundation wants to hear from people with innovative ideas that need funding to get their projects up and running. To be eligible, applicants must have had an income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months. Funding is awarded every three months, and the next deadline for the funding round is December 2026.
 

Funding Available to Help Community Groups Share Skills and Knowledge
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to community groups across Scotland to support peer-to-peer learning visits with other organisations. Virtual exchanges can receive up to £200. Funding can cover travel, accommodation, subsistence and a host organisation fee, helping groups share knowledge, develop ideas and improve local practice. Applications must be endorsed by an appropriate Scottish Community Alliance member network and submitted at least three weeks before the proposed exchange. Funding cannot support retrospective visits, training courses, conferences, recreational trips or travel outside Scotland. Recipients must provide receipts, expenses and feedback after the exchange. Funding is provided by the Scottish Community Alliance through the Community Learning Exchange Fund. Applications can be submitted at any time.
 

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Support Communities
Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) across the UK can apply for unrestricted grants of up to £5,000 for one year. The funding is intended to support work that improves the lives of people and communities. To be eligible, organisations must have been operating for at least one year, have annual income and expenditure of less than £200,000, hold limited unrestricted reserves, publish their accounts and maintain a public website. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a clear need for their work and the impact it will have. Funding is not available for capital projects, hospices, medical research, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), scouting groups or services that charge participants. Applications open at 10am on 8 October 2026 and will close when 40 applications have been received or after two weeks, whichever comes first. Funding is provided by The Leathersellers’ Foundation through its Small Grants Programme.
 

Funding for Rural Community & Education Projects
Charities that support rural development—especially those focused on young people’s education and poverty relief in rural areas—can apply for funding from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The Trust prioritises larger projects that make a meaningful difference to rural communities. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £75,000, with higher-value awards supporting organisations that have a significant national impact. Previously funded projects have included city farms, Federations of Young Farmers Clubs, and farming community networks. The next application deadline 9 October 2026 to be considered in the December 2026 meeting.
 

Grants to Promote and Secure Better and Safer Roads
Grants are available for research, education, and community projects to promote and enhance better and safer roads in terms of design, engineering, and aesthetics, including improvements in the road user experience. Funded activities include courses on traffic engineering and transport planning, as well as research projects and programmes or schemes to improve the highway network and roadside environment, such as roadside parks and open spaces. No maximum or minimum grant levels are indicated. However, most grants given in the past have been between 5,000 and £30,000. The funding is being made available through the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and the next application deadline is 9 October 2026.
 

Funding for Local Projects and Good Causes (Glasgow & Western Scotland)
Community groups and charities committed to improving the opportunities, facilities, and services available to local people living around Glasgow Airport can apply for project grants to support their work. Grants are awarded for projects that fall within three key areas: employment, environment, and education. The funding is being made available through the Glasgow Airport's FlightPath Fund. The committee meets approximately once every two months. The next closing date for applications is 30 October 2026.

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. The closing date for applications is 3 November 2026 (or sooner if the Company reaches its cap of 50). It will reopen every three months again.

Funding for School and Community-Led Tree Planting Projects
Community groups, schools, and local organisations can apply for grants to support tree planting and conservation projects on public or publicly accessible land through the International Tree Foundation’s 2025 UK Community Tree Planting Programme. Funding is available for planting between 100 and 10,000 trees per year, with up to £2.15 provided per tree for woodlands and hedging, plus two maintenance grants of £0.10 per tree in the first two summers after planting. Projects may also include community engagement and educational activities. The first assessment round will take place on 1 October 2026, with the main grants awarded shortly afterwards. Subsequent awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. The final application deadline is 11 December 2026.

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 December 2026.

Research Grants Available to Explore Racial Justice and Inclusion
Research grants of £15,000 to £500,000 are available for UK-based organisations, including universities, research organisations and voluntary sector bodies, to examine barriers and pathways to a racially just and inclusive UK society. Applicants must be employed by, or formally affiliated with, a UK organisation, with applications encouraged from people and organisations from racially minoritised communities. The 2026 priority theme is inter-generational changes, continuities and challenges in a racially diverse UK, including identity, belonging, exclusion, participation and life chances. Outline applications are due by 5 October 2026, with full applications invited in January 2027. The funding is being provided by the Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund.

Grants Available to Help Community Sports Clubs Grow and Stay Sustainable
Grants of up to £2,000 will be available to not-for-profit sports organisations, charities, community groups and formally constituted clubs across the UK and Ireland. A total of £500,000 is available, with 250 grants expected to be awarded. The funding is unrestricted and can be used towards day-to-day running costs, including venue hire, utilities, equipment, coaching, volunteer expenses, kit, marketing, training and insurance. It is intended to help organisations sustain or expand opportunities for adults to take part in sport. Activities must be aimed at adults aged 18 and over. Organisations that also run activities for children or young people under 18 are not eligible to apply. Priority will be given to organisations working in disadvantaged areas and with groups that are under-represented in sport, including women, racially diverse communities, disabled people and LGBT+ people. Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 1 January 2027. The funding is provided by Flutter UK & Ireland through its Cash4Clubs programme and is delivered in partnership with Sported.

Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable People - Very Short Deadline
The Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Energise grants programme has reopened for applications, offering two-year unrestricted grants to small Scottish charities supporting vulnerable people. Charities with annual income below £50,000 can receive £20,000, while those with income between £50,000 and £150,000 can receive £40,000. Funding can support core costs, salaries, service delivery, projects and general running costs. Vulnerability may include poverty, homelessness, unemployment, poor mental health, learning disabilities, family difficulties, education barriers, transport or mobility problems, poor English-language skills and alcohol addiction. Applicants must be Scottish-registered charities operating in Scotland, have at least one year’s accounts lodged with OSCR, and place vulnerable people at the heart of their work. Applications close at noon on 7 October 2026, with decisions expected by mid-December and funding awarded in January 2027.

New £60 Million Fund to Test New Ways to Support Disabled People into Work 
UK-based charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, community interest companies, businesses, universities, research organisations and public bodies can apply, alone or in partnership, to the first round of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Pathways to Work Innovation Fund. Up to £10 million is available this year to test new approaches that help disabled people and people with long-term health conditions prepare for work, find or retain a job, or progress in their careers. Projects could test new services, uses of technology or ways for employers and support organisations to work together. They must offer a significantly different approach and generate evidence of what works. There is no minimum or maximum grant request. Applications close at 11:59pm on 26 October 2026

£10m Programme Announced to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is planning a £10 million UK-wide programme to support grassroots and community-led projects that prevent violence and abuse against women and girls. Funding will support the testing and development of approaches addressing issues such as misogyny and harmful attitudes among young people, online abuse, safety in public spaces, locally identified risks and harmful behaviours. Successful projects could be expanded or adopted more widely, contributing to a national evidence base on effective prevention. The programme is expected to launch in 2027, with eligibility criteria and details on registering interest to be published later. The funding is being provided by UK Research and Innovation through the Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Accelerator

Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People and Offenders
UK charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) are invited to apply for grants to support projects that help young offenders, ex-offenders, and other disadvantaged young people find routes into meaningful work and involvement in their communities. Applications from community interest companies (CICs) may also be considered in some cases. The programme offers two funding streams: small grants of up to £5,000 and main grants with no formal upper limit, although most awards are between £10,000 and £15,000. Funding is available through the Worshipful Company of Weavers Charitable Grants Programme, and the next application deadline is 1 November 2026.
 

Equipment Grants for Disabled and Disadvantaged Young People
Schools, charities, and not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply for Wooden Spoon Society Grants to support equipment for mentally, physically, and socially disadvantaged children. This programme funds capital items only—covering sensory rooms and gardens, playgrounds, outdoor spaces, specialist equipment, and facilities—aiming to improve health and wellbeing. Projects focused on education, health, wellbeing, or disability sports must include a key sport element, preferably rugby, to engage young participants. Grants have no set maximum limit, although applications for under £5,000 are unlikely to be considered. The program does not fund revenue costs like staffing, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
 

Funded Residential Breaks for Disadvantaged Young People
Schools, early years centres, youth groups and registered charities in Scotland will soon be able to apply for funded one- or two-night residential breaks for disadvantaged young people and families. The programme supports groups working with young people aged 6 to 25, while early years and family groups may include children under six where parents or guardians participate. Families cannot apply directly. Funding covers hostel accommodation and a ‘Wee Breakfast’, with packed lunches and dinner available as options, for activities focused on nature and the environment, culture and historic heritage, and wellness and play. Applications open on 01 October 2026 and close on 6 November 2026. The funding is being provided by Hostelling Scotland through the Happy Hosteller Funded Breaks programme.

Training

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 1st October 6-7pm Online. 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 (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.



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