Funding & Training Focus - 24 June

Summer plans and funding opportunities

The longest day of the year has been and gone, schools are getting ready for the summer break, and community groups across Renfrewshire are busy planning activities, events and projects for the months ahead.

Thankfully, this week's funding update arrives with plenty of opportunities to help turn those plans into reality. From support for young people, families and volunteers, to funding for arts, heritage, environmental projects and organisational growth, there's a real mix on offer.

Whether you're looking for a small grant to get an idea off the ground or looking for a bigger pot to expand your impact, there's plenty here to explore.

As always, if you'd like a hand with an application or a chat about which funds might be the best fit, just get in touch: mwollberg@engagerenfrewshire.com


Funding

• Art and Culture
• Children & Families
• Communities
• Environment, Nature and Climate Change
• Health
• Miscellaneous
• The Fore
• Young People

 

Training/Additional Support

• Canva training for Community Groups
• The Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar
• Ask the experts: charity law and governance
• Meet the Funder with the Postcode Lottery 
• Power of Attorney & Guardianship 

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 31 July 2026. Small charities and shortlisted large charities must apply by 2 October 2026.


Grants Available to Not-For-Profit Theatres to Carry Out Essential Works
Grants of up to £7,500 are available to help not-for-profit theatres across the UK carry out small capital projects that improve their resilience, sustainability and accessibility. The Theatres Trust’s Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust, funds improvements to theatre buildings, essential plant and machinery, and digital infrastructure. Previous grants have supported improvements such as better level access, upgraded building management systems, new heating and cooling, draught-proofing, hearing loop installation, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Priority is given to projects costing under £250,000 or where the grant is the only source of external funding. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 26 June 2026.


Freelands Foundation has launched the Learning Through Making Fund
UK-based visual arts organisations whose work benefits the public or has a charitable purpose can apply for grants of up to £25,000. The funding is for hands-on visual arts education projects taking place in the UK between 1 January and 31 December 2027. Eligible applicants include charities, local authority galleries or museums, charitable organisations based within universities, CICs and Community Benefit Societies that meet the fund’s extra eligibility rules. Funding can support materials, transport, specialist expertise, access to facilities, research that tests new ideas through hands-on activity, workshops, events, learning activities, or new hands-on making activities added to existing programmes. Applications are submitted via a one-stage email form. The deadline is 12pm on 11 September 2026. The funding is provided by Freelands Foundation through the Learning Through Making Fund.

Childcare Support Fund
The fund aims to provide short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, to support families living in, or at risk of, poverty at key times when childcare costs create financial pressure or act as a barrier to employment, training or learning.
The new fund is one of a range of measures set out in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures, which will help drive further progress in eradicating child poverty. This one-year fund is designed to top up existing support — not replace it — including free childcare hours and Universal Credit childcare payments.
Grants of £250,000 to £1,000,000 will be available to eligible organisations
The application window closes at midnight on 9 July 2026. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in late July 2026, with funding beginning to flow to families over the summer.
TSEF & the TSI Network are co-hosting a webinar with Scottish Government Fund Leads to allow potential applicants to find out more about the fund and ask questions to the policy team.
Webinar date: Tuesday 23 June, 9.30-10.30am online using Teams.
If you wish to receive the Teams link for the webinar then please register your interest at this link: Information Session – registration form. The link will be sent to all registered participants by Monday evening at the latest.
Please note the webinar is intended only for organisations eligible to apply for funding. To find out if your organisation is eligible follow this link: childcaresupportfund/eligibility

Apply for the Braehead Community Fund!
Every month, we offer funding to Braehead’s local community working hard to create a positive change. If you, your charity, school or group have a story to tell and a mission to share, we’d love to hear from you.
To be considered, please apply by the 25th of the month by emailing us with:

• A brief overview of your mission (max. 500 words).
• How you would spend the £500 if successful.
• Links to your website or social media links.
• Contact details (name, phone number, and email address).

Please make sure your email is titled “Community Fund” followed by the month you are applying in so we can review it promptly.
This is your chance to secure extra support and shine a light on the incredible work you do. We welcome charities, individuals, schools and groups from all causes and backgrounds – because together, we can make an even bigger difference. Send your application to: Braehead.information@savillspm.co.uk

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. As well as established projects and charities, the Foundation wants to hear from people with innovative ideas that need some 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 next funding round is 15 September 2026.


Grants of up to €100,000 Available for Inclusive Outdoor Recreation and Nature Conservation
Non-profit organisations around the world can apply for grants to use outdoor recreation and sport to protect nature and create social or environmental benefits. This includes UK charities, clubs and community groups. Individuals cannot apply. Grants can be for up to €100,000. The funding can support small local projects, trial projects, the expansion of successful work, or larger projects designed to create major change. Eligible projects may focus on nature conservation, environmental stewardship, inclusive participation, biodiversity restoration, climate adaptation, circular economy activities, or improving access to the outdoors. This includes work that helps people take part where they may face barriers because of their identity, ability or income. The first application round closes on 30 June 2026. Applications will then be shortlisted, and final funding decisions will follow. The funding is provided by the ISPO Impact Foundation through the Impact Fund.

Grants of up to £15,000 for Projects to Help Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Small, registered charities and community interest companies in Scotland with annual incomes of less than £1 million can apply for funding for local community projects that promote heart health and help prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease in adults. The Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grant Scheme awards grants of up to £15,000 for projects lasting up to twelve months that encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes. Projects must primarily focus on one or more of the following areas: healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, and/or alcohol consumption. The closing date for applications is 8 July 2026.

Grants and Loans Available to Help Charitable Organisations Grow
Charities, social enterprises and community organisations across the UK can apply for flexible social investment to help organisations strengthen their financial resilience, grow trading income and increase social impact. The funding is the form of repayable finance of between £50,000 and £1 million rather than a grant. The funding is aimed at organisaions where traditional grants or bank lending may not be suitable. The funding is being made available through the Charities Aid Foundation’s Venturesome Impact Fund and can be used to support working capital, manage cashflow, expand services, invest in staff or systems, or develop new income-generating activity. In some cases, particularly for smaller or early-stage organisations, CAF may offer blended finance packages, combining a loan with a grant element to reduce risk and improve affordability. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there are no application deadlines.


CPF Trust Opens 2026 Grants Programme
The CPF Trust is a grant-making charity that supports other registered UK charities. It is currently offering small one-year grants for organisations working in areas such as the arts, education, health, disability, animal welfare, and support for older people, carers, and disadvantaged children and young people. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 and can be used towards revenue or capital costs, and for project or core funding. Applications must be submitted by email by 30 September 2026 and should be no more than 500 words.


Funding to Help People Access HMRC Services
Voluntary, community and nonprofit organisations, including charities, social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives, can apply for grants of £40,000 to £1 million per year to support customers who need extra help accessing HMRC services from April 2027 to March 2030. The funding will support tax-related advice, issue resolution and confidence-building for people facing barriers including low digital confidence, disability, mental health issues, language barriers, bereavement, abuse or other complex circumstances. Applications are through Find a Grant, with Q&A sessions on 11 and 17 June 2026 and a deadline of 11:59pm on 3 July 2026. The funding is being provided by HM Revenue and Customs through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding programme.

NHS Community Benefits Portal

This initiative, in partnership with Public Health Scotland, is a key part of NHS Scotland’s work under Sustainability to ensure our commercial solutions fully embed sustainable, ethical and social values. The focus is that by 2025, NHS Scotland’s Procurement services will work together across Health Board’s for Scotland’s people, and a key initiative of this work is the Community Benefit Gateway. 
Through our easy to use online tool, we’ll work to match willing NHS Scotland suppliers with Scottish third sector organisations who are looking for assistance with a variety of needs.  We encourage you to promote the Community Benefits Gateway to your partners, invite them to join and upload needs to support communities across Scotland.  

• Access the portal:  https://nhsnss.service-now.com/community_benefit  
• Find out more: Access our Community Benefit Gateway | National Services Scotland (nhs.scot)  
• Public Health Scotland: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/our-organisation/procurement/community-benefits-gateway/

Along with our easy to use digital gateway and website, we have developed a stakeholder toolkit (attached), with information and resources for you to use and share with your networks. Please share with your teams and encourage them to engage with the Community Benefits Gateway today!

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 (midday) 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 to Encourage Volunteering Amongst Young People
Grants of up to £500 are available to individuals or groups of young people aged 30 or under who aim to make a difference through volunteering or community service. The funding is made available through the Alec Dickson Trust. It prioritises projects involving many volunteers, addresses the specific needs of disadvantaged communities and individuals, and is innovative and sustainable. The Trust is seeking projects that identify a specific need and propose activities to address it, which are as long-lasting and sustainable as possible. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 1 July 2026.


Funding to Support International Youth Projects
Organisations and schools working with young people will, from November 2026, be able to access funding for youth projects through the UK Government’s Erasmus+ programme. The programme will support youth-focused activity in EU and associated non-EU countries, including projects linked to non-formal education, youth work and youth social action. Schools, colleges, further education and vocational education and training providers, youth organisations and adult education providers will be able to bid for funding for international learning, collaboration and partnership activity. Funding can support study, training, volunteering, work placements, youth exchanges, professional development, job-shadowing and coaching assignments abroad. Organisations can also work with overseas partners on collaborative projects designed to develop and share innovative practice and improve education, training, youth and sport activities. Further information is available on the UK Government’s Erasmus+ Programme website.


Funding to Support Racially Minoritised Young Men in Contact with the Justice System
Grants of £200,000 will soon be available for UK-registered not-for-profit organisations that support young men aged 18 to 25 from racially minoritised communities who are in contact with the criminal justice system. Eligible groups include young men from Black communities and other racially minoritised communities, as well as Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Jewish and Muslim communities. Smaller organisations will be prioritised, especially those run by people from the communities they support. Applications open on 24 June 2026. Organisations must submit an expression of interest by 5pm on 5 August 2026. The funding is provided by the Henry Smith Foundation through the Equity in Justice Fund.


Funding for Arts Activities for Disadvantaged Children & Young People
Freelance artists and not-for-profit organisations in Scotland can apply for funding to deliver arts activities for disadvantaged children and young people. Grants of up to £10,000 are available to individual artists, while creative, third sector and youth work organisations can apply for grants of up to £20,000. The funding will support high-quality, accessible, community-based arts activities that enhance the health, wellbeing, skills and confidence of children and young people who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities. A total of £758,000 is available through the Youth Arts Open Fund, which is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by Creative Scotland and YouthLink Scotland. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 21 July 2026.

Canva Training for Community Groups
Wednesday, July 1, 10 AM - 12 PM at Engage Renfrewshire
Do you need help create posters, presentations, social media posts, reports or updates for your community group?
This practical, hands-on training session will help you build confidence using Canva to create clear, engaging and accessible materials that promote your group’s work.
During the session, you will explore how to use Canva to develop useful content such as event posters, social media graphics, simple presentations, visual updates, case studies and impact stories. You will also look at how to present your group’s work clearly, whether you are sharing an event, celebrating volunteers, reporting to funders or showing the difference your project makes in the community.
 

Renfrewshire Child Protection Learning & Development Calendar (June, 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.
 

Ask the experts: charity law and governance
 13:00-14:00, 25 June 2026, SCVO (online)
Anderson Strathern, our partners in the SCVO Legal Advice Service will outline the recent changes to charity law in Scotland and how they affect charities. They will also look at the common governance challenges facing small charities and the practical steps trustees can take to ensure good governance on their board.
 

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.