October Funding Opportunities

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Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants – open now for applications!

Groundworks and Tesco, are helping schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations improve access to fruit and vegetables for children and young people across the UK.

From breakfast clubs and holiday clubs to growing initiatives and cooking projects, Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants offers funding of up to £1,500 to support local projects that help children and young people access healthy food.

Examples include:

  • Breakfast/after school clubs that provide fruit and veg for pupils
  • Sports clubs that provide healthy food as part of the project or a much-needed half time boost
  • Growing initiatives to grow your own fruit and veg or cooking classes using the food to learn
  • Holiday clubs that provide healthy meals and snacks
  • Projects providing SEND provision with healthy snacks/meals
  • Youth clubs that provide a healthy meal/snack
  • Addressing holiday hunger amongst children outside of school time
  • Healthy eating projects that support families to cook healthy meals on a budget
  • Foodbanks to provide food support to families

Cash4Clubs (Flutter UKI)

A £500,000 pot for grassroots sport, shared as flat grants of £2,000 (€2,000 in Ireland). The money is unrestricted and can go on anything that helps a club keep going or grow its sports activities for adults, such as venue hire, utilities, equipment, coaching or insurance.
Where: UK wide. The scheme supports clubs and organisations across the UK and Ireland.
Deadline: Opens Thursday 1 October 2026 and closes Friday 1 January 2027.
Eligibility: Community sports clubs and organisations using sport for social purpose. One grant per club; read the scheme’s FAQ for full eligibility.

Country Houses Foundation

Grants for the repair and conservation of rural historic buildings and structures, their gardens, grounds and outbuildings, and for conserving paintings and sculpture in historic house collections open to the public. Grants run from £1,000 to £250,000, with the top end only in exceptional cases and most under £50,000. The work must be needed within two to three years, be ready to start within one to two, offer public access and show financial need. Routine maintenance, alterations, running costs and most churches are excluded.
Where: England and Wales.
Deadline: Rolling. Applications can be made at any time.
Eligibility: Owners, including charities, institutions, local authorities and private individuals, with legal responsibility for repairing the building, normally through ownership or a full repairing lease with at least 20 years left.

The Tree Council and Defra: Trees Outside Woodland Fund

Grants of £10,000 to £40,000 per application for trees and supporting capital items outside woodland: street trees, parks, playgrounds, hedgerows and orchards. The pot is £2.5 million and applications are reviewed in order of arrival, so apply early.
Where: England only.
Deadline: 31 October 2026, or earlier if all the money has been allocated.
Eligibility: Local authorities and registered charities. Check the fund page for the income threshold that applies to charities.

The Wildlife Trusts Green Community Grants

About Us: The Wildlife Trusts Green Community Grants programme supports grassroots, not-for-profit organisations in England, Scotland and Wales to deliver outdoor nature projects. The programme provides flexible one-year grants aimed at supporting nature recovery, responding to the climate emergency, and improving nature-rich spaces and access to them.
Criteria:

  • Open to not-for-profit organisations in England, Scotland and Wales.
  • Organisations must have been operating for at least 12 months.
  • Main aims must align with one of the two funding themes:
  • Contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency.
  • Improving nature-rich spaces and access to them.
    Funding can also support wider environmental activities such as recycling, litter picking, beach cleans and sustainable transport.
    Priority will be given to:
    Organisations with annual incomes of £250,000 or less.
    Organisations working in the most deprived communities or supporting marginalised groups.
    Organisations whose governing objectives focus on protecting or restoring habitats or species.
    Grant Size: £10,000–£25,000 for one-year flexible grants.
    Deadline for Applications: 21st October 2026

Great British Energy (GBE) Community Fund

About Us: The Great British Energy (GBE) Community Fund provides £20 million in grants to help community-based organisations develop and build community-owned clean energy projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Criteria:

Applicants must be based in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Applicants must be legally incorporated as one of the following: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Community Benefit Society (CBS/Bencom), Community Interest Company (CIC), Co-operative Society, Development Trust, Pre-commencement society, Incorporated registered charity, Registered Social Landlord, Registered Society or Town or Parish Council
Applicants must have a bank account with two signatories.
Joint applications are permitted where all partners are eligible organisations.
Projects developed through the funding must be at least 50% community-owned.
Funding is available through three stages:
Stage 1 – Feasibility: test whether a project idea is viable.
Stage 2 – Development: develop a viable idea into an investment-ready project.
Stage 3 – Capital: support construction-ready projects to address remaining funding gaps.
All grant funding must be defrayed and claimed by 31st March 2028, except Stage 1 projects that have requested payment in advance.
Grant Size:

Stage 1 – Feasibility: Up to £40,000
Stage 2 – Development: Up to £100,000
Stage 3 – Capital: Up to £3 million, or 50% of the total project value
Deadline for Applications: 12th November 2026

Matthew Good Foundation

About Us: The Matthew Good Foundation’s Grants for Good Fund supports small charities, not-for-profit groups and social entrepreneurs working to make a difference for people, communities and the environment. The fund also welcomes innovative ideas from people seeking funding to get new projects started.
Criteria:

Open to small charities, not-for-profit groups and social entrepreneurs.
Applicants must have had an income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months.
Both established projects and new, innovative ideas can apply.
Five shortlisted projects are selected every three months and voted on by John Good Group employees.
Funding can support projects benefiting people, communities and the environment.
Grant Size: £2,000–£5,000
Deadline for Applications: 15th December 2026

The Wildlife Trust- Green Community Grant

Funder: The Wildlife Trusts, with support from Postcode Lottery players. Programme: Green Community Grants Programme. Purpose: To support community-led organisations working to restore nature, tackle climate change and improve access to nature-rich spaces across the UK. Funding available: Grants of up to £25,000. Funding type: One-year flexible funding that can support both project delivery and certain organisational costs.

Geographical area: England, Scotland and Wales. Who Can Apply? Registered charities, Community organisations, Voluntary groups, Other not-for-profit organisations.

Organisations must have been operating for at least 12 months and have signed annual accounts.

Income Eligibility
Organisations must have an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million.

The maximum grant request cannot exceed 25% of annual income shown in the organisation’s latest accounts.

Funding Themes
Organisations must have a primary purpose aligned to one of the following themes:

  • Contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency.
  • Improving nature-rich spaces and access to them.

Funding Priorities
Priority will be given to organisations:

  • With an annual income below £250,000.
  • Working within communities in the top 15% most deprived areas.
  • Supporting marginalised communities.
  • Supporting disabled people.
  • Supporting communities experiencing racial inequity.
  • Supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Working on habitat and species restoration or protection.

Key Dates
Current funding round opens: 30 September 2026.

Application deadline: 21 October 2026.

This is the final application window for the 2026 programme.

The The Wildlife Trusts Green Community Grants Programme provides flexible grants of up to £25,000 for charities and community organisations working to protect nature, tackle climate change and improve access to green spaces. The programme prioritises smaller organisations operating in disadvantaged communities and those supporting marginalised groups. With funding available for a wide range of environmental and community-led activities, this is an excellent opportunity for organisations delivering practical projects that improve both the natural environment and community wellbeing.

Connecting Communities grants – Morrisons Foundation

The Connecting Communities grants offer up to £20,000 to charities who provide placed-based services to the entire community or specific groups.

Funding is available to support capital projects that:

  • Breathe new life into local spaces: Upgrade and revitalise buildings and outdoor areas.
  • Bring people together: Reduce social isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging.
  • Secure the future: Ensure vital local services remain open and accessible for generations to come.

There is no fixed deadline to apply for a Connecting Communities grant, they process applications monthly.

Let’s Celebrate Towns – Visa and Nationwide

Let’s Celebrate Towns returns in 2026 as a joint initiative between Visa and Nationwide, recognising the communities driving stronger, more vibrant local economies across the UK – reflecting a shared commitment to thriving high streets and local communities. There’s a £20,000 grant for each winner to put toward a community project or initiative.

Five towns will be recognised across the following categories:

High Street Revival
Backing Local Business
Protecting Valued Places
Connected Places
Community Pride
They’re inviting entries from across the UK, from:

MPs and local leaders
Local authorities and town councils
Community groups and organisations
Entries close on 25 October 2026.

Community Gardens grants – National Garden Scheme

The Julia Rausing Trust announced a £1.5 million grant to the National Garden Scheme for their Community Garden Grants programme. Funding began in 2025.

The Community Garden Grants programme focuses on support for community groups to create or improve gardens for the benefit of local communities, many of which play an important health and social welfare role through providing community orchards, food banks and settings for local GP social prescribing.

The funding for the Community Garden Grants programme will aid the development of community garden projects with a purpose focussed on demonstrating the health benefits of gardens, and gardening, not only to health and wellbeing, but also to the environment and communities surrounding them.

Individual grants are between minimum £1500 and maximum £5000. The deadline for applications is 30 October 2026.

Screwfix Foundation

The charity supports projects that improve, repair and maintain buildings and facilities used by people in need throughout the UK.

The Screwfix Foundation currently offers local registered charities and not for profit organisations funding in the region of £5,000.

The types of projects they fund are:

Improved energy efficient lighting & heating
Installation of new kitchen, bathroom etc.
Installation of a sensory room
General painting & decorating
Improving safety and security of a building
The next deadline for applications is 10 November 2026.

Improving digital presence grants – Fat Beehive Foundation

The Fat Beehive Foundation awards small grants of up to £2,500 to help charities improve their digital presence.

They support UK-based charities with an annual turnover of under £1 million, offering funding for a wide range of digital projects. Whether that’s building a new website, developing online resources, or improving digital accessibility, our aim is to help you reach more people, raise more funds and deliver more impact.

The Foundation can only support a limited number of projects based on the funding available for distribution in any given year. The Trustees are particularly keen to support traditionally hard-to-fund organisations, such as those supporting prisoners, refugees, or disadvantaged youth.

The next deadline for applications is the end of March 2027.

Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust grants

Grants are available to individuals, organisations and institutions carrying out projects of significance to horticulture, gardening or botany with a strong horticultural element.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of typical projects.

restoring gardens of historic interest;
developing new gardens, or new garden areas within existing gardens, for public access and enjoyment;
exhibitions, book publications, research and educational programmes relating to horticulture;
expeditions and travel to study, collect and protect plants of scientific and horticultural value;
study-visits by horticulturists or botanists with strong horticultural links, and
gardeners’ training schemes run by appropriate organisations (but not to individuals, see Training and Traineeships).
Grants are normally awarded twice a year, in April and September (following application deadlines of 15 February and 15 August). The maximum grant is £5,000 but some organisations only require modest sums and applicants are welcome to apply for grants of less than £500. Typical grants are usually in the range of £3,500- £5,000.

Thanks to Gecko Fundraising, Slough CVS, Involve, Rural Services Network for the information contained in this article.

Nominations Open for the 2026 Learner Achievement Awards

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Adult learners across West Berkshire are being encouraged to celebrate their achievements, and those of others who have supported their learning journey, as nominations open for the 2026 Learner Achievement Awards.

Organised by West Berkshire Council on behalf of the West Berkshire Community Learning Partnership, the awards recognise the positive impact that learning can have on individuals, families and communities. Whether it has helped someone gain new skills, improve their confidence, enhance their career prospects or support their health and wellbeing, the awards aim to showcase and celebrate these achievements.

The awards feature eight categories, recognising a wide range of accomplishments across apprenticeships, professional, academic and vocational learning, as well as non-formal learning programmes that strengthen families, communities and wellbeing.

One of the highlights is the Terry Stares Award, which celebrates the significant and often life-changing impact that education can have on an individual’s life. Award winners will receive a cash prize, with individual winners receiving £100 and group winners receiving £500.

The awards also provide an opportunity to recognise those who have inspired, encouraged and supported others through learning. Learners, groups and individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to the learning experience of others are all eligible for nomination.

Winners will be invited, along with a guest, to attend the awards presentation ceremony at Shaw House, Newbury, on Friday 6 November 2026 at 5.30pm.

If you know someone whose learning journey deserves recognition, or someone who has made a positive difference to others through education and training, now is the time to nominate them.

Nomination deadline: Friday 23 October 2026, 5pm

Find out more and submit a nomination:
https://www.westberks.gov.uk/laa

Please help spread the word and encourage anyone involved in adult learning across West Berkshire to take part. Together, we can celebrate the individuals and organisations helping to make lifelong learning a success in our communities.

Bringing Shinfield Together: Building Connections in a Growing Community

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Residents, volunteers and local organisations came together at High Copse Pavilion on 19 September for a day of food, music, creativity and conversation.

Shinfield has changed and grown significantly in recent years, with new housing developments bringing more people into the area. The event was designed to help newer and long-standing residents connect with one another, strengthen community ties, and learn more about local activities, support and opportunities.

Highlights included a community meal, music and dancing, creative arts activities, and conversations with local groups and organisations. The day was organised in partnership with Communities Vision and the Voice of Inclusion and Equality (VINE) forum, both of which play an important role in reducing isolation and helping residents feel connected to their communities.

Representing CCB, Andrea Malcolm, our Project Development Officer, enjoyed the opportunity to meet residents, community groups and partners working to make Shinfield a welcoming and inclusive place to live. From energetic dance sessions and creative workshops to inspiring conversations about local volunteering, the event demonstrated the power of bringing people together around shared experiences.

A particular highlight was the community feast, which created a relaxed and welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds to meet, talk and build new connections.

Reflecting on the event, Andrea said:

“What stood out was seeing how community activities, local organisations and residents can work together to create a real sense of belonging. As communities grow and change, opportunities like this help people build relationships, strengthen local networks and feel part of where they live.”

At CCB, supporting communities to thrive is at the heart of our community development work. Events such as Bringing Shinfield Together provide valuable insights into how communities can successfully welcome new residents, combat isolation and foster stronger local connections.

CCB is keen to support parish councils, community groups, volunteers and local partners to explore how similar approaches could be developed in other rural communities across Berkshire.

To find out more about community development support and how CCB can help your community bring people together, contact Andrea at andrea.malcolm@ccberks.org.uk

September Funding Opportunities

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The War Memorials Trust

Grants to repair and conserve war memorials in the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, covering conservation, like-for-like repair, condition surveys and structural stabilisation. Up to £20,000 for freestanding, non-beneficiary memorials, or up to £5,000 for non-freestanding memorials, usually around 50% of eligible costs (minimum award normally £125).
Deadline: Saturday 31 October 2026 for the current application batch, with decisions by early January 2027 (the Trust reviews applications in batches at deadlines published on its website)
Eligibility: Open to individuals and organisations, including local authorities. Anyone applying who is not responsible for the memorial must have the custodian’s written consent.

Morrisons Foundation: Connecting Communities Grant Scheme

Grants of up to £20,000, which can fully fund a capital project, to breathe new life into the spaces where communities meet, from building renovations and improvements to outdoor areas to fixed equipment such as boilers, security systems and stairlifts. Priority goes to smaller charities with annual income under £1 million.
Deadline: Rolling; the Foundation accepts and reviews applications on a continual basis, with no deadline
Eligibility: UK registered charities only (registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or OSCR for at least a year, with accounts filed on time), running a community facility open to everyone which the charity owns or leases with at least three years remaining, in England, Scotland or Wales. Community Interest Companies are explicitly not eligible.

Active Thames Fund

Grants to grow watersports and activity on the tidal Thames and the Thames Path National Trail across Greater London, Kent and Essex, by widening participation among groups currently under-represented on the water, developing coaches and volunteers, and supporting physical and mental wellbeing. No fixed maximum is published; requests above £5,000 must show they can deliver against several of the fund’s objectives. Awards are expected in December, with delivery from spring.
Deadline: Applications close Sunday 27 September 2026
Eligibility: Formally constituted organisations with a bank account in the organisation’s name; individuals and informal friendship groups cannot apply.

Veolia Environmental Trust

Community Grants of £10,000 to £75,000 to create or improve buildings and outside spaces used by the community, and Habitat and Biodiversity Grants from £10,000 upwards (no maximum is published on the Trust’s site) for work that protects and restores threatened habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.
Deadline: 12:00 midday, Thursday 1 October 2026
Eligibility: Constituted not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and Environmental Bodies.

The Let’s Celebrate Towns competition

About Us: The Let’s Celebrate Towns competition, delivered in partnership by Visa and Nationwide, aims to strengthen local economies and communities by supporting projects that make towns stronger, more resilient, and vibrant.
Criteria: Entries are open to MPs and local leaders, local authorities and town councils, and community groups and organisations. Eligible towns must have a population between 5,000 and 225,000. Towns can enter one of five categories: High Street Revival, Backing Local Business, Protecting Valued Places, Connected Places, and Community Pride. Only one entry per town is permitted in each category.
Grant Size: £20,000 for one winning town in each category, to fund a community-led project or initiative.
Deadline for Applications: 25th October 2026

Costco and United Way UK – Give Local 2026-2027

About Us: The United Way UK Give Local Grants scheme supports small, local organisations working to improve the lives of people within their communities. The programme seeks organisations that can become long-term partners and deliver programmes addressing key community needs, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Criteria: Community-based, local organisations with an average annual income of £300,000 or less can apply.

Organisations with a charitable purpose that are not registered charities may also be considered, subject to additional checks.

Funding priorities include:

Education – including early childhood development, school readiness and success, out-of-school learning and soft skills development
Income stability – including job training, access to employment, employment support and financial literacy
Health – including mental health support, hunger prevention and access to housing
United Way UK has a particular interest in applications from local charities continuing to provide essential frontline support in disadvantaged communities.

Applications are submitted through an online application form available from the United Way UK website.
Grant Size: 30 grants of £1,500 each.
Deadline for Applications: 24th September 2026

The Electrical Safety Fund

About Us: The Electrical Safety Fund provides grants to support projects that reduce the risks associated with electrical products and improve public awareness of electrical safety, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable people in their homes.
Criteria: Not-for-profit organisations, schools, and public organisations can apply. Eligible projects may include product testing, product replacement events, educational and awareness-raising activities, home safety initiatives, and data collection projects. Joint and larger projects may also be considered.
Grant Size: Up to £10,000
Deadline for Applications: 27th September 2026

One Stop Community Partnership Programme

About Us: The One Stop Community Partnership Programme provides funding to local community groups and organisations to support new or ongoing projects that make a positive difference in their communities. The programme focuses on supporting vulnerable people, tackling local challenges and strengthening community initiatives.
Criteria:

Community groups or organisations can apply if their organisation or project location is within two miles of a One Stop store.

Projects should support one or more of the following areas:

Tackling food poverty
Supporting vulnerable people
Supporting older people
Supporting low-income families
Supporting local sports teams
Improving the local environment
Reducing waste in the community
Food banks and breakfast clubs cannot request funding to purchase food items. However, funding may be available for food banks to purchase equipment such as fridges, freezers or storage units.

Applicants should check the One Stop Store Locator before applying to confirm that their project is within two miles of an eligible store and that funding is currently available.

If the local store is a Working With store, applicants should speak directly to the store manager to request support.
Grant Size: Initial grant of up to £500.
Deadline for Applications: Applications open 1st September 2026 and close 30th September 2026.

Laughology – The Happiness Fund

About Us: To date, we’ve invested over £27,500 into projects that create positive change and have a clear, sustainable future. We’re all about funding initiatives that don’t just make a difference today, but continue to thrive tomorrow.
Criteria: We fund grassroots, community-driven projects focused on mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, and skills development. If your initiative is non-profit, has a long-term impact, and helps people thrive, we want to hear from you.
Grant Size: up to £5,000
Deadline for Applications: Opens 7th September 2026, closes 2nd October 2026

England and Wales Cricket Board: County Grants Fund 2026

Grants typically of £1,000 to £15,000 per application for ECB-affiliated cricket clubs in England and Wales to improve their facilities: welcoming environments (social space, toilets for women and disabled people, catering, arrival and access, digitising the club), ECB-approved non-turf pitches and practice facilities, and changing-room refurbishments, and larger changing-room schemes costing over £30,000 can attract up to £50,000. No minimum partnership funding is required, work must not start before the grant offer letter, and every project must be completed and claimed by 31 January 2027. A club has to be running women’s, girls’ or disability cricket already, and needs two quotes up to £24,999 and three from £25,000. The route in is an expression of interest on the ECB’s IMS portal.
Deadline: 30 September 2026, or earlier if the funding runs out (the window opened on 1 February 2026)
Eligibility: ECB-affiliated cricket clubs in England and Wales with a governing document, insurance, at least a year’s security of tenure, their own bank account, accounts and a safeguarding officer. The scheme is defined by affiliation rather than legal form, so registered charity, CIO and CIC status is not specified.

Riverhorse Trust

Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 for UK registered charities with annual income under £100,000, usable flexibly for project costs, core running costs or essential overheads, or for a service, activity or equipment, under the Trust’s three themes of Relief, Change and Strength. Charities that make good use of a first grant may be offered funding over more than one year. Decisions are expected within eight weeks of a round closing, and anything arriving late simply rolls into the next round. Campaigning-only work, individuals and organisations working mainly outside the UK are not funded.
Deadline: The autumn round closes at the end of September (the Trust prints no exact date or time); the spring round closes at the end of February
Eligibility: UK registered charities only, with annual income under £100,000. CICs are ruled out, whatever their aims.

Groundwork: Comic Relief Community Fund (England)

Grants of up to £5,000 from a pot of just over £600,000, expected to reach around 120 grassroots, community-led organisations in England with annual income of £250,000 or less. The money can go on direct project costs, core organisation costs (rent, utility bills, senior management and administration salaries, evaluation) or a mix; Groundwork draws a line between this kind of core funding and unrestricted money: it has to be for an agreed purpose and spent by 30 September 2027. Three themes for 2026/27: basic needs (homelessness, food and essential goods, community hubs, welfare advice, cost of living pressures), early childhood development for children up to eight, and safety, which takes in work against violence towards women and girls and work with refugees, asylum seekers and people forced to migrate. Where an organisation works in a more deprived area on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, that counts in its favour. Projects with mental health as the principal focus, IT and digital equipment, voucher schemes, one-off events and fundraising are not funded, and you must be based in the region where you deliver. The route in is the online eligibility checker.
Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026 (the only round for 2026/27; opened 1 September)
Eligibility: Charities, constituted community groups, social enterprises, not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee and CICs limited by guarantee (CICs must be at least two years old), all based in England, with their own constitution and accounts and a safeguarding policy reviewed at least every two years. Statutory bodies, unconstituted groups, CICs limited by shares and profit-making companies cannot apply.

Green Community Grants Programme

About Us: The Green Community Grants Programme, established by the Wildlife Trusts with funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery and Postcode Green Trust, provides flexible one-year grants to not-for-profit organisations working to support nature recovery, climate action and access to nature-rich spaces. Funding can also support sustainable activities such as recycling, litter picking, beach cleans and sustainable transport.
Criteria:

Applicants must be not-for-profit groups based in England, Scotland or Wales.
The organisation’s main aims and objectives must fit with one of the programme’s themes:
Contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency.
Improving nature-rich spaces and access to them.
Priority will be given to organisations:
With annual income between £10,000 and £250,000.
Working in communities within the top 15% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Supporting marginalised groups, including disabled people, communities experiencing racial inequity and LGBT+ people.
Whose governing documents include objectives relating to habitat or species restoration/protection.
Grant Size: Up to £25,000 for a one-year flexible grant.
Deadline for Applications: 21st October 2026

Cash4Clubs

About Us: Cash4Clubs, funded by Flutter UK & Ireland and delivered in partnership with Sported, supports grassroots sports clubs and community organisations across the UK and Ireland that use sport to improve lives, strengthen communities and increase participation in physical activity.
Criteria:

Eligible applicants include:
Not-for-profit sports clubs.
Community sports organisations.
Registered charities.
Community groups.
Traditional sports clubs and teams.
Companies limited by guarantee and other eligible not-for-profit organisations.
Organisations must deliver sport and physical activity opportunities primarily for adults aged 18 and over.
Applicants must demonstrate how sport is being used to achieve wider social impact.
Priority will be given to organisations that:
Operate in areas of high deprivation.
Increase participation among under-represented groups.
Support women and girls.
Support racially diverse communities.
Support disabled people and LGBTQ+ communities.
Encourage adults who would not normally participate in sport.
Improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Reduce loneliness and isolation.
Address issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour and community cohesion.
Grant Size: £2,000
Deadline for Applications: Opens 1st October 2026 and closes 1st January 2027.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund

About Us: The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) current Police and Crime Plan (2024-2029) focuses on three key pillars: protecting communities, people and property.
Criteria: Your organisation MUST be designated as not for profit. Your project MUST take place or be delivered within the Thames Valley Policing Area.
Grant Size: £10,000
Deadline for Applications: 12pm (noon) on 28th September 2026

Arnold Clark Community Fund

About Us: The Arnold Clark Community Fund, provided by Arnold Clark, supports UK-based voluntary and community organisations delivering projects that benefit local communities.
Criteria: Applicants must be UK-based voluntary or community organisations, including: Charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Social enterprises, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). Organisations must operate solely within the UK. Projects must take place within 50 miles of an Arnold Clark branch. Funding can support: Education and extracurricular activities, Youth groups and sports clubs, Environmental initiatives, Community improvement projects, Equipment, uniforms, trips and materials, Venue hire and transport, Defibrillators, play parks and community gardens, Local community events.
Grant Size: Up to £2,500
Deadline for Applications: 30th September 2026

Woodland Trust’s Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups

About Us: The Woodland Trust’s Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups initiative provides free tree packs to not-for-profit organisations across the UK, helping communities improve outdoor spaces, support wildlife, reduce flooding and contribute to tackling climate change.
Criteria: Open to not-for-profit organisations across the UK, including: schools, sports clubs, faith groups, Scouts and Guides, local councils and residents’ associations.
Grant Size: Free tree packs of 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings.
Deadline for Applications: Expected to close in January 2027

British Heart Foundation (BHF) Free Community Defibrillator Scheme

About Us: The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Free Community Defibrillator Scheme provides fully funded defibrillator packages to communities across the UK. The scheme aims to improve access to lifesaving defibrillators and increase survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Criteria: Eligible applicants include: charities and community groups, sports clubs, faith organisations and community centres, parish councils and residents’ associations, Community Interest Companies (CICs), informal community groups and community-focused social enterprises. Applicants must be non-profit and community-focused.
Grant Size: A fully funded community defibrillator package.
Deadline for Applications: 28th February 2027, subject to funding availability and demand.

With thanks to GeckoFundraising Weekly, Wokingham & Bracknell Involve, Slough CVS for the information contained in this article.

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.