Ongoing Funding Opportunities

Words: 'Find Funding. Ongoing Funding Opportunities' with outline map of the county of Gloucestershire in the background

This page provides you with information about local and national funders that offer ongoing funding opportunities (where applications can be made at any time or there is a rolling application process).

We're currently building a new website and are planning to reduce how much scrolling you will need to do in future. In the meantime, please scroll down the page to find the different funding available within the themed headings.

Advice & Financial

Aviva Community Fund - Aviva has teamed up with the fundraising platform Crowdfunder to offer funding of up to £50,000 with innovative ideas that benefit their community. Every three months from January 2020 onwards, £250,000 will be split equally among Aviva’s UK employees to donate to the projects that matter to them most. Aviva wants to support projects that boost the resilience of communities in the face of uncertainty and will be supporting projects in two key areas: Climate Action and Financial Wellbeing. Once applications have been submitted, applicants will need to create a fundraising page on Crowdfunder that Aviva employees can browse and donate funds to. Applicants can also showcase their projects to raise additional public donations. Applications can be made at any time.

British Gas Energy Support Fund – funding is being made available to help financially vulnerable people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. It aims to help eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of £250 to £1,500 to pay their energy bills over the coming months. Eligibility criteria apply and more information is available via the above weblink. The fund, which is administered by the British Gas Energy Trust, will remain open until all funding has been awarded.

cosaraf Charitable Foundation - grants for individuals and families in need. Up to £2,000 (but usually around £500) is available for individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of funding and are struggling with everyday costs, such as household items, basic living expenses, work or education-related expenses, rent arrears or immigration-related costs. Applications can be made at any time.

Crowd Funder Cost of Living Resilience Fund – applications up to £50,000 can be made if your project helps individuals and communities navigate and overcome the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis. The Fund provides match-funding for social sector organisations running services to help people struggling with the rising cost of living. The fund aims to increase the sustainability of these organisations by supporting them to deliver projects which increase enterprise activity to build stability and resilience. No application deadline is specified.

Poppy Fund - individuals and organisations suffering financial hardship from the Armed Forces community can apply for discretionary grants and loans. Applications can be made at any time.

The Society for Disabled Artists (SODA) Bursaries supports hospice staff to gain accredited art and music therapy qualifications. Applicants can apply for a maximum of 50% of course or module fees, up to £1,500 in any one year, subject to funding being available. Match-funding is encouraged. Applications must be received at least one month before the start of the course or module. 

LOCAL FUNDER: Warm & Well Household Support Fund - emergency funds are available for clients in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire who are experiencing fuel poverty and unable to meet their energy costs. These funds can be used to top up prepayment meters, make direct payments to clients’ energy suppliers, or help fill their oil tank. If you have any questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Referrals can be made at any time.

Animal Welfare

EA Animal Welfare Fund - not-for-profit organisations, educational establishments and individuals can apply for funding for projects that effectively improve the wellbeing of non-human animals. Grants from $1,000 to $200,000 have been awarded. Applications can be made at any time.

HDH Wills Charitable Foundation - funding is available for general, environmental and wildlife charities that support the conservation and maintenance of the natural environment and its indigenous woodland flora and fauna. Small grants between £500 and £5,000 through the Martin Wills Wildlife Maintenance Trust and large grants between £5,000 and £50,000 are available. Applications can be made at any time.

Support Adoption for Pets Grant programme - funding is available for organisations whose main activity is the rescue and rehoming of UK pets. Grants from £250 upwards are available to help with vet bills, boarding fees, trap and neuter schemes, food, equipment, vehicles and building work. Applications can be made at any time.

Arts & Culture

ROLLING FUNDING Art Fund Student Opportunities Funding - up to £10,000 in funding is available to help museums, galleries and visual arts organisations to provide paid opportunities for full-time university students to gain meaningful, developmental work experience. Applications are on a rolling basis. Next application deadline: 25 September 2024.

Arts Council England – up to £100,000 is available to support arts, library and museum projects. The funding aims to support thousands of individual artists, community and cultural organisations to create and sustain quality work and help people across England to engage with arts and culture. Priority is currently being given to supporting the grassroots live music sector, enabling museums to develop their collections-based work and increase public engagement with, and use of, their collections and work that supports, enhances and enriches libraries. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER The Cotswold Heritage and Environment Fund – offer grants of up to £2,000 for local projects that focus on one or more of the following areas: heritage, environment, culture, access and social wellbeing. Charities, not-for-profit organisations and parish or town councils can apply. Applications should be emailed to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Application deadline unclear.

John Beckwith Charitable Trust – grants under £5,000 are available for charities working in the areas of the arts, education, medical research, sport and social welfare. The Trust is particularly interested in allocating awards under the social welfare theme. Applications need to be in writing to: The John Beckwith Charitable Trust, 124 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9BW or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications can be made at any time.

Old Possums Practical Trust - grants between £500 and £5,000 are available for projects that aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of any matters of historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical interest. Grants are more likely to be given for projects that involve children or young people, disabled or disadvantaged people and communities and those projects which fall within historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical criteria and which enhance the lives of others. Registered charities, individuals and groups can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Arts Based Learning Fund - grants from £30,000 upwards are available for projects that enhance the lives, development and achievements of children and young people through high-quality arts-based learning activities. Applications can be made at any time.

Schroder Charitable Trust - various grants are available in the areas of education and young people, communities, environment and conservation, health, arts and culture, international development, heritage and supporting the Armed Forces. Applications can be made at any time.

Take It Away Scheme - interest-free loans are available for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment to help ensure that more people can access instruments and learn to play. Applicants must have an annual income of £5,000 or more. Loans are up to £5,000. Applications can be made at any time.

The Art Fund - small grants of up to £2,000 for travel and other practical costs to help curators undertake collections and exhibition research projects in the UK or internationally. The grants are open to all UK-based curators, museum professionals and researchers. Applications can be made at any time.

ROLLING FUNDING Help Musicians - Next Level support grants up to £3,000 are available to help musicians with experience develop their skills or artistic practice. There are three funding windows a year. Next application deadline: 2 August 2024.

ROLLING FUNDING Help Musicians is also offering Fast Track grants of up to £500 to musicians to help you finance the next step in your musical career. The next funding window opens on 26 August and closes on 13 September 2024.

Children & Young People

Allen Lane Foundation - grants between £5,000 and £25,000 are available to 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. The grants can be used to support a range of activities, including core costs, project work, and capital expenditure. Specific criteria apply and are available by clicking on the above weblink. Applications can be made at any time.

Barbara Ward Children's Charity - grants to support charities and organisations helping children who are disadvantaged in some respect. Funded causes include educational projects, holidays, care and respite, health & wellbeing, sport, play and leisure. Grants may also be awarded to charities supporting adults with learning difficulties. Various amounts have been awarded over the years. Applications should be made in writing and can be submitted at any time.

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme - grants are available to support families with children up to the age of 17 who are living with financial, health and social difficulties, by providing items that meet children’s most basic needs such as cookers, furniture, kitchen equipment and small appliances; children’s beds and bedding (including cots); washing machines and tumble dryers; fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers; baby equipment; and clothing. Applications must come through a registered referral agency that supports the family or young person. Applications can be made at any time.

Bernard Sunley Foundation Capital Grants - grants up to £20,000 are available to charities, specialist schools, CIOs, and other not-for-profit organisations including scout and guide groups, housing associations and churches that are working to raise the quality of life for people in England and Wales. The Foundation aims to provide greater opportunities for the young, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged by supporting capital projects in the areas of community, education, health and social welfare. Applications can be made at any time.

BlueSpark Foundation - various grant amounts available (majority will be under £2,000 and only a few exceeding £5,000) to support the education and development of children and young people between five and 21-years-old through educational, cultural, sporting and other projects. Initiatives that enhance self-confidence, team working skills and future employability of children and young people are of particular interest. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Buttle UK Chances for Children Grants - grants up to £2,400 are available to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people who have experienced a recent crisis or change in life that has had a significant impact on their social and emotional wellbeing and their education. Only frontline professionals (from a registered charity, housing association or public sector organisation) can submit an application. Applications can be made at any time.

The Educational Opportunity Foundation – supports projects centred around care experienced young people (under 25 years old) with the aim of improving their educational outcomes and life chances. Grants are from £30,000 and £90,000 and are available for one to three years. Projects can be new or pilot projects. The application process is in two stages with Stage 2 proposals reviewed every two months.

LOCAL FUNDER Gloucestershire Community Foundation SWEF Awards Grants - up to £2,000 is available to young people in Gloucestershire to support with business start-up costs. Applications can be made at any time.

Happy Days Children’s Charity – funding is available to go towards trips, respite breaks and group activity holidays for disadvantaged children and young people with additional needs. Applications for family activities are accepted from parents, guardians, grandparents or siblings, as well as GPs, consultants, nurses or social workers. Applications can be made at any time.

Hargreaves Foundation - funding is available to support those under the age of 18, and living with a mental health problem, physical disability or growing up in poverty through the mediums of sport and education. Applications can be made at any time.

Little Lives UK - grants up to £1,500 are available for children’s groups and organisations such as play groups or sports classes to provide services to disadvantaged and disabled children. Applications from other projects, as long as their primary objective focuses on providing services to disadvantaged and disabled children are also accepted. Applications can be made at any time. Currently suspending applications due to high demand.

Magic Breakfast programme - the Magic Breakfast programme provides funding and support for schools that want to set up a new, or improve an existing breakfast club. For a school in England to be eligible, at least 35% of pupils should be recorded as eligible for Pupil Premium. Funding available is unclear. Applications can be made at any time.

Old Possums Practical Trust - grants between £500 and £5,000 are available for projects that aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of any matters of historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical interest. Grants are more likely to be given for projects that involve children or young people, disabled or disadvantaged people and communities and those projects which fall within historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical criteria and which enhance the lives of others, rather than the well-being of the applicants themselves. Registered charities, individuals and groups can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Youth Fund - funding to support young people who face complex transitions to adulthood. Grants up to £150,000 spread over three years for groups/organisations supporting disadvantaged young people (aged 14-25). Applications can be made at any time.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation – the fund supports education and learning through the arts which helps pupils in formal education settings, particularly those experiencing systemic inequality or disadvantage, to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning. Grants are from £30,000 and up to £300,000. Applications can be made at any time.

Tesco Stronger Start Grants - grants up to £1,500 are available for school-based projects that provide healthy food and snacks for pupils and equipment for indoor and outdoor activities. Funding is available for UK registered charities, voluntary and community groups, ‘Friend Of’ groups, schools, Parish and Town Councils, health sector agencies, Community Councils, Community Interest Companies (CICs – please note that CICs must have been operating for at least 24 months), hospices, day care centres, housing associations, social enterprises, Industrial Provident Societies. Applications can be made at any time.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation Charity Grants programme – funding is open to charities working with children aged 0-5 years, children affected by domestic abuse or requiring special educational needs or who have disabilities. The programme also supports people with dementia and their carers. Small grants of up to £5,000 are for charities whose annual income is between £25,000 and £499,999 and are unrestricted. Large grants (£10,000 to £60,000) are for charities whose annual income is between £500,000 and £5 million. Applicants are invited to submit an expression of interest at any time.

Wooden Spoon - funding up to £5,000 is available for projects for a physical, tangible asset of a permanent nature, with a minimum predicted life-span of five years (preferably 10). If a project is educational or disability sports-focused, there must be a rugby element to engage children and young people. Schools and not-for-profit organisations can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

The Yapp Charitable Trust – provides grants of up to £3,000 for running costs for registered charities with a total annual expenditure of less than £40,000 that focus on at least two of the following areas: elderly people, children and young people, people with physical impairments, learning difficulties or mental health challenges, social welfare or education and learning with a particular interest in people who are educationally disadvantaged. Trustees meet three times a year. Applications can be made at any time.

Youth Hostel Association’s Breaks Programme – bursaries are available for primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, schools offering alternative provision and colleges to help meet the costs of a residential trip. Specific criteria apply – please click through the above link for more information. Applications can be made at any time.

Communities

Aviva Community Fund and Crowdfunder – is supporting small charities and community causes that have innovative ideas to move communities forward with vital support and resources. Aviva will match each donation received up to £250. Organisations can receive up to £50,000 in match-funding and eligible causes can apply at any time. They are also offering a one-off £500 fundraising boost for eligible financial wellbeing projects. Application deadline: Applications can be made at any time.

Awards for All - £300 to £20,000 for up to two years is available for voluntary and community organisations. This funding is for the delivery of new or existing activity, or to support your organisation to adapt to new and future challenges. Projects must do at least one of the following: bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities; improve the places and spaces that matter to communities; help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage; or support people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis. Applications can be made at any time.

B&Q Community Reuse Scheme - B&Q operates a community reuse scheme donating unsellable products and materials for re-use by local schools and community groups to benefit the local community and the environment. All items are donated on the understanding that they will be re-used or disposed of responsibly if they are not used. The type of material includes wood, plastic plant pots, part filled paint cans, broken tiles and slabs, end of wallpaper rolls. B&Q also works with Community Repaint, a network of schemes that collects any surplus, re-usable paint and redistributes it within their communities to individuals and families on low income, charities and community groups. Community garden projects, registered charities, schools and colleges, youth groups, scouts and guides, hospices, pre-school groups and registered child-minders can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

BIFFA Award Main Grants – this scheme supports community and environmental projects under three themes: community buildings (for example a new roof for a village hall); recreation (eg installing play equipment in a park); and rebuilding biodiversity (eg developing a wildlife habitat). Projects must be within five miles of a Biffa operation or 10 miles of an active Biffa landfill site. Rebuilding biodiversity projects must be within 15 miles of a Biffa operation or within 10 miles of any active landfill site. Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 are available. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Chipping Campden Community Trust - grants for residents, voluntary groups, charities and schools residing in the villages (a list is on their website) that benefit the local community. Applications will be considered where statutory government funding is not available and/or where other community funding has been applied for if available. Applications can be made at any time.

Cooperative Local Community Grants - charities and fully constituted groups can apply for up to £500 to support work in the community. Specific geographical criteria apply and are available on their website. Applications can be made at any time.

NEW LOCAL FUNDER The Cotswold Heritage and Environment Fund – offer grants of up to £2,000 for local projects that focus on one or more of the following areas: heritage, environment, culture, access and social wellbeing. Charities, not-for-profit organisations and parish or town councils can apply. Applications should be emailed to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Application deadline: unclear.

LOCAL FUNDER: Gloucestershire Build Back Better Councillor Scheme - designed to support the community to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (which means the county council will be as flexible as possible in the projects it will fund). Recognising the diverse nature and needs of Gloucestershire’s communities and neighbourhoods, criteria for bids is likely to consist of key themes including ‘community health and wellbeing’, ‘digital inclusion’, ‘nature and/or the environment’, ‘healthy lifestyles’ and ‘safer neighbourhoods’. Up to £40,000 is available under each county councillor. Ongoing funding - applications will be accepted until 31 January 2025.

LOCAL FUNDER: Gloucestershire Community Nurses Fund - established with the help of community nurses in 1974, the charity has three aims:

To provide financial support to people who are experiencing difficulties as a consequence of illness or disability. For example, a grant may be made for the provision of equipment, minor adaptations or repairs or to assist with the cost of therapy or care.
In cases of need, to provide financial assistance to community nurses, including retired nurses and those currently working in Gloucestershire.
To support nursing services in the community by the provision of, for example, equipment/aids, educational/training grants and part funding of specialist nursing posts.

The committee meets every January, April, July and October. Application deadlines: ongoing.

The Neighbourhood Planning Support Programme is now open for applications and local communities can apply for grants and technical support to help them develop neighbourhood plans. Basic Grants and Additional Grants are available. Basic Grants between £1,000 and £10,000 are aimed at groups writing a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development order. Additional Grants of up to £8,000 are available for groups facing more complex issues. Grants must be spent by 31 March 2025. Applications can be made at any time.

Moto in The Community Trust – grants are available for projects and activities that deliver benefits to local communities across the UK. These should directly benefit the communities where Moto is present or where it has a significant staff catchment. Charities, schools and community organisations operating within a 15-mile radius of a Moto Motorway Services site can apply. The average grant awarded is £1,000, however, larger grants may be agreed. Applications should be endorsed by a Moto colleague or someone directly employed by Moto Hospitality Ltd. Applications can be made at any time.
Morrisons Foundation Charitable Grants - up to £10,000 funding is available for registered charities delivering projects which help to improve people’s lives in communities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Foundation's objectives are: 1. Tackling poverty and social deprivation; 2. Enhancing community spaces, facilities and services; and 3. Improving health and wellbeing. Charities applying should ensure their project meets at meets at least one of the funding objectives. Applications can be made at any time.

National Lottery UK Fund - grants from £500,000 to £5 million available for projects that can run for up to 10 years. Projects must demonstrate that they have the potential to benefit communities across the UK, scale their impact, and focus on equity. Applications can be made at any time.

Other National Lottery funding - The National Lottery offers a range of funding for a range of different community projects. The fund distributes over £600 million per year. Please visit their website for updates about current and new funding opportunities.

Partnerships Fund - £20,001 upwards for up to five years is available for voluntary and community organisations. This fund is for organisations working together in partnership to help their community. Projects or partnerships should do at least one of the following: bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities; improve the places and spaces that matter to communities; or help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage. Applications can be made at any time.

Poppy Fund - individuals and organisations suffering financial hardship from the Armed Forces community can apply for discretionary grants and loans. Applications can be made at any time.

Reaching Communities - £20,001 upwards for up to five years is available for voluntary and community organisations. This fund focusses on projects that help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need, including hard to reach communities. There is a small revenue and a capital scheme and a larger buildings-only fund. Applications can be made at any time.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation – invests around £30 million each year across six funding priorities with social justice their overall priority. One of their priorities is migration and funding is available for organisations working towards a world in which everyone is free to move, and no one is forced to move. They have grants of up to £60,000 per year over three to four years or £50,000 per year over five years. Application deadline: Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: The Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund – is offering grants of up to £75,000 for community buildings located in rural areas that have a positive impact on the locality. Funding can be used to cover 20% of capital costs associated with renovation and improvement projects. Please check the link for further criteria. To apply, fill in a Stage 1 application form here. Stage 2 applications need to be submitted to GRCC by midday on 9 August 2024.

ROLLING FUNDING Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation – offers funding of up to £6,000 to registered charities working to improve the wellbeing, welfare and education of adults and children, particularly those living in socially deprived areas. The focus is also on preventing or reducing homelessness in the community and supporting the elderly by reducing isolation or helping to reduce the effects of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Next application deadline: 31 October 2024.

ROLLING FUNDING Trusthouse Charitable Foundation offer a small grants and large grants programme. Small grants are open to any eligible organisation with a total annual income of up to £250,000 for community support projects. Grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 available for core costs, salaries and running or project costs. Applicants are asked to complete an eligibility quiz after which they may be asked to complete an online application. Major grants – open to any eligible organisation working directly with families in need with a focus on early intervention, families coping with addiction and prisoners’ families. Single year grants are available between £10,000 and £50,000 for core costs, project costs and salaries with multi-year grants also available for a maximum of three years. Trustees meet in January, April, July and October and deadlines are three months before. Next application deadline: 30 September 2024.

The Truemark Trust - this funding is for small charities and voluntary organisations. The Trust makes grants to small local charities dealing with all kinds of disadvantage, with preference to neighbourhood based community projects and for innovatory work with less popular groups. Generally, up to £1,000 is awarded. Applications should be made to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and can be submitted at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Your Gloucester Small Grants - £10,000 funding has been set aside by Gloucester City Council to support residents who are not currently involved in local community activities to develop projects using the asset-based community development approach. Applications are encouraged from organisations with an idea that will kick-start or enhance community-based activities to the benefit of groups, young people or adults within Gloucester City. Applications can be made at any time.

Education & Learning

Bernard Sunley Foundation Capital Grants - grants up to £20,000 are available to charities, specialist schools, CIOs, and other not-for-profit organisations including scout and guide groups, and housing associations, that are working to raise the quality of life for people in England and Wales. The Foundation aims to provide greater opportunities for the young, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged by supporting capital projects in the areas of community, education, health and social welfare. Application deadline: applications can be made at any time.

Books for School Libraries Fund - state schools and early years settings can apply for grants up to £5,000 for a range of non-curriculum books to improve reading standards. There are a few terms and conditions in relation to the purchase of books so please check out the link for more information. Applications can be made at any time.

Classics For All – support the introduction or development of the classics into state schools. Individual or clusters of state primary and secondary schools can apply for advice and support plus “a modest contribution to resources and books”. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Cotswold Primrose Charitable Trust - funding is available for registered charities, churches, parish councils, local authorities and CASC registered sports clubs. The trust provides funds predominantly to charities whose fields of operation focus on allowing individuals to access education, training, work and sports and physical activities within the UK. Applications should be accompanied by the charity’s latest report and financial statements and should be addressed to: The Cotswold Primrose Charitable Trust, c/o New Quadrant Partners Ltd, 22 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1LS. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Cure Parkinson's Trust  – funding is available for pre-clinical and clinical research projects that have the potential to cure Parkinson’s disease. Commercial organisations, appropriately qualified scientists or clinicians based in an accredited university or hospital in any country can apply. Specific criteria applies and this is available via the weblink above. There are no specific limits to the amount of funding available, but previous awards have been between £50,000 and £250,000 with a duration of one to three years. Application deadline: unclear.

Forestry Commission - Woodland Creation Planning Grant - landowners, land managers and public bodies in England who are interested in planting new woodland. The Woodland Creation Planning Grant offers funding of up to £30,500 to cover the costs of producing a woodland creation design plan for the application. Application deadline: Applications can be made at any time.

Greggs Foundation - grants are available for primary schools interested in opening free breakfast clubs. Funding is for an initial start-up grant for equipment such as chest freezers to store food items or toys and activities for the club. Specific criteria apply and are available via the weblink. Applications can be made at any time using the waiting list form on their website.

Horizon Europe – the world’s largest programme of research collaboration in science, innovation and technology, Horizon Europe awards grants averaging £450,000. UK businesses, academics and researchers are encouraged to apply, and this particularly includes smaller companies who might not have previously considered applying. In partnership with the British Academy, support grants are also available for selected UK researchers and businesses to help them create better applications. Application deadline: unclear.

ROLLING FUNDING Ironmongers’ Foundation STEM Projects – funding is available to charities (not schools) that encourage young people under 25 years old to study science subjects at school and go on to pursue STEM-related further education or vocational training. Most grants are under £10,000 and the Foundation prefers to support smaller projects where the funding can make a real difference. The deadlines for applications are 1 December, 1 April and 1 August.

John Beckwith Charitable Trust – grants under £5,000 are available for charities working in the areas of the arts, education, medical research, sport and social welfare. The Trust is particularly interested in allocating awards under the social welfare theme. Application deadline: applications can be made at any time. Applications need to be in writing to: The John Beckwith Charitable Trust, 124 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9BW or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

'I've got an idea' Fund - the fund is looking for ideas that are based on a technical idea or innovation; that could deliver a social or environmental benefit; and that are intriguing, inventive and have an element of fun. Individuals, small groups or organisations can apply for funding between £250 and £3,000. Applications can be made at any time.

Old Possums Practical Trust - grants between £500 and £5,000 are available for projects that aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of any matters of historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical interest. Grants are more likely to be given for projects that involve children or young people, disabled or disadvantaged people and communities and those projects which fall within historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical criteria and which enhance the lives of others, rather than the well-being of the applicants themselves. Registered charities, individuals and groups can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation – the fund supports education and learning through the arts which helps pupils in formal education settings, particularly those experiencing systemic inequality or disadvantage, to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning. Grants are from £30,000 and up to £300,000. Applications can be made at any time.

The Society for Disabled Artists (SODA) Bursaries –  support for hospice staff to gain accredited art and music therapy qualifications. Applicants can apply for a maximum of 50% of course or module fees, up to £1,500 in any one year, subject to funding being available. Match-funding is encouraged. Application deadline: applications must be received at least one month before the start of the course or module. 

Wooden Spoon - funding up to £5,000 is available for projects for a physical, tangible asset of a permanent nature, with a minimum predicted life span of five years (preferably 10). If a project is educational or disability sports-focused, there must be a rugby element to engage children and young people. Schools and not-for-profit organisations can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

Environment & Energy

LOCAL FUNDER: Cheltenham Borough Council’s community-building grants – up to £300 is available via community-building grants to community and voluntary sector groups for small-scale projects, events and activities that support neighbourhood wellbeing and improve the biodiversity of Cheltenham’s green spaces. Applications can be made at any time. 

HDH Wills Charitable Trust - grants between £1,000 and £2,000 are available to support the conservation of wildlife and the environment. There are also grants from £500 upwards to help small charities focussed on more general issues. Applications can be made at any time.

ROLLING FUNDING Naturesave Trust - community projects that are running initiatives to promote sustainable fashion can apply. For example, charities, social enterprises and grassroots community organisations. Grants between £500 to £2,500 have been awarded during previous funding rounds. The current funding window is now closed. The next funding window is from September to October 2024.

Ninevah Charitable Trust - offers grants to charities or CICs for projects that benefit everyone with a focus on education, access and preservation of the countryside. There is no funding limit as it depends on the quality of proposals. The Trustees meet quarterly. Application deadline: ongoing.

The Fieldrose Charitable Trust - funding between £1,000 and £20,000 for projects covering areas such as support for children and young people, the environment, health and wellbeing, medical research and religion. Applications can be made at any time to: The Fieldrose Charitable Trust, c/o New Quadrant Partners Limited, 4th Floor, 5 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1LG or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Health & Wellbeing

Albert Hunt Trust - grants for registered charities, organisations and projects that provide hospice care, support for the homeless and promote health and wellbeing. Grants range from £500-£30,000 and are dependent on criteria outlined via the above weblink. Applications can be made at any time.

The Edward Gostling Foundation has grants of up to £250,000 available through its Capital Grant Programme for registered charities to build new capacity in the way care is provided. Applications should be aligned with one of their “4 life themes” – health and wellbeing, independent living, respite for family carers and helping people with disabilities into employment, housing or supported living. Applications can be made at any time.

National Garden Scheme Professional Development Grants programme – bursaries are available for hospice staff to improve the quality of care given to hospice patients, palliative care patients, their families and carers. Bursaries can cover fees for university accredited palliative care courses including degree, masters, and PhD level programmes. Applicants can apply for a maximum of 50% of course or module fees, up to £1,500 in any one year, subject to funding being available. Match-funding is encouraged. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: T ewkesbury Borough Community Health & Wellbeing Grant - grants for not-for-profit organisations working with communities in Tewkesbury Borough. Individual beneficiaries are not eligible to apply to this scheme. £1,000 grants available. Application deadline: unclear.

LOCAL FUNDER: The Forest of Dean District Council Health and Exercise Grant – aimed at exercise instructors and gyms who already have the appropriate baseline of knowledge/training who are looking to increase community exercise provision for vulnerable people in the Forest of Dean. Priority groups include people at risk of stroke, diabetes, respiratory conditions, people with disabilities, plus support for mental health and obesity. Each applicant can apply for £1,000. Please talk to Matthew George, Community Health and Exercise coordinator before applying on 01594 812408 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Application deadline: ongoing until the fund is allocated.

ROLLING FUNDING & LOCAL FUNDER: The Free Hospital Trust Fund - up to £3,500 funding is available for charities, schools and not-for-profit organisations that support families in Gloucestershire where the children and/or their parents have health problems (physical, emotional, or social). Next application date: 20 September 2024 (for a Trustees meeting on 4 October).

ROLLING FUNDING The James Tudor Foundation - registered charities or charitable incorporated organisations can apply for small grants up to £10,000 and large grants over £10,000. The Foundation makes grants to support palliative care, medical research, health education and the direct relief of sickness. Next application deadline: 15 September 2024.

The Society for Disabled Artists (SODA) Bursaries – support for hospice staff to gain accredited art and music therapy qualifications. Applicants can apply for a maximum of 50% of course or module fees, up to £1,500 in any one year, subject to funding being available. Match-funding is encouraged. Application deadline: applications must be received at least one month before the start of the course or module.

Schroder Charitable Trust - various grants are available for education and young people, communities, environment and conservation, health, arts and culture, international development, heritage and supporting the Armed Forces. Applications can be made at any time.

Wolfson Foundation Hospice Care Home Training – grants up to £2,000 are available for hospices to deliver courses and study days specifically focused on dementia care for people nearing the end of life. Application deadline: applications must be received at least one month before the training takes place and can be made at any time.

Heritage

Architectural Heritage Fund - grants for early-stage feasibility work on historic building projects in England. Up to £15,000 available for registered charities, unincorporated charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), Community Interest Companies (CICs) Limited by Guarantee, Parish and Town Councils, Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee, not-for-private-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee, Co-operatives, and Community Benefit Societies. Expressions of Interest can be made at any time.

Historic England Grants - Repair for Heritage at risk grants - grants towards the repair and conservation of listed buildings, scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens. This includes project development actions which enable repair or improved future management. Please visit their website and contact their local offices to discuss your project before you make an application. Applications can be made at any time.

NEW The National Lottery Heritage Fund has set aside £150 million of funding to support lasting change across the UK’s protected landscapes. Through its ‘Landscape Connections’ initiative, it will offer grants of up to £10 million to around 20 projects which will work with local communities, organisations, landowners and farmers to restore habitats over the next decade. Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations, and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations. Grants of up to £250,000 are offered on a monthly basis with grants over £250,000 decided every quarter.

National Heritage Memorial Fund - grants for charities, not-for-profit organisations and public bodies to help buy "anything which is of outstanding importance to the UK's heritage and either at risk or of memorial character". In exceptional circumstances, funding may be awarded for emergency repairs when "a heritage asset (excluding historic buildings and structures) is at imminent risk of irreparable damage". Applications can be made at any time.

The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund - funding is available for museums, galleries, record repositories and specialist libraries in England and Wales which are not funded by central government and who maintain a permanent collection in suitable conditions for public benefit. This funding can be used to support the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales. The minimum purchase price is £500 and the maximum £500,000. The maximum grant available is 50% of the purchase price. Applications can be made at any time by contacting the Purchase Grant Fund office on 020 7942 2536 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Housing

LOCAL FUNDER: Juliet’s Purse Homeless Relief Fund - administered by Gloucestershire Nightstop, the fund helps young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness through small, quick grants that help people access accommodation or prevent eviction. People aged between 16 and 25, living or going to live anywhere within the county of Gloucestershire can apply. Frontline workers can also apply for a grant on behalf of an eligible young person. Funding up to £500 is available. Applications can be made at any time.

Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation – offers funding of up to £6,000 to registered charities working to improve the wellbeing, welfare and education of adults and children, particularly those living in socially deprived areas. The focus is also on preventing or reducing homelessness in the community and supporting the elderly by reducing isolation or helping to reduce the effects of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Next application deadline: 31 October 2024.

Social and Sustainable Housing Fund - this fund has two aims: 1) To improve the lives of vulnerable individuals by increasing their access to safe, stable and appropriate housing and 2) To make small to medium-sized charitable organisations financially stronger, by allowing them to buy housing in a low-risk way. Registered charities or social purpose organisations delivering housing and support services to vulnerable individuals can apply for loans from £2-£5 million. Applications can be made at any time.

Older People

Barchester Charitable Foundation - grants up to £2,500 available for projects that tackle loneliness amongst older people and adults with a disability. Grants of up to £1,000 are also available to help individuals with mobility issues. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Friends of the Elderly - support for older people affected by loneliness and grants for those living on a low income. Grants up to £400 are available for older people who are of/over state pension age and have savings of less than £4,000. Grants can be used to cover essential expenses such as purchasing a new fridge, paying unexpected bills, food, clothing, or covering gas and electricity costs. Applications must be made via a third-party Referral Agent such as charities, local authority and social services representatives. Applications can be made at any time.

Persimmon Homes Community Champions fund - donations up to £1,000 are available to local groups and charities which have already raised vital funds themselves. Applications can be made at any time.

Places of Worship

Benefact Trust Protecting and Enhancing Christian Buildings Grants - funding to protect and enhance churches and Christian charity buildings, ensuring their continued use and the safeguarding of their heritage. The programme is open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies and Christian charities. Funding ranges from £750 to £100,000. Applications can be made at any time.

Benefact Trust Community Impact Grants - funding for projects that will make a positive and transformative impact on lives and communities. This programme empowers Christian organisations across the UK and Ireland, who are doing incredible work tackling major issues in society. At the same time, the Community Impact Grants help churches to grow their congregations and promote the Christian faith. The programme is open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies, Christian charities, and schools and educational institutions with a clear Christian ethos. Funding amount available is unclear. Applications can be made at any time.

Westhill Endowment Grants - support for a wide range of projects with a focus on activities involving formal and informal religious education, projects utilising the creative and performing arts, and facilitating interfaith activity. Grants between £500 and £20,000 are available. Applications can be made at any time.

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust - grants up to £10,000 for organisations with an income less than £500,000 working to improve the lives of socially disadvantaged and disabled individuals of all ages. Applications can be submitted at any time. Decisions are usually made in May or November.

Barbara Ward Children's Charity - grants to support charities and organisations helping children who are disadvantaged in some respect. Funded causes include educational projects, holidays, care and respite, health and wellbeing, sport, play and leisure. Grants may also be awarded to charities supporting adults with learning difficulties. Various amounts have been awarded over the years. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Barnwood Trust - funding of up to £10,000 for organisations helping Gloucestershire be a better place for disabled people and people with mental health conditions. Application deadline unclear.

Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired - financial support for children and young people up to their mid-20s who have a hearing impairment, and organisations providing help forthem. Individuals, groups, educational establishments and charities can apply. Funding available is not stated. Applications can be made at any time.

Boshier Hinton Foundation - grants to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, learning difficulties or sensory impairment and their families. Registered charities, charitable institutions providing facilities and advocacy for children and adults with special educational or other needs can apply. Funding amount available is not stated. Applications can be made at any time.

Edward Gostling Foundation - grants for charities that support people of all ages living on low incomes who have a physical and/or mental disability or long-term illness. Charities can apply for capital funding towards major projects to support the Foundation’s Vision that “people living on a low income who have a disability or long-term illness should have as many as possible of the same choices, quality of life opportunities and aspirations as others more fortunate than themselves”. Applications can be made at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Gloucestershire Community Nurses Fund - established with the help of community nurses in 1974, the charity has three aims:

To provide financial support to people who are experiencing difficulties as a consequence of illness or disability. For example, a grant may be made for the provision of equipment, minor adaptations or repairs or to assist with the cost of therapy or care.
In cases of need, to provide financial assistance to community nurses, including retired nurses and those currently working in Gloucestershire.
To support nursing services in the community by the provision of, for example, equipment/aids, educational/training grants and part funding of specialist nursing posts.

The committee meets every January, April, July and October. Application deadline: ongoing.

LOCAL FUNDER: Gloucestershire Disability Fund - wellbeing grants of up to £1,000 are available to help people with disabilities in Gloucestershire through life’s challenges. Funding is open to Gloucestershire residents of any age with a physical, sensory or learning disability who are in receipt of a disability benefit. Grants of up to £2,500 are also available for organisations/groups whose aim is to improve the lives of Gloucestershire people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities. Application deadline: ongoing.

LOCAL FUNDER: Mayfield Trust - grants to individuals with learning disabilities, or families with a member who has learning disabilities, living in Gloucestershire. The Trustees will only award one-off grants to help a specific project or need. Applications can be made at any time.

Old Possums Practical Trust - grants between £500 and £5,000 are available for projects that aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of any matters of historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical interest. Grants are more likely to be given for projects that involve children or young people, disabled or disadvantaged people and communities and those projects which fall within historic, artistic, architectural, aesthetic, literary, musical or theatrical criteria and which enhance the lives of others, rather than the well-being of the applicants themselves. Registered charities, individuals and groups can apply. Applications can be made at any time.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Arts Based Learning Fund - grants from £30,000 upwards are available for projects that enhance the lives, development and achievements of children and young people through high quality arts-based learning activities. Applications can be made at any time.

NEW & ROLLING FUNDING The Peter Harrison Foundation – the Active Lives programme supports opportunities that use physical activities to enhance the lives of those who face severe disadvantages in the community. Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) can apply for grants of up to £30,000. There are four funding rounds every year. Next application deadline: 1 October 2024.

The Bruce Wake Charitable Foundation - considers grant applications to provide leisure activities for people with physical disabilities. Charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £3,000. Applications can be made at any time.

The Veterans’ Mobility Fund will deliver grants and equipment for veterans with mobility needs linked to their service, providing aids usually unavailable through the NHS, such as specialist wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and orthotics such as splints and braces. A total of £2.5 million in government funding is available to provide seriously injured veterans across the UK with mobility equipment to improve their quality of life. The fund is administered by Help for Heroes and Blesma, and will deliver support to veterans with physical disabilities through grants over the next five years. Applications can be made at any time.

Sport

Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust - grants to disadvantaged young people to develop an existing interest in adventurous outdoor activities. This includes walking, climbing, cycling, kayaking, sailing, horse riding - either self-planned or for residential courses at an outdoor centre. Schools and youth groups can apply for grants averaging £400. Applications can be made at any time.

Boost Charitable Trust - charities and non-profit making organisations focussing on sport can apply for a grant of up to £750. The Trust champions the disabled and disadvantaged and inspires them to overcome their challenges through sport. Applications can be made at any time.

The Football Foundation - the Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that helps communities improve their local football facilities. Football clubs, schools, councils and local sports associations can apply for a range of support. Applications can be made at any time. For Gloucestershire, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Greaves & Withey Foundation - grants to charitable organisations working to promote sports and recreation to those living in Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. Funding amount not stated. To obtain a grant application and eligibility guidance from the Greaves & Withey Foundation, please email the Charities team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications can be made at any time.

John Beckwith Charitable Trust – grants under £5,000 are available for charities working in the areas of the arts, education, medical research, sport and social welfare. The Trust is particularly interested in allocating awards under the social welfare theme. Application deadline: applications can be made at any time. Applications need to be in writing to: The John Beckwith Charitable Trust, 124 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9BW or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ROLLING FUNDING The Peter Harrison Foundation – the Active Lives programme supports opportunities that use physical activities to enhance the lives of those who face severe disadvantages in the community. Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) can apply for grants of up to £30,000. There are four funding rounds every year. Next application deadline: 1 October 2024.

Sport England Active Together Fund - this fund is a crowdfunding initiative to help sports clubs and organisations set up their own campaigns to help sustain them through the Covid-19 pandemic and return to play. Between £300 to £10,000 is available to local sports clubs and organisations. Applications can be made at any time.

The Lionesses Futures Fund - funding is available for grassroots women's football in recognition of the Lionesses' success at the Euros and World Cup. The £30 million fund will deliver approximately 30 new state-of-the-art 3G pitches at sites supporting women’s and girls’ teams across England. Locations will be chosen by the Football Foundation, with the aim of delivering more access to grassroots football for women and girls from low-income families. Application deadline: Applications can be made at any time.

ROLLING FUNDING The Rowing Foundation – supported by the Henley Stewards’ Charitable Trust and British Rowing, grants up to £4,000 are available for the purchase of equipment and/or the refurbishment of boats used by juniors and rowers with special needs. There is one grant each month and applications need to be submitted (special guidelines apply) by the last day of each month. The next application deadline for equipment grants is 4 November 2024. Applications for refurbishment grants can be made at any time.

Miscellaneous

Gloucestershire Community Foundation SWEF Awards Grants - up to £2,000 is available to young people in Gloucestershire to support with business start-up costs. Applications can be made at any time. The fund is currently open.

LOCAL FUNDER: Gloucestershire Funders - an informal group of funders committed to working together in a joined-up way to benefit Gloucestershire. They aim to provide one point of access to sources of financial support for Gloucestershire charities and groups. They want to reduce the number of applications people have to make so that they can focus on the enormous range of support, services and projects that they provide to improve life for people across Gloucestershire. Ongoing funding. Application deadline: unclear.

Barrow Cadbury Trust - a total of £1million is available to organisations working to promote an immigration system in the UK that is fair to both migrants and established residents. The fund aims are quite specific, please visit weblink for more information. Applications can be submitted at any time.

LOCAL FUNDER: Local Lotteries - for the benefit of local communities. Lotteries currently run in Cheltenham, Forest of Dean, Gloucester City and Stroud. Please click on the individual locations for more information and to sign up.

LOCAL FUNDER: Stroud District funding – grants are available for a range of community projects in the Stroud District, including for the arts and the environment. For more information and a list of deadlines, please check the link above.

LOCAL FUNDER:The Prestbury United Charities - individuals, groups and societies can apply for support for those in need who live in the areas of Cheltenham with Post Codes beginning GL50, GL51, GL52 and GL53. Applications can be made at any time.

The Clothworkers' Foundation Open Grants Programme - UK registered charities or not-for-profits can apply for funding towards capital projects. Projects must fit within one of their priorities: alcohol and substance misuse, disadvantaged minority communities, disadvantaged young people, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness, older people, people with disabilities, prisoners & ex-offenders and people with a visual impairment. Applications can be made at any time.

ROLLING FUNDING The Leathersellers Company – one-off grants up to £5,000 for small charities that are providing vital services for vulnerable people in deprived communities across the UK. Funding is for charities with an annual income under £500,000 per year. Partnership applications are encouraged. The number of applications will be capped and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The committee will meet regularly to ensure charities receive a decision within a month of submitting their application. There are eight application windows throughout the year and each window will close when 40 applications have been received. Next application deadline: 2 September 2024.

Local Funders

You can also find a list of local funders only on our Local Funders page.

Monthly Funding Bulletin

You can sign up to receive information about funding opportunities, upcoming deadlines, useful resources and more by joining our Funding Bulletin mailing list. More information about our Funding Bulletin and how to sign up is available on our Newsletter page

Support for the VCSE sector in Gloucestershire

We provide a range of support for VCSE sector groups & organisations of all shapes and sizes in Gloucestershire, including fully funded training & events, a range of thematic mailings, regular news updates, free membership and help recruiting volunteers.

We are the independent voice of the VCSE sector in Gloucestershire and are passionate about promoting equal partnerships at every level. You can find out more about how we work in partnership and represent the sector on our About Us page.

Get in touch

We reguarly update this page with information and will add additional funding as/when it becomes available. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you know about any funding that isn't included on this page. Please also let us know if you find any broken links and we will correct them asap. Thank you!