New Tool Helps Communities Understand Affordable Housing Challenges

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A new mapping tool is helping to shine a light on the future of rural affordable housing in Berkshire by identifying socially rented homes with the lowest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.

Housing associations across the country are facing significant challenges in meeting the cost of retrofitting older properties to bring them up to current regulatory standards. In some cases, they have little choice but to sell homes and reinvest the proceeds in new developments elsewhere, often outside the village or parish where those properties are located.

At the same time, rural communities are experiencing growing demand for affordable housing, while also seeing affordable rented homes lost through property sales by housing associations.

To help inform discussion and support long-term planning, CCB has created the first map of its kind for Berkshire. The map identifies socially rented homes with the poorest EPC ratings at parish level, based on their most recent EPC assessment.

EPC scores are an imperfect but useful indicator of a home’s condition, and evidence suggests that properties with the lowest ratings are among those most likely to be considered for disposal by housing associations. As EPC certificates are publicly available, it is possible to identify both the ratings and locations of socially rented homes.

It is important to note that housing associations cannot sell a property while it is occupied by a tenant, so no individual household is at risk. However, maintaining affordable housing supply is about more than meeting current need. It is also about ensuring a long-term stock of homes and retaining a mix of housing tenures and property types within rural communities.

By mapping these properties, parish councils, residents and other stakeholders can gain a clearer understanding of affordable housing provision in their area and ask an important question: what will happen to these homes in the long term?

CCB believes that sharing information and working collaboratively across the housing, planning and community sectors is essential if we are to find effective, long-term solutions to these challenges. Drop our Rural Housing Enabler Maria a line if you would like to know more: Maria.Kelly@ccberks.org.uk

View the map for Reading West & Mid Berkshire here:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1CmvrdqPbpiMzGv-TN_IrpdFiUbVIjUA&usp=sharing

Funding Opportunities in August

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Click on headers for further information.

The Souter Charitable Trust

About Us: The trust supports projects for the relief of human suffering in the UK and overseas.
Criteria: UK-registered charities that work to reduce hardship and improve people’s lives in the UK and overseas. The Trust particularly supports organisations guided by Christian values, although charities without a Christian focus are also welcome to apply.
Grant Size: £1,000 to £3,000
Deadline for Applications: 13th August 2026

B&Q Foundation

About Us: The B&Q Foundation supports UK charities working to improve the lives of people in need by funding projects that make homes safe, welcoming, and comfortable. We provide grants for essential home improvements and home starter kits—helping individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic abuse, disabilities, illness, or financial hardship to feel more settled and supported in their living spaces.
Criteria: To UK registered charities for projects that improve homes and accommodation, or provide home-starter kits, for people in need.
Grant Size: up to £10,000
Deadline for Applications: Opens 20th July 2026 and closes 14th August 2026

Delamere Dairy Foundation

About Us: An independent, self-governing registered charity in Great Britain that provides financial assistance and grants to support local communities.
Criteria: For 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.
Grant Size: £1,000 up to £5,000
Deadline for Applications: 14th August 2026

King Charles III Charitable Fund

About Us: A major grant-making organization in the UK that supports environmental conservation, education, health, and social inclusion.
Criteria: UK registered not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 can apply for small grants for up to three years.

The next round is focused on projects working across the following two themes:

Heritage and conservation – the preservation of historic and culturally important buildings and traditional craftmanship, together with the sustainable regeneration of communities and the built environment across the globe.
Education – supporting education, training and employability opportunities through which young people and adults can fulfil their potential.
Grant Size: up to £3,000
Deadline for Applications: Opens 5th August 2026 and closes 19th August 2026

CHIP Community Chest

About Us: CHIP is a charity backed by CHIC that works with Local Employment Groups to help people who are distant from the workplace into employment.
Criteria: Eligible applicants include community groups, charities, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, uniformed groups and sports clubs, among others.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for Applications: 21st August 2026

Woodroffe Benton Foundation

About Us: A UK-registered charity that provides small grants to smaller charities, schools, and non-profit organisations.
Criteria: Eligibility: UK charities with annual income under £1 million; must provide services within the UK. Funding Themes: Relief of hardship; care for the elderly; education; environmental conservation.
Grant Size: £500–£2,500
Deadline for Applications: Opens 1st August 2026 and closes 31st August 2026

Hinrichsen Foundation

About Us: To support new, contemporary and experimental music.
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: up to £3,000
Deadline for Applications: 1st September 2026

Thomas Wall Trust

About Us: The Trust offers grants for specific projects that improve communication skills for disadvantaged adults and supports NEET people into employment.
Criteria: Available to registered charities to support projects that equip people (18 or older in order) from disadvantaged groups with the communication skills necessary to gain employment. Priority will be given to projects that target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups facing major hurdles to employment, especially women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for Applications: 11th September 2026
Website: https://www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk/grants-for-registered-charities-2-2/

The Adamson Trust

About Us: A small, independent, self-funded charitable organisation to assist with part funding of holidays or respite breaks for children aged between 2 years and 17 years who suffer from life limiting physical or mental health conditions.
Criteria: Individual families, 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 and between the ages of 3 and 17. 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.
Grant Size: £250
Deadline for Applications: 30th September 2026

Veterans’ Foundation Small Grants programme

About Us: The Veterans’ Foundation provides grants to eligible organisations that provide assistance to serving and former members of the armed forces community, operational qualified seafarers and their immediate families.
Criteria: The programme is aimed mainly at small grassroots groups delivering community-based support, particularly those with low to medium income and those that have not previously received Veterans’ Foundation funding. Funding can support work addressing needs such as homelessness, employability, financial disadvantage, disability, welfare, mental health, family support and support in older age.
Grant Size: £500 to £5,000
Deadline for Applications: 30th September 2026

Wooden Spoon Grants

About Us: The charity funds projects that help disabled or disadvantaged children and youth under age 25.
Criteria: Schools, charities, and not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply for Wooden Spoon Society Grants to support equipment for mentally, physically, and socially disadvantaged children.
Grant Size: under £5,000
Deadline for Applications: Rolling programme

The National Archives

About Us: The National Archives has opened applications for its Engagement Grants programme. This year’s theme is “Belonging”, supporting projects that use archives to help people and communities understand their place in shared histories, identities, and local life, while fostering connection, inclusion, and pride.
Criteria: Projects must use archives housed in museums, local authorities, universities, charities, community organisations, or similar institutions. Eligible costs include exhibitions, events, online or digital engagement, materials, staff time, travel and subsistence, and materials or software.
Grant Size: Up to £3,000
Deadline for Applications: 14th August 2026

Berkshire Community Foundation – Priority Grants

Funder: Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF). Programme: Priority Grants Round 2026. Funding available: Grants of up to £10,000.

Application window: 29 June – 13 August 2026.Who can apply: Charities, community groups and voluntary organisations delivering projects that benefit Berkshire residents and address local disadvantage and inequality.

Priority Theme 1 – Safety and Protection:

  • Domestic abuse and violence
  • Sexual exploitation and safeguarding
  • Trauma-informed support and crisis intervention
  • Safe accommodation and advocacy services
  • Prevention, education and early intervention

Priority Theme 2 – Homelessness and Basic Needs:

  • Homelessness prevention and support.
  • Poverty reduction and financial resilience
  • Access to food, essential goods and emergency support
  • Support for families facing multiple disadvantages
  • Child and young people’s poverty and wellbeing

Assessment priorities:

  • Strength of alignment with the priority themes
  • Evidence of local need
  • Measurable outcomes and impact
  • Readiness to deliver
  • Level of disadvantage being addressed

Not eligible if:

  • Applying for retrospective funding
  • Holding more than 12 months’ unrestricted reserves
  • Annual operating budget exceeds £2 million
  • Seeking funding for large capital projects
  • Applying as an individual

Application process: Completion of an eligibility quiz followed by an online application form and supporting documents.

Berkshire Community Foundation’s Priority Grants Round 2026 provides grants of up to £10,000 to support charities and community organisations tackling some of Berkshire’s most pressing social challenges. This year’s programme focuses on two key themes: Safety and Protection and Homelessness and Basic Needs, funding projects that support vulnerable people experiencing issues such as domestic abuse, exploitation, homelessness, poverty and financial hardship. BCF is seeking applications from organisations that can clearly evidence local need, deliver measurable impact and improve outcomes for disadvantaged residents across Berkshire. The programme offers an opportunity for local organisations to secure funding for projects that strengthen community resilience and provide vital support to those most in need.

Apply now for up to £1k through Veolia’s Sustainability Fund

Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, has launched this year’s Sustainability Fund.

The Sustainability Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 to connect people with their local environment and community.

Veolia works in partnership with West Berkshire Council in the treatment of recycling and waste disposal across the county.

The Sustainability Fund has reopened for 2026, following the Fund’s biggest year yet in 2025 with six projects being given a total of £6,000 funding across the county. This brings the total number of projects funded, since 2022, to 21 and £21,000 awarded.
Veolia’s Sustainability Fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, community groups, or individuals in areas where the company delivers recycling and waste treatment services for the community. Up to £1,000 in funding is available per project.
Funding criteria
The Sustainability Fund welcomes applications from a wide range of environmental and social projects. Projects should meet at least one of the following criteria:
● Enhances biodiversity
● Promotes sustainable waste behaviours
● Protects the environment by using recycled, reused or reclaimed materials.
● Strengthens and connects local communities, including but not limited to employment support programmes, rehabilitation projects and youth development initiatives
All projects will be assessed on merit, with particular recognition given to those that demonstrate long-term or ongoing community benefits.
How to apply
Applications can be made via Veolia’s website at veolia.co.uk/Sustainability-Fund.
Deadline for applications
The fund will be open for applications until Wednesday 30 September.

Heritage Crafts – Endangered Crafts Fund

About Us: Heritage Crafts supports traditional and heritage craft skills in the UK. Its Endangered Crafts Fund provides small grants to help protect crafts at risk of disappearing.
Criteria: Open to craft practitioners and organisations in the UK.
The craft must be listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the current Heritage Crafts Red List.
Projects can support the long-term survival of crafts, skills transfer, apprenticeships, training, equipment, business development and new routes to market.
Grant Size: Up to £2,500
Deadline for Applications: 5pm, Friday 16 October 2026.

Aldi Sport Fund – England and Wales

A limited number of one-off grants are available for local sports clubs across England and Wales to support work in their local community.

Applications deadline – 31 August 2026

Berkshire Historic Churches Trust

Grants are available for Christian churches of any denomination in Berkshire to support the cost of building repairs.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

Aviva Foundation – Financial Futures Fund

Grants are available for not-for-profit organisations in the UK that are delivering bold, long-term solutions to help people build financial resilience.

Applications deadline: The deadline for applications to round two is 7 October 2026.

Rewilding Britain – Rewilding Innovation Fund

Grants are available to boost locally led land and marine nature recovery projects across Britain.

Applications deadline: 5 September 2026.

Bernard Sunley Foundation

  • Funder: Bernard Sunley Foundation.
  • Purpose: To support capital projects that improve quality of life and create lasting benefits for communities across England and Wales.
  • Funding available:
    • Small Grants: Up to £5,000
    • Medium Grants: Up to £20,000
    • Large Grants: £25,000 and above
  • Who can apply: Charities and charitable organisations with an annual income of under £10 million.
  • Geographical area: England and Wales.
  • Funding themes:
    • Community
    • Education
    • Health
    • Social Welfare
  • What can be funded:
    • New buildings and extensions
    • Major refurbishments
    • Essential equipment
    • Vehicles and transport
    • Improvements to community facilities and service delivery spaces
  • Project size: Eligible capital projects should typically have a total value between £10,000 and £5 million.
  • Examples of supported projects:
    • Community centres and hubs
    • Special educational facilities
    • Hospices and healthcare buildings
    • Facilities supporting older people, disabled people, veterans, ex-offenders and vulnerable groups
    • Minibuses and other essential transport provision
  • What cannot be funded:
    • Core running costs
    • Salaries
    • Revenue costs
    • Feasibility studies
    • Non-capital expenditure
  • Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
  • Decision timescale:
    • Small grants: typically within 3 months
    • Larger grants: up to 6 months depending on project size

The Bernard Sunley Foundation provides capital funding to charities and community organisations undertaking projects that create lasting improvements for the people they support. Grants are available for building projects, refurbishments, vehicles and essential equipment across the Foundation’s four funding areas: Community, Education, Health and Social Welfare. With funding ranging from small contributions of up to £5,000 through to major grants of £25,000 and above, the programme is particularly suitable for organisations seeking support for infrastructure projects that will enhance facilities, improve access to services and strengthen long-term community impact. The Foundation welcomes applications throughout the year and has a strong track record of supporting practical projects that deliver tangible benefits for disadvantaged and vulnerable people.


With thanks to Slough CVS, Wokingham & Bracknell Involve and Volunteer Centre West Berkshire for the information contained in this article.

Connecting Communities in Berkshire Launches New Strategy for 2026-2030

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Helping Berkshire communities thrive for the next 50 years

Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is proud to launch our new Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, setting out an ambitious vision for stronger, more resilient and sustainable communities across Berkshire.

For more than 50 years, we have worked alongside local communities, helping people tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and shape their own futures. Our new strategy builds on this legacy while responding to the issues communities tell us matter most today: affordable housing, rising energy costs, social isolation, and access to essential services.

A vision for thriving communities

Our vision is simple: for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, resilient, sustainable, and able to take control of their own futures. [

We believe that most communities already have the knowledge, skills and passion they need to create positive change. Our role is to help unlock that potential, ensuring that nobody is disadvantaged because of where they live. When communities thrive, everyone benefits through better health, stronger connections, safer homes and greater opportunities.

Listening to what communities need

The development of our strategy has been shaped by what communities across Berkshire are telling us. Key concerns include:

  • The shortage of affordable homes for local people and key workers.
  • Increasing energy costs and fuel poverty.
  • Growing social isolation and loneliness.
  • Difficulties accessing healthcare and other essential services, particularly in rural areas.

Over the next five years, we will focus our efforts where we can make the greatest difference, working alongside residents, community groups, partners and funders to develop practical, long-term solutions.

Building on proven success

The strategy builds on the impact we are already delivering across Berkshire.

Through our 21st Century Halls programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, we are helping village halls become sustainable, accessible and energy-efficient community hubs. These vital spaces support local activities, services and connections that help communities flourish.

We will continue our work supporting affordable housing solutions, providing independent energy advice, tackling fuel poverty, promoting adult learning, and strengthening community networks across the county.

Five pillars for vibrant communities

At the heart of the strategy are five pillars that underpin thriving communities:

  • Community – creating places where people feel connected and supported.
  • Services – ensuring access to health, wellbeing and essential local services.
  • Connections – improving social connections, transport and digital inclusion.
  • Sustainability – supporting resilient communities and environmentally responsible solutions.
  • Your Role – encouraging volunteering, participation and local leadership.

Together, these pillars provide a framework for creating communities where people can live well, participate fully and feel connected to the places they call home.

Working at every level

What makes CCB different is our ability to work across the whole community system. We combine trusted grassroots relationships with strategic partnerships and policy influence, ensuring local voices are heard and reflected in decision-making.

As part of the national ACRE network, we are also able to connect local issues with wider conversations about rural services, housing, energy and community development, helping Berkshire communities benefit from national expertise and influence.

Looking ahead

As we begin this new chapter, we remain committed to listening, learning and evolving. Over the coming months we will strengthen partnerships, develop innovative approaches to tackling isolation, and build on the success of our village halls programme to ensure community spaces remain vibrant and future-ready.

We look forward to working with our members, partners, funders and communities to turn this vision into reality.

Together, we can help Berkshire communities thrive. To read the full document please click here.

Government Funding to Help Vulnerable Households with Rising Heating Oil Prices

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On 16 March 2026, the Government announced £53 million of financial support to be allocated across the nations of the UK to address the rising cost of heating oil. In England, £27 million is being made available, targeted at areas with higher reliance on oil heating, to support people in crisis facing sharp increases in oil heating prices. This support is being delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). Not every local authority will receive additional funding, but all local authorities are expected to support vulnerable households who use heating oil through their CRF

Vulnerable households in England who heat their homes with oil may be able to get support from their local authority through the CRF. The CRF helps low-income households facing financial difficulties due to a sudden or unexpected cost, including rising heating oil prices. Not every household using heating oil will be eligible – support is targeted at those most in need and eligibility will vary by local authority.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can be used to support households reliant on alternative fuel sources other than heating oil, such as LPG. Guidance to Authorities is clear that Crisis Payments can be used to support energy costs for any form of fuel used for domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It is for Authorities to determine individual need and the most appropriate form of support, using a person-centred, needs based approach in line with the Fund’s guidance.

Visit your local authority’s website (latest links below) or contact them directly if you think you may be eligible for support.

West Berkshire Council: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/45533/Crisis-and-Resilience-Fund
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/community-and-living/community-support/here-help
Wokingham Borough households: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/cost-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund
Latest from Slough Borough: https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50951&Opt=0
Latest from Reading Borough: https://www.reading.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-support/money-matters/crisis-and-resilience-fund/
Latest from Bracknell Forest Council: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/crisis-payment-scheme

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.