March Funding Opportunities

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Wokingham Borough Council Spark Connection in the Community

The Sparks Community Award is now open, offering grants of £100 to £2,000 for projects that support adults with a disability, health condition or caring responsibilities. Whether it’s starting a community cooking class, creating accessible activities or trying something completely new; if your idea helps people feel included and able to take part in community life, we’d love to hear from you. The application process is simple and funding decisions are made by a panel of local residents. We particularly welcome people who’ve never applied for funding before, as well as established groups exploring new approaches. The award is part of our Social Care Future commitment, working towards communities where everyone can live in the place they call home, with the people and things they love. If you have any questions you can email our Social Care Future team.

Grow Wild Youth Grants

About Us: We are calling on young individuals to come up with a project idea to champion UK native plants and/or fungi.
Criteria: Applications will be accepted from young people aged 16 to 25 years old who live in the UK and who can find a supporting organisation, such as a school, university, youth club or a local community group, to help them deliver the project.
Grant Size: up to £500
Deadline for applications: 24th February 2026

Better World Books – Literacy Grant

About Us: We celebrate the essential role that libraries of all types play in sparking curiosity, connection, and a lifelong passion for reading.
Criteria: Nonprofit organisations, libraries, schools and community groups are eligible to apply. Grants are awarded to libraries, educational nonprofit organisations, and community groups to support projects that advance literacy, enhance educational opportunities, and improve access to reading for underserved populations.
Grant Size: Up to £10,000
Deadline for applications: 28th February 2026

McCarthy Stone Foundation Dementia Grants

About Us: The McCarthy Stone Foundation is offering grants to help with the project costs of running dementia clubs and memory cafes in areas of high deprivation affecting older people in Great Britain.
Criteria: Community organisations, registered charities, exempt charities and CICs limited by guarantee may apply. Applications are accepted from England, Scotland and Wales, but priority will be given to those groups working in more deprived areas.
Grant Size: Up to £7,500
Deadline for applications: 16th March 2026
Website:

Screwfix Foundation

About Us: We are passionate about making a difference to communities across the UK. We are
a grant giving charity with a clear purpose to support projects that improve, repair and maintain homes and community facilities used by those in need throughout the UK.
Criteria: We currently offer local registered charities and not for profit organisations funding.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for applications: 10th May 2026

The Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust

About Us: The purpose of the trust is to support horticultural projects for public benefit.
Criteria: Organisations involved in horticulture, gardening, or botany can apply for grants
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for applications: 15th August 2026

Anchor Foundation

About Us: Funding for Christian Charities Promoting Social Inclusion.
Criteria: Christian Charities in the UK or overseas that encourage social inclusion through ministries of healing and the arts.
Grant Size: up to £12,000
Deadline for applications: 31st July 2026

KFC Youth Foundation

About Us: Funding For Projects That Assist Disadvantaged Young People.
Criteria: Grants of are available for projects that empower disadvantaged young people aged 11–25 in the UK to fulfil their potential by providing safe spaces, diversionary activities, and opportunities to build life skills such as confidence, resilience, and job readiness. The funding is provided by the KFC Foundation and is open to local charities and registered community interest in areas of high deprivation.
Grant Size: up to £6,000
Deadline for applications: 27th February 2026

Laughology

About Us: Putting the fun into funding.
Criteria: For grassroots, not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver projects that help to build strong, resilient communities. Funding is for projects that enable sustainable outcomes aligned with the following priorities: Mental health, Wellbeing, Inclusion and Skills development.
Grant Size: £5,000
Deadline for applications: Opens 2nd March 2026 and closes 27th March 2026

Sasha Love Foundation

About Us: The Sasha Foundation (TSF) was set up to support charities that work with mental health issues in memory of Sasha Love.
Criteria: UK-based registered charities and grassroots organisations for projects supporting young people affected by depression, mental health challenges, and drug-related issues.
Grant Size: up to £10,000
Deadline for applications: 1st April 2026

Seed Corn Grants

About Us: To support early-stage, exploratory projects that spark new ideas and approaches to community engagement with heritage.
Criteria: These grants are designed for community groups, Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) or other heritage organisations looking to test concepts, build partnerships, or pilot activities.
Grant Size: Between £500 and £5,000
Deadline for applications: 17th April 2026

The Concertina Charitable Trust

About Us: The funding is intended to provide musical entertainment and related activities that enhance the health and well-being of elderly individuals. This includes support for care homes and smaller organisations that may struggle to secure funding from other sources.
Criteria: The Trust is particularly focused on supporting smaller charitable organisations in England and Wales that provide cultural activities for the elderly. Organisations must demonstrate a clear benefit to the elderly community.
Grant Size: £250
Deadline for applications: 30th April 2026

CityFibre Community Fund – Small Grants Applications

CityFibre is the UK’s largest open access, fibre-only operator, with services live in cities, towns and villages across the country. But it’s our investment in quality and our commitment to getting it right the first time for people and the planet that’s making us the network of choice for many residential, business, mobile and public sector sites nationwide.

The CityFibre Community Fund supports digital inclusion, innovation and community engagement in areas where CityFibre operates. CityFibre aims to address key digital challenges, enhance social value, and foster stronger community connections by offering a small grants programme.
Register an account.
Start your application (save it in-progress).
Submit your application to be reviewed.

Thames Valley Research Engagement Network – Small Grants

About Us: Thames Valley Research Engagement Network, part of NHS England’s Research Engagement Network, is offering short-term awards (Feb–Apr 2026) to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) groups in the Thames Valley area.
Criteria: VCFSE groups in the Thames Valley passionate about improving health through research.
Grant Size: £800
Deadline for applications: ASAP
Website: https://researchengagementnetwork.notion.site/research-engagement-ecosystem

Host a community conversation – Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Consultation

About Us: We are inviting voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to help us reach people whose voices are often unheard in formal consultations.
Criteria: To organisations to host one structured community conversation (60–90 minutes) about proposed changes to cancer services.
Grant Size: £750
Deadline for applications: 4th March 2026
Website: https://mvccreview.nhs.uk/get-involved

easyfundraising Impact Fund

About Us: The funding is intended to help charities, schools, sports clubs, and community groups cover practical costs and sustain their activities. It aims to support grassroots organisations in delivering community benefit and strengthening their capacity to continue their work.
Criteria: Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations in the UK, including: Registered charities, Sports clubs and teams, Schools and education settings, Social enterprises, CICs, After school and youth groups and Churches and religious organisations.
Grant Size: £500
Deadline for applications: 5th April 2026

The Schroder Charity Trust

About Us: The Schroder Charity Trust is an independent grant-making family trust which supports charitable activities.
Criteria:The programme is open to UK-registered charities with annual incomes between £150,000 and £1,000,000 whose work supports children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in education and employment, or strengthens communities by improving wellbeing and life outcomes for vulnerable groups.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for applications: 30th April 2026

Tesco Stronger Starts

Up to £1,500 available to help children access healthy food

Since 2016 Tesco have supported thousands of local community projects and good causes across the UK. With an aim of helping children and young people thrive, we work to ensure young people build a solid foundation for life, making communities stronger too.

This funding can help you make a difference and create a meaningful impact.

Schools, charities, and not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people are invited to apply for up to £1,500 for causes that improve access to healthy, nutritious food.

From enhancing school provision to supporting local community services, we welcome organisations that use healthy food to support the physical and mental health of children and young people across the UK to apply. This could include:

  • Breakfast/after-school clubs that provide food for pupils
  • Growing projects in allotments/planters for use in the school kitchen or for children to take home and learn about food
  • Sports clubs that provide food as part of the project
  • Holiday clubs that provide healthy meals and snacks
  • Counselling/mental health support projects that provide a healthy snack as part of the provision

People’s Postcode Lottery Grassroots Grants

For a third year, People’s Postcode Lottery Grassroots Grants is open for applications!

With unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 available to organisations making a positive difference to their communities across England, this grant programme is possible thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

This funding is unrestricted for voluntary or community organisations, including registered charities/companies, whose annual turnover is no more than £25,000. Whether used to cover organisational costs, support your important work, or meet your community’s needs, we want to help you provide your vital services.

Priority will be shown to

  • Funding for communities that rank as being within the top 15% on the English Indices of Deprivation
  • Organisations that work with and support communities classed as marginalised or vulnerable.

Applications are open until September 2026, and you will receive a decision within 10 weeks of applying. Successful organisations awarded up to £2,000 will have 12 months to spend the grant.

Thank you to Sough CVS and Wokingham & Bracknell Involve for the information contained in this article.

February Funding Opportunities

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Grassroots Grants is now open for applications!

Calling all community groups and organisations in England – grants of up to £2,000 are available to apply for.

Grassroots Grants provides unrestricted funding for small, local organisations that are making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Building on the success of previous funding rounds, the programme will run from January to September 2026 providing more opportunities to apply.

Priority will be shown to organisations which meet the following criteria:

Funding for communities that rank as being within the top 15% on the English Indices of Deprivation

Organisations that work with and support communities classed as marginalised or vulnerable

If you have previously received funding through the programme: you are invited to apply again once your grant spend is complete and you have submitted an end of grant report

If you were unsuccessful in previous rounds: we would welcome a new application from you this year

The programme is possible thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and is awarded through Postcode Local Trust, Postcode Places Trust, Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and Postcode Society Trust.

The Allen Lane Foundation

About Us: We award funding for charitable purposes across the UK. Our focus is on funding particular groups that experience marginalisation and/or discrimination.
Criteria: For charities and not-for-profit organisations working with young people aged 12-21 who are socially excluded or marginalised, and who may have experienced significant issues within their lives
Grant Size: up to £15,000
Deadline for applications: Rolling programme

Henry Smith Foundation- Holiday Grants

About Us: The foundation aims to help children who experience inequity and/or are disabled to go on fun trips.
Criteria: The Holiday Grants Programme offers one-off grants for schools, youth groups and non-profit organisations to take children aged 13 and under on recreational day trips or short residential trips.
Grant Size: £500 – £3,000 per trip,day trip or residential trips of up to 7 days will be considered
Deadline for applications: 19th March 2026

Lord Barnby’s Foundation

About Us: Lord Barnby’s Foundation offers grants to charitable organisations in England and Wales for general charitable purposes, the advancement of health or saving of lives, disability, the prevention or relief of poverty, environment, conservation and heritage.
Criteria: Charitable organisations in England and Wales.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for applications: Rolling programme

BBC Children in Need

About Us: BBC Children in need provide core and revenue funding for projects supporting young people facing challenges such as growing up in poverty, mental health issues, being ill or disabled, family challenges, and social injustice.
Criteria: Charitable Incorporated Organisations are eligible to apply, and should be registered with the Charity Commission. All grant applications to reflect these key principles:
Being focused on outcomes for children and young people
Safeguarding (Working with Children)
Supporting children and young people to participate in your work
We don’t fund work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) have a duty to provide.
ALL organisations must attend a pre-application information session. The sessions in the South East are delivered every two weeks.
Grant Size: £1,000 to £40,000 per year up to three years
Deadline for applications: Rolling programme

The Health Lottery Foundation

About Us: We support organisations that are working to improve health and wellbeing.
Criteria: Charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) that improve health and wellbeing in England, Scotland and Wales, are eligible.
Grant Size: £1,000
Deadline for applications: 27th February 2026

B&Q Foundation – Home Starter Kit Grants

About Us: To provide home-starter packs for people in need to move into their home.
Criteria: The funding is intended for UK registered charities working to improve the lives of people in need by supporting projects that make homes safe, welcoming, and comfortable. Grants support home starter kits to help individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic abuse, disabilities, illness, or financial hardship to feel more settled and supported in their living spaces.
Grant Size: up to £10,000
Deadline for applications: 20th February 2026

Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

About Us: We award grants to registered UK charities that work with communities in the UK. We aim to give grants to those in society who face the greatest challenges and whose opportunities are most limited.
Criteria: For UK-registered charities with an operating income of between £100,000 and £1 million.
Grant Size: up to £1,000
Deadline for applications: 28th February 2026

The Ben Amanna Education Grant

About Us: Funding education and development in boxing-related work and communities.
Criteria: Boxing is Love provide funding and in-kind support, including equipment, as well as small Education and Development Awards to help gyms, youth centres, charities, boxers and coaches expand education, development and career opportunities.
Grant Size: up to £250
Deadline for applications: 6pm on 1st March 2026

Hinrichsen Foundation

About Us: The Foundation gives grants for the performance, commissioning and recording of contemporary and experimental music in the UK.
Criteria: For charities and organisations across the UK to deliver music projects that focus on the performance, commissioning, or recording of contemporary music.
Grant Size: Between £500 and £3,000
Deadline for applications: 13th March 2026

Dan Maskell Tennis Trust

About Us: A tennis charity raising funds for people with disabilities who play tennis.
Criteria: Disabled individuals, disability groups, tennis clubs, schools, and associations across the UK that work with people with disabilities can apply for grants from the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust to support participation in tennis. The grants can be used for coaching with LTA-licensed coaches, court hire, tennis wheelchairs, and equipment like rackets.
Grant Size: up to £1,600
Deadline for applications: 10th May 2026

The Rowing Foundation

About Us: Providing grants towards the cost of boat equipment or boat refurbishments to support junior & student rowers, and adaptive rowing for all ages.
Criteria: Organisations, clubs, and schools involved in rowing can apply for grants of from the Rowing Foundation to support junior & student rowers, as well as adaptive rowing for all ages.
Grant Size: Between £500 and £4,000
Deadline for applications: noon on 1st June 2026

TVP Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner – Community Fund

The OPCC for Thames Valley will open the next round of its Community Fund on Monday 2 February 2026. Voluntary and community groups, charities, and town and parish councils can apply for grants to support local projects that contribute to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan. The fund is financed through the sale of goods seized from criminals.
Applications close at 12pm on Monday 23 February 2026. Projects must show clear deliverables and demonstrate how they support the Police and Crime Plan. Around £200,000 is available, and previous rounds have been highly competitive. Awards will be announced in late March/early April.
Key guidelines:

Open to not‑for‑profit organisations, including charities, social enterprises, and town/parish councils
Projects must take place within the Thames Valley policing area
Organisations funded in the last 12 months are not eligible
Existing OPCC‑funded organisations may apply (subject to checks to avoid duplicate funding)
Maximum grant: £10,000 (applicants may be asked if they can accept a lower amount)
Projects must clearly support the Police and Crime Plan objectives

Further details and FAQs are available on the OPCC website.
Deadline: 23 February 2026

Path accessibility fund – The Ramblers Association

The fund welcomes applications to fund projects that seek to remove barriers and open up paths for more people in England, Scotland, and Wales. This includes improving access for those people with reduced mobility, who may struggle to climb over stiles.

The average award to date has been £2500. The deadline for applications is 14 March 2026.

Seed Corn Grants – The National Archives

Seed Corn Grants offer between £500 and £5,000 to support early-stage, exploratory projects that spark new ideas and approaches to community engagement with heritage.

These grants are designed for community groups, Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) or other heritage organisations looking to test concepts, build partnerships, or pilot activities.

The current round of applications closes on 17 April 2026.

Asda Community Spaces Grants

About Us: Supporting grassroots community groups to transform spaces at the heart of their local community.
Criteria:  Charities and not-for-profit organisations that benefit local people.
Grant Size: up to £20,000
Deadline for applications: Applications open from Spring 2026

Information contained in this article is sourced from Slough CVS, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Wokingham & Bracknell InVOLve and Rural Services Network.



Join our Team!

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Job Opportunity: Project Development & Research Officer

Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is an independent charity with a focus on developing strong communities. Our team is dedicated to achieving our vision for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, resilient, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures. We are looking for the next member of our highly committed team.

Location: Berkshire (hybrid working available)
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Closing Date: 5pm Thursday 30th October 2025

Are you passionate about rural communities? Do you have a knack for turning grassroots insights into impactful projects? Join us at Connecting Communities in Berkshire as our new Project Development & Research Officer and help shape the future of community spaces across the county.

About the Role

This exciting and varied role sits at the heart of our 21st Century Community Halls programme, supporting village halls and community buildings to thrive. You’ll analyse evidence of need, develop innovative projects, secure funding, and lead research that informs our strategic direction.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Developing and delivering community-based projects based on local action plans.
  • Leading research and evaluation activities to understand rural challenges.
  • Writing compelling funding bids and securing income for new initiatives.
  • Building relationships with stakeholders across sectors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Educated or experienced in community development or social sciences.
  • A confident communicator, both in writing and in person.
  • Analytical, proactive, and able to manage a dynamic workload.
  • Experienced in working with diverse communities and committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
  • Knowledgeable about rural issues and passionate about making a difference.
  • Familiar with research techniques and able to translate findings into action.
  • Able to travel to rural locations (access to a car insured for business use is essential).

What We Offer

  • Hybrid working arrangements for better work-life balance.
  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus public/bank holidays.
  • An extra day off for your birthday.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Free office car parking.
  • Staff training and development opportunities.
  • A supportive and inclusive team environment.
  • The chance to make a real impact in Berkshire’s rural communities.

Want to know more?

Click here for a full job description

If you have questions or concerns about the working hours related to this role, please raise them in your covering letter and we will do our best to address them.

Please note this role requires a Basic DBS check.

Ready to apply?

Send your CV and a covering letter that clearly explains how your skills and experience fit with the requirements of this role, to admin@ccberks.org.uk or by post to:

Connecting Communities in Berkshire, Wyvols Court, Swallowfield, Berkshire, RG7 1WY

Initial interviews to take place week commencing 3rd November 2025.

Ways to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day in Berkshire

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VE Day 80: Celebrating Peace and Remembering Sacrifice Across Berkshire

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – a significant moment in our nation’s history. This anniversary offers us the opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served and endured during the Second World War, and to reflect on the peace that followed.

Communities across Berkshire are holding commemorative events throughout early May to mark the occasion. From military flypasts and family-friendly picnics to beacon lighting ceremonies and historical performances, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Key Events Across Berkshire

Military Flypast – Monday 5 May
A major military flypast will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, with aircraft flying over parts of Berkshire including Reading, Bracknell, Windsor, Slough, and Maidenhead, as part of a national route towards Buckingham Palace.

Family Picnic and Trail at Shaw House – Sunday 11 May
Time: 11am–3pm | Free entry, no booking required
Families can enjoy a special VE Day-themed trail, where children collect a ration card and search for clues to earn free sweet rations. There will also be craft activities, access to the historic house and exhibitions, and a display highlighting Shaw House’s role during WWII. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, and the café will be open for light refreshments.
Location: Shaw House, Newbury

Finchampstead VE Day Celebration – Thursday 8 May
Time: 7pm–9pm | Free, no booking required
St James Church will host an evening of celebration, featuring live music, the lighting of a beacon, celebration cake and bubbly. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic.
Location: St James Church, Church Lane, Finchampstead, RG40 4LU

Wokingham Town Hall – Thursday 8 May
Time: 10.30am–2pm
Join the Wokingham Poppy Appeal, Barkham Hookers, and Elusive Brewing at Market Place for a community celebration, including military vehicles, crafts, and poppy displays. At 11am, the Town Mayor will lay a commemorative wreath inside the Town Hall.

VE Day at Riseley – Saturday 10 May
Time: 12 noon–6pm | Free entry
A vibrant day of celebration including live music, face painting, a tug-of-war, craft stalls, a barbecue, tombola, and a cake competition. Bring your own picnic, gazebo and seating.
Location: Riseley Recreation Ground

Foxley Fields, Binfield – Thursday 8 May
A full day of commemorative activities will include:

  • 9am: Flag raising
  • 6.30pm: Military parade
  • Evening: Garden games, food and drink, live music
  • 9.30pm: Lighting of the beacon

Bracknell Library Events

  • Saturday 10 May, 10am–11.30am: Free eco-craft event for children
  • Monday 12 May, 10.30am–11.30am: Historian Ray Smith presents “Glenn Miller and the Role of Music in WWII”

West Berkshire Museum & New Era Players Performances
Performances at West Berkshire Museum on 7 and 8 May will include wartime songs, stories, and anecdotes. The shows will also be staged at New Era Theatre on 9 and 10 May.

Newbury VE Day Celebrations – Thursday 8 May

  • 11am: Service at the War Memorial
  • Midday: Celebratory lunch (booking required)
  • Evening: Beacon lighting at Victoria Park

We encourage residents to attend these events and take part in remembering a pivotal moment in history, while celebrating the strength and resilience of our communities.

Oil Prices Tumble – Here’s How to Take Advantage Locally

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Global oil markets have taken another hit. Over the past week, crude oil prices have plummeted by 13%, driven by mounting trade tensions and tariff clashes between the United States and other major economies.

Heating oil prices are on the move

Good news for households – average UK heating oil prices have started to fall since last Thursday. However, with markets so unpredictable, it’s hard to say how long this dip will last.

Now’s a great time to check your heating oil levels.

Save more – and do your bit for the planet

Why not consider joining our charity-run oil club? Not only could you benefit from better prices through group buying, but by coordinating deliveries, we also reduce the number of oil tankers on the road – cutting down on emissions and congestion. It’s a win for your wallet and the environment. Click here for more details.