Funding & Training Update - 07 January

New year, new funding and a chance to meet funders in person

Happy New Year and welcome back to the first funding round-up of 2026. If you’re starting the year with ideas bubbling away, you’re in good company – there’s a strong set of opportunities here that could help bring them to life.

And to kick things off with a bit of real-world connection, don’t forget the Renfrewshire Funding Fayre on 28 January at Beechwood Community Centre in Paisley. It’s a relaxed, drop-in morning where you can speak directly with local and national funders, get practical tips on approaching applications, and chat though ideas with other groups from the area. If you haven’t already, please sign up to the event here.

So grab your planner, have a scroll through the opportunities below, and see what might be of interest to you. And as always, if you’d like to chat about where to begin or how best to approach a funder, I’m always happy to help: mwollberg@engagerenfreshire.com

Funding

• Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund - additional single-year funding available
• Animals
• Art and Culture
• Children and Families
• Communities
• Employment
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Marginalised Groups
• Mental Health
• Older People
• Racial Equity
• Sport
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Events/Training

• Digital Workshops January & February 2026
• Free training from Planning Aid Scotland
• Training the Trainers Hub

Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Update

On 29 December, First Minister John Swinney announced an additional £3 million of funding for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund nationally. 
 
The First Minister said:
 
“I am pleased to announce a further £3 million from the Scottish Government for projects to help people with their mental health and wellbeing. This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare that delivers prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.
 
“Local support for people who need a bit of extra help with their mental health is really important – projects close to home in familiar settings are often where people feel the safest and most comfortable. Offering that kind of support is particularly important at this time of year, which many find difficult."
 
For Renfrewshire this means an additional £50,000 is available for single-year applications only. 
 
Some considerations for those applying:
 

• Not open to any groups who have already had positive notification of funding (multi-year or single-year for 2026/2027)
• Open to unconstituted groups, maximum request amount - £2,000
• Maximum request amount for constituted groups -  £7,000
• Applications must meet the aims and objectives set in the single year guidance on our website
• This is non-recurring funding offered from Scottish Government and we do not expect to receive additional funding of this kind in 2027, please consider this when making your application

 
Important Dates:

• Deadline for applications: 5pm Wednesday 11 February please send all forms to info@engagerenfrewshire.com 
• Funds to be accepted by successful groups: no later than 31 March 2026
• All activity/projects to be completed by: February 2027.

 
Please see the website for guidance and application form: https://engagerenfrewshire.org/engage-support/community-mental-health-wellbeing-fund.html

Grants for Animal Welfare Projects
Grants of up to £10,000 will soon be available to help frontline animal welfare organisations across the UK to provide a second chance to animals who have been affected by the illegal pet trade. The Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grants Programme supports projects that help with the rescue or rehabilitation of dogs, cats or rabbits who have been exploited for breeding and selling. The funding can be used for various purposes, including veterinary care, behavioural support, training for personnel, and specialist facilities or equipment. Registered charities and community interest companies with annual incomes up to £5 million are eligible to apply. Mini-grants of up to £1,000 are available for unincorporated non-profits. The fund will be open to expressions of interest from 24 January 2026 to 14 February 2026. Find out more

 

Arts-Based Learning Fund
Arts organisations and charities working with schools, colleges and other formal education settings can apply for grants of £30,000 to £300,000 to deliver high-quality arts-based learning projects lasting two to four years. The funding aims to improve the lives and achievements of children and young people experiencing inequality, with priorities including support for disadvantaged pupils, expanding access to arts-based teaching in underserved schools, addressing inclusion and racism, developing digital and blended learning, and embedding arts in curricula for the long term. Applications must be made in partnership with schools or other formal education settings, and the fund particularly welcomes organisations led by those most affected by oppression. Applications are accepted year-round. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation runs the scheme through its Arts-based Learning Fund. Find out more


Grants to Help New, Innovative Visual Arts Projects
The Elephant Trust has announced that the next application deadline is midnight on 18 January 2026. The Trust offers grants to artists for new, innovative visual arts projects. It aims to enable artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects despite a lack of funds. The Trust supports projects that develop and enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the fine arts. Priority is given to artists, small organisations, and galleries that are creating new work or exhibitions. The Trust awards typically grants of between £2,000 - £5,000. Find out more

 

Funding for Respite Breaks for Disabled Children and their Families
Families and groups of children, schools, organisations, and other registered charities can apply to the Adamson Trust for financial assistance towards the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children with physical, mental, or emotional impairments. To be eligible, the child must be a UK resident aged 3 to 17, and the Trust requires evidence of their disability or illness from a medical or social services professional. Grants from the Trust usually only cover a portion of the holiday expenses. The next application closing date is 31 March 2026. Find out more

Funding for Projects that Strengthen Local Communities
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to charities and other not-for-profit organisations working in England, Scotland and Wales. Funding supports projects that benefit communities by advancing agriculture and environmental protection, improving opportunities for young people, promoting education, and helping to reduce financial hardship and illness. The funding is provided by the Delamere Dairy Foundation, an independent charitable trust established by Delamere Dairy Ltd to give back to local and wider communities through grants and other forms of financial support. The next application deadline is 31 January 2026. Find out more

Funding for Organisations Driving Systemic Economic Change
Organisations such as registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, etc, that are working towards a fairer economic system in the UK can apply for funding through the Friends Provident Foundation’s grants programme. The Friends Provident Foundation is an independent UK charity focused on supporting projects that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable economic system. The Foundation is accepting applications through two funding strands. The “Transforming Financial Systems” strand supports projects addressing structural issues within the financial system - such as banking, investment, and government regulation - to promote a fairer, more sustainable economy. The “New Economy Infrastructure” strand offers long-term support to organisations driving systemic economic change, strengthening their capacity to challenge norms and build a resilient, equitable economy. Most grants are £50,000 – 75,000 but can be as high as £200,000 for projects up to 5 years. The funding programme runs until September 2027, with applications reviewed four times a year. Find out more

Grants of up to £20,000 Available for Training and Employment Projects
Registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of up to £2.5 million can apply for grants of between £2,000 and £20,000. Funding is available for projects that support training for employment, employment support, and vocational skills development. This funding is provided by the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust, managed by Foundation Scotland, and aims to improve employment prospects and skills training across Scotland. The trust particularly welcomes projects that support young people into employment, as well as initiatives that help unemployed adults retrain and return to work. The closing date for applications is 6 February 2026. Find out more

Funding Available for Urban Nature Projects
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations in the UK that aim to bring local people together to transform urban spaces by sowing and growing UK native wildflowers and/or fungi. The Grow Wild Community Programme will support twenty-three community-led projects that benefit both wildlife and people, with a particular focus on engaging young people, disabled people, those experiencing disadvantage, and others who face barriers to connecting with nature. Funding can cover costs such as seeds, plants, soil, tools, materials, events, workshops, specialist expertise, and staff time. Successful groups can also apply for a £500 follow-on grant for spring 2027 to support ongoing activities. Applications close at 3pm on 04 February 2026. Find out more

Grants for Environmental and Social Wellbeing Projects
UK-registered charities can apply for grants to support projects that improve the environment, strengthen communities, or promote wellbeing. The funding is provided by the Calisen Impact Charitable Trust. The Trust supports community projects that encourage sustainable energy use and promote inclusive, safe, and diverse places to learn and work. Past projects include partnerships with Eco-Schools, which help schools gain Green Flag accreditation and engage children in environmental action. The Trust has also supported Youth Zones, which provide nutritious meals for disadvantaged young people. The Trust has not specified a total fund value or maximum grant amount. The next application deadline is 31 March 2026. Find out more

Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation has announced that the next application deadline for their grants programme is 5pm on 13 February 2026. The programme is open to small UK-registered charities working in music, the performing arts, and Jewish life and learning (including interfaith initiatives). The Foundation aims to support initiatives that significantly impact individuals and/or communities and leave a lasting legacy. Large charities will not be considered. A new Personal Awards category has been introduced, offering grants of up to £5,000 to support individuals driving innovative change within the Foundation’s existing themes. Medical Research Travel grants of up to £1,000 are also available. 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's 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
Charities and organisations that support soldiers, veterans, and their immediate families can apply for grants from the Army Benelevont Fund. Various 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. Up to 100 charities are usually funded annually, with grant amounts varying depending on the proposed project or activity. Priority is given to member organisations of the Confederation of Service Charities or Veterans Scotland. Where an application is made from an organisation with which the fund has no established relationship, any award will likely be below £20,000. The next closing date is 20 January 2026. Find out more


TheGivingMachine’s unrestricted grants for not for profits

• 8 × £250 small grants
• Open to UK based CIC’s, Social Enterprises, charities, and other Not-For-Profits
• Totally unrestricted – spend it on anything!
• Chosen at random
• Available every quarter
• Applications are open until 31 January 2026

Find out more

£3 Million Funding Boost to Support Racial Equity Work
The Baring Foundation has announced £3 million in funding over the next five years to support work addressing racial injustice across its programmes. This includes £1 million through the programme to support Global Majority-led arts organisations developing creative work with people with mental health problems. An additional £2 million will be delivered through the Strengthening Civil Society programme, which supports organisations using legal action to address racial injustice in the UK criminal justice system. Funding is typically open to charities and other not-for-profit organisations, with a focus on Global Majority-led and anti-racist groups. Future open round opportunities will be posted on the Baring Foundation website. 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 2 February 2026, and Refurbishment grants, accepting applications year-round. Find out more


Funding for the Provision or Upgrading of Sports Facilities
Organisations such as local authorities, schools, area sports associations, sports trusts and charities; etc can apply for funding of up to £200,000 to improve their sports facilities. In areas of high deprivation, the maximum grant can be £250,000 (up to 75% of project costs). Grants are available to help with the provision or upgrading of sports facilities for the public good and that benefit the community. Priority will be given to projects which focus on increasing participation within underrepresented groups in sport such as young people, women and girls, disabled people or those from deprived communities. The next closing date for small grant applications is 1 April 2026.  Find out more

Grants to Improve the Lives of Disadvantaged People
Members and colleagues of the Yorkshire Building Society can nominate UK Charities to apply to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation's Small Change Big Difference Fund. The Foundation aims to help alleviate poverty, improve health, and save lives. Once nominated, organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500 to support initiatives that benefit vulnerable groups in the UK, including children, the seriously ill, the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual income under £100,000 and those supporting marginalised communities. The next application deadline is 31 March 2026. To access the funding, charities should consider encouraging supporters who are members or colleagues of the Yorkshire Building Society to nominate them for potential funding opportunities. Find out more

Funding to Support the Education of Young People with Physical or Learning Disabilities
Schools, charitable organisations, and other groups in Scotland supporting the education of young people under the age of 21 who have a physical or learning disability or are socially disadvantaged can apply for funding to the John Watson Trust. Whilst the Trust operates primarily within Edinburgh and the Lothians, it may also award grants Scotland-wide to eligible individuals and organisations, including schools, established charitable organisations and other groups supporting disadvantaged young people. Grants can cover expenses such as special or additional tuition, school trips, bus passes, school expenses such as books and equipment, and laptops where there is a special education need.  Although applicants can apply for grants of any size, most grants made to individuals by John Watson’s Trust will be in the range of £200 and £2000. The next closing date is 23 January 2026. Find out more


Funding for Youth Mental Wellbeing Projects
The Asda Foundation has opened applications for its Young Futures Fund – Healthy Teen Minds programme. A total of £600,000 is available to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 13 to 18 and help them develop skills and opportunities for a positive future. Grassroots community groups and charities across the UK can apply, provided they work with disadvantaged teenagers. Successful applicants can receive grants of between £500 and £1,000. Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, including emotional and mental health support, the provision of essential items, and work to raise awareness of issues affecting young people. It can also support rehabilitation, recovery or shelter services, as well as activities that build peer connections and promote physical health and wellbeing. Examples include creating safe spaces for young people to meet and running educational workshops on serious issues such as knife crime. Applications close on 20 January 2026, or sooner if all available funding is awarded. Find out more


Funding Adventurous Activities for Young People
The Pawprint Trust has reopened its annual grant scheme, allowing young people from across the UK to apply for funding for life-changing adventures that develop their skills, capacities, and capabilities. The funding will support young people aged 11-25 who need a bit of extra help with their fundraising for projects and activities both locally and abroad. Examples of projects and activities previously supported include international trips, camping adventures, personal development projects, providing equipment and community projects. Each application should be accompanied by a supporting statement from someone who knows the young person well, such as a group leader or teacher etc. Projects cannot be funded if they take place before 31 May in the application year. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026. Find out more

Planning Aid Scotland are pleased to share our new programme of free training funded by the Scottish Government through the National Planning Hub.
 
The training is free and open to anyone across Scotland. It provides a clear introduction to engaging with the planning system, with a particular focus on renewable energy, community engagement and place-based planning.

The sessions are available to any community or individuals across Scotland who want to engage more confidently in decisions that affect their places.
 
The programme includes the following sessions:

• How to engage your community: A practical introduction (Wed 14 Jan)
• Understanding renewable energy and planning: Part 1 (Thu 15 Jan)
• Understanding renewable energy and planning: Part 2 (Thu 22 Jan)
• Local Place Plans: Knowing the essentials (Thu 15 Jan)
• Ask Away: Local Place Plans (Tue 20 Jan)
• Beyond the survey: Creative approaches to community engagement (Wed 21 Jan)
• Where water meets land: Offshore wind & how it connects to the grid (Tue 27 Jan)
• Understanding the electricity network & how power line routes are chosen (Tue 27 Jan)
• How to create your project management plan (Wed 28 Jan)
• Online & engaged: Learn how to use Placecheck (Wed 11 Feb)
• How to analyse community feedback (Thu 12 Feb)
• How to benefit from a renewable energy as a community (Thu 19 Feb)

Training the Trainers Hub

Lead Scotland, a national disability and education charity, have released their new resource Training the Trainers Hub.

Training the Trainers cyber courses are now available via video, online at any time.

Videos are just 5-10 minutes long, making them ideal for quick, bite-sized learning. If you support disabled people or those with limited digital confidence—professionally or in an unpaid role—these resources are designed for you, but are suitable for anyone.

The hub helps you build confidence and stay up to date on online safety, so you can support others effectively. It also includes materials to share with those you assist. These videos replicate our live webinars, which can still be booked for groups or organisations. Interested? Contact our Cyber Project team at CyberProject@lead.org.uk.