Funding & Training Focus - 08 July

This week's newsletter features a wide range of funding opportunities for charities, community groups and social enterprises, including support for employability, cycling, nature projects, music, sport, and children and young people. We've also included details of upcoming training sessions, including opportunities to hear directly from funders and a practical webinar on subsidy control. As always, if you'd like to discuss any of these opportunities or need support with an application, please get in touch: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com
 

Funding

• Alcohol & Drugs
• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Economics
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Gambling Harms
• Homelessness/Housing
• Health
• NHS Community Benefits
• Physical Health & Sport
• Racial Justice
• The Fore
• Vulnerable People
• Young People

Training

• The Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar
• Subsidy Control explained
• Meet the Funder with the Postcode Lottery 
• Meet the Funder with Social Investment Scotland

The Alcohol and Drugs Fund is now open
The Scottish Government’s Alcohol and Drugs Fund will make £36.9 million available for organisations working with people affected by drugs and alcohol. The fund will support the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan 2026-35 which aims to prevent harm, promote recovery and save lives. The Alcohol and Drugs Fund is managed by Corra Foundation.
The funding provides the opportunity for organisations to continue the important work funded through the National Drugs Mission. It will also provide new funding for projects focused on supporting people affected by alcohol.
The Alcohol and Drugs Fund will facilitate rights-based, relational support for people to ensure they receive the right support at the right time. Funding is available for organisations that work directly with people who use alcohol and drugs, people in recovery, and their children and families, and will be open to third sector organisations and public bodies.

Funding to Boost Community and Individual Music-Making
Funding is now available to support projects that increase participation in music within disadvantaged and marginalised communities. The funding is available to individuals, community groups and schools through the Music for All Awards programme delivered by Music for All. Grants can support the purchase of instruments and equipment including electro-acoustic guitars, Pbuzz instruments, ukuleles, keyboard bundles, drum kits and Orange Crush Mini amps. UK-based charities, community music groups, schools and educational bodies are eligible to apply, with awards typically ranging from £800 for individual development to several thousand pounds for wider community and youth music projects. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31 July 2026.

Absent Friends 2026 Small Grants Scheme has now opened
To Absent Friends is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance that takes place across Scotland 1-7 November each year. To Absent Friends offers an opportunity for communities to get together to remember people who have died, whether recently or long ago. This strengthens community connections and reduces the isolation that often comes with bereavement. The Festival exists to encourage participation. Groups, communities, and organisations are welcome to plan events, and these become the To Absent Friends event programme. The small grants scheme offers grants of up to £275 to support organisations to participate in the festival. The deadline for applications is 2 September 2026.
 

Harold Hyam Wyngate Foundation
The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation has announced that the next application deadline for their grants programme is 5 pm on  21 August 2025. 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.

Funding for International Cultural Partnerships
Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available to support artistic collaboration and exchange between the UK and selected countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. The British Council’s Connections Through Culture programme supports creative practitioners, cultural professionals, artists, creative hubs, festivals, biennials and organisations to deliver collaborative projects across a range of themes and art forms, including architecture, fashion, creative technology, film, literature, and visual arts. Eligible activities include co-creation, residencies, exchanges, workshops, research and development, exhibitions, performances, showcases, festivals, digital innovation, public engagement and capacity building. Funding is available per project or partnership, with the maximum amount depending on the participating country. The deadline for applications is 12 August 2026.

New Tesco funding for projects supporting children and young people
Tesco Fruit & Veg grants is now open and we’re looking for applications to their Renfrew and Linwood/Paisley stores.
Schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people across region/area can apply for up to £1,500 for projects that improve access to healthy food. 
Projects can focus entirely on healthy eating (e.g. breakfast clubs, cooking projects, food growing projects or food banks) or just incorporate an element of healthy eating as part of other activities (e.g. healthy snacks as part of kids clubs, nutrition sessions as part of sports events, or incorporating some fruit trees or vegetable beds into a school garden refresh). 

Funding to Provide Early Years Education for Armed Forces Families
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is offering grants ranging from £5,000 to £80,000 through the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years Programme to enhance early childhood education for children from Armed Forces families. Eligible applicants include early childhood education and childcare providers operating near Armed Forces communities, provided at least 50% of enrolled children are from service families; local authorities aiming to deliver specialised training to such providers; and clusters of multiple settings with fewer service children. The grants, supporting projects up to two years, can be used to increase capacity, improve learning environments, or provide staff training to better support service children. The application deadline is 12 am on 15 July 2026.

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. Applications will be considered at regularly scheduled panel meetings. For this funding round, applicants who have not heard from the Foundation by 30 September have not been successful.
 

Grants of up to £18,000 available to Social Entrepreneurs
Social entrepreneurs across the UK can apply for awards of up to £8,000 to start community-focused business ventures, or up to £18,000 to grow existing ones. Applications are open through two funding streams. The Funding Futures Programme supports young social entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 who are working to improve financial inclusion, such as access to financial services and support, for disadvantaged or marginalised people affected by the cost of living crisis. The Millennium Awards are open to social entrepreneurs aged 16 and over who are tackling a wider range of social issues. Successful applicants will also receive personalised non-financial support, including a dedicated support manager, peer learning, expert advice and legal consultancy. Applications close at 10 am on 31 August 2026, or earlier if 650 applications are received. The funding is provided by UnLtd through the Funding Futures Programme and the Millennium Awards Trust.
 

Scotmid’s Community Grant Scheme
Small grants of up to £500 are available to assist and support community projects and initiatives throughout Scotland. Funding is available for a wide range of projects benefiting local communities but must be focused on the areas of children; education; community groups; active lifestyles; environment; the elderly; homelessness; fairtrade; arts & culture; and charity. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a group or individual acting for the wider benefit of the local Community; and live within the geographic boundaries of one of Scotmid Regional Committees. Schools are also eligible to apply for activities not part of their statutory responsibilities. This could for example include funding for a breakfast club. Applications can be submitted at any time.


Corra’s Henry Duncan Grants to open for applications this month
This year’s Henry Duncan Grants will find community-based support for people experiencing mental ill health in very remote rural areas. We know that grassroots groups play a vital role in responding in ways that are accessible, inclusive and overcome stigma. Corra expects to make grants totalling around £500,000, shared across approximately 10 organisations. The fund will be open to organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000.  Look out for the 2-stage application process opening on Monday 29 June. 


Grants of up to £1,000 to Support Local Good Causes
Community groups across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support local projects and fundraising efforts through The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund. Open exclusively to the bank’s Charity and Community Bank Account holders, the fund helps small organisations carry out initiatives that strengthen community ties and deliver social impact. Grants are awarded quarterly and can go toward anything from equipment purchases and venue hire to running events and outreach programmes. To be eligible, applicants must hold an active account with The Co-operative Bank and demonstrate how their project will benefit their local community. The fund is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to ethical banking and community support, offering practical backing to grassroots initiatives making a difference on the ground. The next funding round is now open. Applications received from 1 April to 30 September 2026 are entered into October's prize draw.


Boost Fund - open now!
The Boost Fund is delivered by Corra and is a partnership programme between the STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, Corra and is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Boost is for community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage. It's all about boosting community- led efforts, to ensure people with ideas for positive change are supported!
Boost is open to constituted and unconstituted groups with an income under £50,000 and has no closing date for applications.
Constituted groups and charities can apply for grants of £500-£3,000 and unconstituted groups can apply for grants of between £250-£1,500. There is £1 million available to distribute through to April 2027.

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 currently 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. The average grant is between £100,000 and £120,000 over two years. The funding programme runs until February 2027, with applications reviewed four times a year. The next closing date for applications is 16 October 2026.
 

Accelerator Programme Launched for Disabled & Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
Foundervine, in partnership with Lloyds Bank, has launched an eight-week accelerator to support disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs across the UK. Designed to remove systemic barriers, the Breakthrough programme will help established businesses achieve their next stage of growth through expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and peer learning. There are 25 places available on the programme, which will be delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events. The accelerator will conclude with a Showcase Day, where participants will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses and compete for a share of £21,000 in grant funding. Applicants must run a UK-registered business that has been trading for at least 18 months and has a minimum turnover and/or investment of £70,000. Applications close on 19 August 2026.

Funding for Community-Led Nature Projects
Not-for-profit groups in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for one-year grants of £10,000 to £25,000 for outdoor nature projects that support environmental action, nature recovery and climate-focused community activity. Applicants must have operated for at least 12 months and their aims must align with either contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency, or improving nature-rich spaces and access to them. Funding can also support related sustainable activities such as recycling, litter picking, beach cleans and sustainable transport. Priority will go to smaller organisations, groups in highly deprived communities, those supporting marginalised groups, and organisations focused on habitat or species restoration. The next application deadline is 15 July 2026. The funding is being provided by The Wildlife Trusts through the Green Community Grants Programme.

Funding for Innovative Rewilding Projects
Grants of up to £15,000 are available for locally-led land and marine rewilding projects in England, Scotland and Wales. Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund will support innovative projects seeking to create new opportunities for large-scale nature restoration. Eligible projects can cover a wide range of activities, from community engagement and feasibility studies to technological innovations and strategic planning. To be considered, land-based projects must cover at least 40 hectares of contiguous land, while marine projects can be of any size. Applicants must be members of the Rewilding Network (applicants may join at the point of application), which could include community groups, and private and public landowners / land managers. The closing date for applications is 5 September 2026.
 

Grants for Ecological Outreach Projects
Individuals and organisations, such as schools, museums, libraries, and community groups, can apply to the British Ecological Society for grants of up to £2,000 to promote ecological science to a wide audience. The Outreach and Engagement Grants programme funds activities that engage public audiences in innovative and creative ways and enhance others' skills in communicating ecology to those audiences. Applications from schools must include significant outreach beyond the school. Projects aimed solely at delivering curriculum to school children will not be considered. The grant may be used as part-funding for larger projects involving other sponsors. Applications can be submitted until 8 September 2026.

The Gambling Harm and Mental Health Fund is now open!
People who experience gambling harm are significantly more likely to live with serious mental health concerns and at worst die by suicide. Gambling harm can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can impact relationships, financial issues, education, and employment.
The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) are working with The Scottish Government’s Preventing Poor Mental Health and Suicide Unit in the Mental Health and Social Care and National Care Service Directorate to support community-based activity to advance work on mental health and gambling harms, including a focus on suicide.
As part of this work, the ALLIANCE is pleased to announce a new round of funding through The Gambling Harm and Mental Health Fund, which has been secured through the Statutory Gambling Levy.
The main purpose of this, available for third sector organisations, is to understand the impact of gambling harms on specific disadvantaged, marginalised, and minoritised communities and how this intersects with wider social, economic, and environmental factors. The Gambling Harm and Mental Health Fund is open for applications from Thursday 2 July 2026 at 9AM until Friday 14 August at 5PM

Grants & Loans for Social Housing Projects
Registered charities with annual turnover below £1.5 million can apply for Quaker Housing Trust loans and grants to support housing projects for people in need across England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Support includes Project Development Grants of up to £6,000 for feasibility studies, professional advice and planning costs. Capital funding includes interest-free loans of up to £30,000 for rent-generating projects, and grants of up to £20,000 for projects supporting people with No Recourse to Public Funds. Priority will go to projects in underrepresented areas, and those supporting older people, minoritised groups and people facing exclusion. The deadline for Capital Loans and Grants has now passed, and the program is closed for applications. Project Development Grant applications close at 5pm on 11 August 2026.

Cycle Access Fund
The Cycle Access Fund (CAF) supports those least likely to have access to a bike by providing capital grants to organisations through five different funding strands. 
The fund is open to a wide range of organisations and provides a variety of opportunities for people to access bikes in an affordable, easy, and convenient way. CAF offers direct capital funding to communities and organisations who are getting people on bikes. Cycling makes a vital contribution to reducing health and income inequality and makes our communities safer and more pleasant by reducing short car journeys. We know that many people in Scotland experience barriers to accessing a cycle. By offering funding across five strands, we aim to tackle different barriers and help more people cycle.  The five funding strands are: Individual Bike Ownership, Shared Use, Recycle, Repair and Cycle parking and storage


Grants of up to £3,000 Available for Community Sports Groups
Community sports organisations in Scotland can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to increase participation among people of all ages and abilities. Eligible applicants include community sports clubs, registered CASCs, schools, religious organisations, uniformed groups, Armed Forces charities, and Community Interest Companies that deliver local sporting activity. Funding supports revenue costs such as equipment, kits and training. Awards are made on a regional basis, with one £3,000 grant, two £1,250 grants and one £750 grant available in each area. Applications are submitted by email, with shortlisted groups progressing to a public vote. Application deadlines vary by region. The fund is currently open for applications from groups in West Scotland (Postcode areas PA, KA), with applications accepted until 2 August 2026. 
 

Grants up to £6,000 Available to Encourage Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Along Traffic Free Routes
Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals can apply for grants of up to £6,000 to support public art projects along Scotland's traffic-free routes. The funding, provided through Sustrans’ ArtRoots scheme, aims to encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling. Established in 2017, ArtRoots offers standard grants of £2,500, with higher awards available for projects expected to significantly boost active travel. The application process begins with an Expression of Interest and includes support from a Sustrans officer, with selection based on the project’s potential to foster community involvement and enhance enjoyment of the National Cycle Network. The closing date for applications is 14 July 2026.
 

Grants Available to Chrities Providing Physical Health Services
UK registered health charities with annual income below £20 million and at least five years of audited or independently examined accounts can apply for flexible grants of up to £25,000 per year, typically £10,000 to £15,000 for 12 months, to support physical health services or projects delivered in the UK. Funding can support evidence-based therapies, specialist health information, healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, street sex workers and vulnerable migrants, and air ambulance services. Applicants must complete an eligibility checker and Expression of Interest by 5pm on 31 August 2026. The funding is being provided by the James Tudor Foundation Physical Health programme.

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 September 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.

The Fore’s Autumn 2026 Funding Round will be open soon
We offer unrestricted grants of up to £45,000 in total, designed have a transformational impact on your whole organisation, supporting growth, structure, sustainability and/or efficiency. Successful applicants receive: 

• An unrestricted grant of up to £45,000 in total, spread across 1 to 3 years
• Access to free, highly skilled support provided by experienced professionals
• Access to our workshops programme, covering areas such as fundraising, communications, finance, strategy and more
• A fully funded place on an impact measurement course
• Access to peer networking opportunities

You will need to register your interest in applying. Registration will be open for one week from 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 08 July, to 12pm  on Wednesday 15 July. During this time, please register your interest on our Apply for Funding webpage (this will take 2 to 3 minutes). 
On Thursday 16 July, all registered applicants will receive confirmation of whether they have been allocated a place on the funding round along with details of how to apply. If there are more applicants registered than places available, places will be allocated at random. 
Once you have received confirmation of your place on the funding round, write your application before the deadline of 5pm, Monday 07 September. 
Please come along to our online Q&A session on Wednesday 08 July, 3pm to 4pm to hear more from The Fore team about our processes and pose your own questions before you register to apply. You can sign up here

Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable People
The Matrix Causes Fund has reopened for applications, providing grants to organisations supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and internationally. Funding of up to £8,000 for one-off projects or up to £5,000 per year for up to 3 years is available. Priority will be given to projects where the benefit can be most widely felt, and from organisations based in London, and/or those organisations whose focus is on supporting the needs of vulnerable persons such as people (particularly children) with disabilities, women in refuges, refugees and asylum seekers, people with mental health difficulties, prisoners etc. Applications must be submitted by midday on 30 September 2026.
 

Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable Communities
The Souter Charitable Trust invites applications from UK-registered charities that help people in need in the UK and overseas. The Trust particularly supports organisations with Christian values, but charities without a Christian focus are also encouraged to apply. It funds groups that share its values and work with vulnerable or underserved communities, addressing both practical needs and spiritual wellbeing. There is no fixed minimum or maximum grant amount, although most awards range from £1,000 to £3,000. Previously funded projects include malaria prevention programmes and school meal schemes for children in Africa. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed monthly, with the next deadline on 13 August 2026.
 

Grants Available to Combat Isolation and Loneliness Amongst Older People and Adults with Disabilities
Funding of between £100 and £2,500 is available for individuals, charities and small community groups in England, Scotland & Wales to combat isolation and loneliness amongst older people and other adults with a disability. The funding which is being made through the Barchester's Charitable Foundation focuses on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications for individuals must be completed by a third-party sponsor such as a health care professional, social worker or charity/support group representative. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis, with funds allocated to those who demonstrate greatest need. The Foundation is open for group applications in January, April, July and October, and will applicants of the outcome within two months.  Applications on behalf of individuals can be submitted at any time.
 

Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Social Welfare Projects
Registered UK charities working in medical research, elderly care, general welfare, hospices, support for the deaf and blind, services for the physically and mentally disabled, or Armed Forces welfare can apply to the Inman Charity for grants of up to £5,000. Each year, the charity distributes around £350,000 in total funding. Applications must be received by 31 July 2026 to be considered for the Autumn meeting. Approximately £350,000 are available each year.
 

Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities
UK charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to support children and adults with severe learning difficulties and autism. The funding is made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works, and cover project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools; employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play schemes and play therapy schemes; day and social activities centres; support for families, including respite schemes; independent living schemes; support in the community schemes; and Snoezelen rooms. The next deadline for applications seeking funding over £5,000 is 31 August 2026. Applications for £5,000 and below can be submitted at any time.

Employability support for disadvantaged young people
Bairdwatson Charitable Trust grants programme has reopened, with an application deadline of Friday 07 August. Decisions are expected at the end of December 2026. The programme will consider applications from organisations providing employability support for disadvantaged young people who are disengaged from learning and leaving school, or who have left school without a positive pathway to education, training, or employment. The fund is particularly interested in activities and support that provide structured, skills-based learning through intensive sessions, courses, or regular delivery over a sustained period that supports progression towards employment, further training, apprenticeships, or further education. It will prioritise activity that builds skills for work and supports clear progression into employment, training, apprenticeships, or further education. While the fund can support wraparound support where it is clearly linked to employability outcomes, it is not able to support projects focused solely on health and wellbeing without a clear employability focus.


You're Only Young Once (YOYO) Fund
The You’re Only Young Once (YOYO) Fund is part of Corra and The Scottish Government’s The Way Forward for Families Partnership. This fund focusses on improving the lives and outcomes for children, young people and families in Scotland who are affected by drugs and alcohol, with priority given to those projects that children, young people and families help to design.
The fund has been designed by young people with £50,000 available in grants of up to £10,000 to organisations with a track record of delivering services specifically for children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
Applications need to demonstrate strong partnership approaches, a commitment to taking a Whole Family Approach, and to meaningfully involve children, young people and families in the design and development of their proposals. Closing Date: 1 Sept 2026, 12PM


Funding to use AI to Improve Education for Young People
Early-stage UK startups, social enterprises, nonprofits and companies using AI or new technology to improve education, skills, employment and long-term opportunities for young people from less advantaged backgrounds can apply to the AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize. Applicants must have a working prototype or early version of their product or service. Eight shortlisted ventures will each receive £3,125, with £10,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-up. They will also receive mentoring, expert support, investor readiness support and access to networks. Applications close on 20 July 2026.


Funding to Boost Youth Employment
Businesses in England, Scotland and Wales can claim £3,000 for every long-term unemployed young person they hire under a new government scheme to boost youth employment. The Youth Jobs Grant scheme aims to help up to 60,000 young people into work over the next three years, while supporting businesses to grow. It is aimed at young people aged 18 to 24 who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more. Employers must complete an online application, after which the Jobcentre will identify suitable candidates. If a candidate is recruited, the employer will receive the funding in two instalments. Merlin Entertainments will be the first employer to support the scheme, creating 300 jobs for young people over the next three years.


Funding to Support Youth Engagement Through Storytelling
Online audiobook service Audible has launched an open call for applications from charities across the UK to support projects that use audio storytelling to engage and inspire young people aged 12 to 18. Grants of £15,000 to £30,000 are available, along with Audible membership and resources, for organisations delivering activities to 150 to 300 underrepresented young people outside school settings. This includes provision through after-school clubs, community centres, youth development organisations, and literacy-focused charities. Organisations should incorporate Audible into their existing activities through workshops, listening sessions, and guided exploration, creating opportunities for young people to engage with audio content at least every two weeks. Organisations should be willing to collect and share data on youth engagement and outcomes. Applications close on 31 July 2026.


Youth-Led Creativity funding
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation are excited to share that they will open to applications for Youth-Led Creativity in July.  Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, the programme will focus on work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and accept applications on a rolling basis. They are finalising the details and will share more information when they launch, which they hope to do in the next couple of weeks.  They will also be hosting a Q&A webinar on 16 July.
 

Funding to Support Challenged & Vulnerable Young People
UK registered charities and safeguarding professionals can apply for the7stars foundation grants supporting vulnerable children and young people aged 18 and under across the UK. Funding includes two-year unrestricted grants of £60,000 for child poverty work, £10,000 unrestricted Social Impact grants for charities with turnover under £1.5 million for work related to anti racism and online abuse, one-off Individual Funding grants up to £500 for children facing critical need, and fully funded apprenticeships up to Level 4 for vulnerable young people. The current round closes on 13 July 2027. The funding is being provided by the7stars Foundation.


Financial Support Available for Schools and Youth Groups to Access Outdoor Learning
Schools or youth groups can apply for financial support to help young people from across the UK access outdoor education programmes run by The Outward Bound Trust. Through its Adventure Fund, the charity offers bursaries that can cover up to 40% of course fees, aiming to remove financial barriers to participation. The funding supports young people aged 11–24 who are UK residents and in full-time education. Applications are open to both individuals and organisations, with priority given to those facing financial hardship or disadvantage. Each year, Outward Bound raises approximately £3.2 million to help thousands of young people build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills through challenging residential courses in wild natural settings. Outward Bound encourages early applications, as funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Training

Renfrewshire Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar ( July & August)

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.

Subsidy control explained: a practical guide for voluntary organisations
Wed 15 July 2026, 12-1pm
This webinar is aimed at anyone working in the voluntary sector or public sector with an interest in public funding and subsidy control, including charity leaders, finance staff, policy officers, trustees.
Subsidy control is the set of rules that may need to be considered when public bodies provide funding to voluntary organisations and other recipients. 
Understanding when these rules apply — and when they do not — can be challenging for both voluntary organisations and the public bodies that fund them. 
To help organisations navigate this complex area, SCVO has worked in partnership with Brodies, with input from Third Sector Interfaces across Scotland, to develop a practical guide for the voluntary sector. 
Join us for a discussion on what subsidy control means in practice, alongside the publication of the new guidance. 

Meet the Funder with Postcode Lottery
 10:00-11:00, 4 August 2026, SCVO (online)
During this webinar, attendees will hear directly from People’s Postcode Trust about their grant funding and how they support charities and good causes across Scotland. Find out how funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps organisations, projects and community groups to deliver local activity, tackle poverty and inequality, improve wellbeing, and protect the environment.
Attendees will gain an overview of the Trust’s main funding opportunities and how these can support organisations working across Scotland. The session will highlight the types of activity that can be funded and provide practical advice on making strong applications.

Meet the Funder with Social Investment Scotland (SIS)
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.