Funding Advice & Grants – Resources & Support
Many sporting organisations are finding the current financial climate challenging. We want our members to be strong and resilient social businesses, giving back to the community whilst being financially and organisationally sustainable, so please find below a bank of advice relating to funding and grants accessible to you!
Funding Wales Database
You can search hundreds of grant and loan finance opportunities from local, national and international sources. From small grants to large capital projects we can help you find the funding you need.
Sport Wales Grant Funding
Be Active Wales Fund
The Be Active Wales Fund is a grant, funded by the National Lottery, that supports sports clubs and community organisations across Wales to improve access to physical activity. It offers grants from £300 to £50,000 to support projects that promote equality, sustainability and innovation in sport.
The Be Active Wales Fund will support:
- purchasing equipment that allows more people to participate in sport
- upskilling volunteers in areas where your club lacks expertise or experience
- development of innovative projects that promote physical activity in new or different ways
- clubs utilising technology to engage more people in physical activity
- outreach aimed at people who are currently under-represented in sport and physical activity
To be eligible for the Be Active Wales Fund, your organisation must:
- be a not-for-profit sports club or community organisation
- take place in Wales and be primarily for Welsh residents
- be funding projects or activities that have not yet started
- use the funds for the community as a whole, not just for the benefit of a specific school
- meet requirements of the Expression of Interest form
- promote equality, sustainability, and innovation in sport projects
- demonstrate how the project will increase access to physical activity
The Be Active Wales Fund is currently open and accepting applications for funding.
There is a remaining total of £1m available for sports clubs and not-for-profit organisations during this window.
Applications will need to be fully completed by 10am on Monday 13th January.
Please submit an expression of interest early to ensure you leave sufficient time to complete your application ahead of the deadline.
Due to high demand, it may not be possible to support all eligible applications. Therefore, projects will be prioritised based on their community impact. Any unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply during the next funding window in April 2025.
For further details on the Be Active Wales Fund, including eligibility and how to apply – please click here:
Crowdfunder – A Place for Sport
Sport Wales has partnered with Crowdfunder to support community clubs and activities to raise money for facility improvements.
The scheme is for not-for-profit clubs, voluntary or community-based organisations that deliver or enable sport and/or physical activity in Wales. It is to be used for those looking to raise money for ‘off-field’ improvements. For example:
- Changing rooms
- Clubhouse renovations
- Improved kitchen facilities to gain more income
- Bike racks and storage
- Lifts and ramps for better disability access
- Solar panels
- Generators
- Boilers
- New fencing
As part of the scheme, Crowdfunder will provide support and advice for your fundraising project. In addition, if your Crowdfunder page has reached certain criteria Sport Wales will match fund between 30% and 50% of the total raised, up to a maximum of £15,000 match-funding
The Crowdfunder pilot scheme will run until April 2022. For further information please visit the Sport Wales website
Details of other available grant schemes and assistance are available on the Club Support section of the Sport Wales website.
Allianz Sports Fund
The first round of the Allianz Sports Fund 2024 is now open.
The deadline for applications is 13 November 2024.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application on Friday 29 November 2024.
£40,000 is available in this round and will be granted in awards from between £500 and £3,000.
Who can apply?
Any sports club that:
- has been nominated by a broker partner of Allianz Insurance plc – WSA Partner Howden is a broker partner of Allianz, so get in contact to find out more!
- takes part in an Olympic or Paralympic sport – view list of current olympic and paralympic sports
- is registered with their sports National Governing Body
- has an official bank account registered in the club’s name
Volunteering Wales Main Grant Scheme
The Volunteering Wales Main Grant Scheme is now open for applications.
GRANT AIMS
- Increase volunteer engagement and satisfaction by removing barriers to volunteering for people of all ages and from all parts of society.
- Support the creation and development of high quality and positive volunteering opportunities in Wales.
- Promote changes in beneficiary organisations to embed volunteering into their working practices and culture eg obtaining the Investing in Volunteers Award.
Funding is available for not-for-profit organisations proposing projects up to 2 years, for up to £30,000 per annum. The closing date for applications is 17 January 2025 at 23:59.
For more information please read the full scheme guidance here.
An information session will be held online on 28 November 2024 at 10 am – 12 pm. Please register here if you would like to attend.
To apply please visit https://Map.wcva.cymru
REGISTER ON MAP
In order to submit a request for funding, you will need to register with WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal (MAP). If you have previously registered with MAP, you can log in by entering your username and password on the home screen.
Organisations can register by visiting the website https://map.wcva.cymru.
If you need help registering on MAP please follow this video.
Taith
Taith is an international learning exchange programme established to create life-changing opportunities for people in Wales to learn, study and volunteer all over the world. Taith is for people in every part of Wales, and in every type of education setting, and committed to reaching individuals and organisations who may face additional barriers to international learning exchange opportunities. The sectors eligible for funding are:
- Schools
- Youth
- Adult Education
- Further Education and Vocational Education and Training
- Higher Education (covering Education and Research)
There are two funding streams available through Taith:
Pathway 1:
Pathway 1 funding supports international exchange of learning through the outward (participants going from Wales) and inward (participants coming to Wales) mobility of either groups or individual participants. An international exchange is the exchange of learning between an individual or group of people from Wales, and an individual or group of people from another country. This exchange enables participants to learn from each other, to share experiences and to build friendships.
Next funding call: January 2025
Pathway 2:
Pathway 2 funding supports educational innovation through Welsh-led international collaborative partnerships which address a specific issue or sector priority in Wales.
International exchange enables the sharing of knowledge, expertise and collaborative learning between Welsh and international organisations, to develop theory and practice in education within Wales and internationally. Pathway 2 funding is intended to support projects which would not be possible without the input and expertise from international partner organisations.
Next funding call: Open now. Deadline: 21st November 2024.
Mae Taith yn rhaglen cyfnewid dysgu rhyngwladol a sefydlwyd i greu cyfleoedd sy’n newid bywydau i bobl yng Nghymru ddysgu, astudio a gwirfoddoli ledled y byd. Mae Taith ar gyfer pobl ym mhob rhan o Gymru, ac ym mhob math o leoliad addysg, gan gynnwys unigolion a sefydliadau nad ydynt yn draddodiadol efallai wedi bod yn ymwybodol o gyfleoedd cyfnewid rhyngwladol neu wedi cael mynediad at gyllid yn flaenorol. Y sectorau sy’n gymwys ar gyfer cyllid yw:
- Ysgolion
- Ieuenctid
- Addysg Oedolion
- Addysg Bellach ac Addysg a Hyfforddiant Galwedigaethol
- Addysg Uwch (yn cynnwys Addysg ac Ymchwil)
Mae dwy alwad ariannu ar gael trwy Taith:
Llwybr 1:
Mae cyllid Llwybr 1 yn cefnogi cyfnewid dysgu rhyngwladol trwy symudedd tuag allan (cyfranogwyr sy’n mynd o Gymru) a symudedd i mewn (cyfranogwyr sy’n dod i Gymru) gan naill ai grwpiau neu gyfranogwyr unigol. Cyfnewid rhyngwladol yw cyfnewid dysg rhwng unigolyn neu grŵp o bobl o Gymru, ac unigolyn neu grŵp o bobl o wlad arall. Mae’r cyfnewid hwn yn galluogi cyfranogwyr i ddysgu oddi wrth ei gilydd, i rannu profiadau ac i feithrin cyfeillgarwch.
Galwad ariannu nesaf: Ionawr 2025
Llwybr 2:
Mae cyllid Llwybr 2 yn cefnogi arloesedd addysgol trwy bartneriaethau cydweithredol rhyngwladol dan arweiniad Cymru sy’n mynd i’r afael â mater penodol neu flaenoriaeth sector yng Nghymru. Mae cyfnewid rhyngwladol yn galluogi rhannu gwybodaeth, arbenigedd a dysgu cydweithredol rhwng sefydliadau Cymreig a rhyngwladol, i ddatblygu theori ac ymarfer mewn addysg yng Nghymru ac yn rhyngwladol. Bwriad cyllid Llwybr 2 yw cefnogi prosiectau na fyddent yn bosibl heb fewnbwn ac arbenigedd sefydliadau partner rhyngwladol.
Galwad ariannu nesaf: Ar agor nawr. Dyddiad Cau: 21 Tachwedd 2024.
Cwmpas – Perthyn Project Funding Opportunity for Community Groups
Established in 2022, Perthyn provides local early stage support to Welsh communities in the North and West who are interested in developing social enterprise ideas.
Cwmpas is working closely with Dolan Partnership and PLANED who are working with communities. The project aims to grow a number of initiatives, mainly Welsh language initiatives that ensure the languages is being used and enjoyed everyday.
The Perthyn project wants to create a strong economic base for our Welsh communities by coming together to create and establish:
- New social and co-operative enterprises
- Helping social and co-operative enterprises that already exist to realize new plans
- Create community-led co-operative housing developments
- Community Land Trusts. We want to see our language used every day in our communities, and work with Cymraeg 2050 to ensure this.
Cwmpas are now accepting applications for small grant funding, please see the link below for information regarding the grant scheme and to download the application form.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 3rd November 2024.
Please send any enquiries and completed application forms to Samantha Edwards on [email protected].
For accessibility Cwmpas kindly ask that you do not send your completed applications in PDF format.
Download the Perthyn small grant application form here
Download the supporting documentation for this grant scheme here
For more information click here.
Gogledd Cymru Actif Innovation Fund
From Gogledd Cymru Actif:
We are inviting organisations to work with us and to apply for support from our Innovation Fund of up to £50,000 for projects based in North Wales to increase the number of young women and girls who are active every day.
We know that young women and girls face many challenges when it comes to being active and understanding these barriers is an important starting point when trying to increase participation levels.
We are looking for applications that will:
- Improve our understanding of the barriers girls face to being active;
- Testing new methods;
- Engaging with new partners;
- Sharing insight and learning in order to shape the future provision;
- Empowering young women and girls through physical activity/sport.
True Venture Fund – True Venture Foundation
The aim of the fund is to provide additional support to small community-based sports clubs working across North Wales with children and young people to encourage them to try sport, love sport and stay in sport.
The fund prioritises groups that provide individual sports opportunities, like athletics, swimming, boxing, cycling, triathlon etc rather than team-based sports.
Grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available.
More information and the criteria can be found on our website here – https://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/true-venture-fund/
Please note, this fund closes on Monday 6th January (midday).
More information and the criteria can be found on the Community Foundation Wales website here.
With any questions please contact- [email protected]
VistaPrint small business grants
Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint are bringing back the Realising the Remarkable programme to help more small businesses thrive.
Twenty businesses will each win a £3,000 grant to boost their enterprises and take the next steps towards growth.
Following the success of Realising the Remarkable in 2023, Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint have once again joined forces to provide cash grants worth £60,000 to the UK’s small business community.
The grants will be awarded to 20 small businesses that are looking to grow. Applications will open on 17 September 2024 and close at 23:59 on 31 October 2024.
Find full detail and apply for the grant, here!
Coalfields Regeneration Trust Wales Funding Opportunities
Fast Track Funding
This application is for energy efficiency or health and safety improvements for community facilities, which are based in, or benefit people from eligible coalfield areas:
Fast Track Capital Fund Application Form (Word version)
Fast Track Guidance Notes (PDF)
Coalfields Community Grant Programme (Wales)
The Coalfields Community Grant Programme has invested over £20 million in community and voluntary sector projects since 1999, targeting communities most in need. We provide grants (from £500 – £7,000 revenue or capital) to community organisations to support projects in Welsh coalfield communities that create jobs, increase skills, improve health & well-being, broaden childcare provision or develop community facilities. A Wales Grant Assessment Panel meets quarterly.
The first stage in the process is completing the Coalfields Community Grant Programme (Wales) Enquiry Form:
Coalfields Community Grant Programme (Wales) Guidance Notes
Coalfields Community Grants Programme (Wales) Guidance Notes (Welsh Version)
Coalfields Community Grant Programme (Wales) Enquiry Form (English Version)
Coalfields Community Grant Programme (Wales) Enquiry Form (Welsh Version)
Projects must be based in an eligible coalfield community or be able to show clear and immediate benefits for an eligible coalfield community. Projects must benefit the wider community. Please note only certain wards within the Local Authorities listed below are eligible:
• Blaenau Gwent
• Bridgend
• Caerphilly
• Carmarthenshire
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Neath Port Talbot
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taff
• Torfaen
• Swansea
• Wrexham
Organisations based in, or benefitting the following wards in Flintshire are also eligible to apply: Ffynongroyw; Gronant; Mostyn; Trelawnyd & Gwaenysgor and Whitford.
Head to the CRT website for full details.
Principality Building Society Retrofit for the Future Fund
he Principality Building Society Retrofit for the Future Fund is a Wales wide fund set up in partnership with Principality Building Society with the aim of improving the environment in Wales.
This fund will support organisations across Wales to improve their energy efficiency by retrofitting buildings or purchasing equipment that will make a building or community space more environmentally friendly and/or environmentally efficient.
We will prioritise organisations and projects that are increasing accessibility to those who are underserved or vulnerable. This includes projects supporting individuals from protected characteristic backgrounds 2010 Equalities Act and individuals from the most deprived communities in Wales. We would expect to see an energy survey that shows the building is both suitable for the upgrade and likely to see energy saving benefits as well as having a positive environmental impact due to the installation of this upgrade.
Examples of environmental upgrades we will consider:
- solar panels or heat pumps
- insulation
- energy efficient lighting
- battery storage
Find full details and apply for a grant here.
Sporting Heritage Funding Applications and Fundraising Advice
Sporting Heritage have put together a module to advise on funding applications and fundraising here!
TNL – Supporting Great Ideas
Supporting Great Ideas awards grants to support innovative and strategically important project ideas that encourage positive social change in Wales.
Suitable for: Voluntary/community organisations and statutory bodies
Funding size: £20,001 and over
Total available: Up to £2 million in the current financial year
Application deadline: Ongoing
Find all you need to know here!
Postcode Community Trust
Postcode Community Trust supports smaller charities and good causes in Wales to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have funded good causes in every postcode area in Britain.
Find out which trust to apply to for funding using the postcode trust finder.
Wooden Spoon Funding
Since 1983, we have committed in excess of £31 million to 1,465 projects, and have supported over one and a half million children and young people living with a disability, who are disengaged, or who are disadvantaged.
If your project is in the UK or Ireland and shares our aim of making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, it may be eligible for a Wooden Spoon grant (Wooden Spoon project beneficiaries must be a group. Wooden Spoon cannot make grants to individuals).
If a project is a physical, tangible asset, of a permanent nature the following must apply:
- It must have a minimum predicted life-span of five years, be non transferable and of a permanent nature
- Grants will not be considered for salaries, administration costs, professional fees and on-going overheads related to a capital project
If a project is educational or disability sports focused the following must apply:
- It must have a clearly defined project brief to include detail on: description of project need and objectives, stakeholders, description of participants (age, gender, geography), recruitment of participants, project activity and budget, legacy planning, monitoring and evaluation and finally reporting to Wooden Spoon.
For full detail and to apply for a grant, click here.
Welsh Government Future Proofing Fund
Micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors can now check if they are eligible for Welsh Government funding to help them reduce their running costs.
Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be available through the Welsh Government’s Future Proofing Fund to help businesses to invest in renewable energy technology, carry out improvements to the fabric of business premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use.
To apply for the funding, the business must:
- be located in Wales and employ people in Wales;
- employ between 1 and 249 people;
- have been trading since before 1 April 2023;
- operate from a property with a rateable value between £6,001 and £51,000; and
- either own or are leasing the business premises on a minimum 3-year lease that extends beyond 1 April 2026.
Check if you’re eligible for the funding now, before the applications open in May 2024.
You can use this tool to check your eligibility for the funding: https://businesswales.gov.wales/future-proofing-fund
Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities (UK)
UK charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to help both children and adults suffering from severe learning difficulties, together with autism. The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme, and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works as well as cover project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools; employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play schemes and play therapy schemes; day and social activities centres; support for families, including respite schemes; independent living schemes; support in the community schemes; and Snoezelen rooms. The next deadline for applications seeking funding over £9,000 is the 1st August 2024. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time.
The National Archives Grants and Funding
The National Archives’ Grants and Funding Office offers an array of funding opportunities for archives, including grants for collections at risk, resilience, cataloguing, skills, innovation and engagement. A new funding programme was launched in June 2023, and a webinar is now available to watch that includes an overview of their funding offer: The National Archives: our grant programmes for 2023-24.
Visit their website here to learn more about their grants and funding opportunities!
Event Wales Sector Development and Event Wales Sustainability Innovation Funds
To learn more about the Event Wales Sector Development Fund, click here.
Digwyddiadau Cymru Gronfa Datblygu’r Sector: canllawiau ar gyfer gwneud cais.
And to learn more about the Event Wales Sustainability Innovation Fund, click here.
Digwyddiadau Cymru Gronfa Arloesi Cynaliadwyedd: canllawiau ar gyfer gwneud cais.
Development Bank of Wales – Green business loans
If your business has been trading for two years or more you can apply for a green business loan from £1,000 up to £1.5 million. Discounted fixed interest rates are available to help make the loans more affordable.
To find out more about green business loans or the scheme in general visit developmentbank.wales/green
Or alternatively, if you would like to talk to a member of the Green Business Loan Scheme delivery team then please contact the Development Bank at [email protected], or call 0800 587 4140.
The Green Business Loan Scheme is open for application from 15 February 2023 and will run for a three-year period initially.
If you have any concerns that you may not be able to participate in the application process for medical/technical/caring reasons, please contact Business Wales on 03000 6 03000, so that we can discuss how we can help. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Visit the Business Wales website for full details.
The Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust
The Trust supports projects in the Arts, Community, Sport and the Environment.
The Trust provides financial support to inspiring projects throughout Wales.
The Trust was established through an agreement between The Millennium Stadium plc and the Millennium Commission. The Trust’s income is generated through a levy on every ticket purchased for public events at the Stadium.
The Trust is an independent Charitable Foundation and is administered by a board of voluntary Trustees. Trustees are selected throughout Wales and represent varying worlds of sport, the community, business, youth groups, the arts and the environment.
The Trust is an all Wales organisation and regardless of the public event being held at the Stadium, all funds distributed by the Trust are spent in Wales.
Dickie Bird Foundation
The vision of the Foundation is to assist young people under 16 years of age to participate, to the best of their ability, in the sport of their choice irrespective of their social circumstances, culture or ethnicity and to ensure that, in doing so, they improve their chances both inside and outside sport.
Dickie and the Trustees raise all funds at events supported by volunteers and generous patrons. No money is received from Government or Councils. Therefore, Grants provided by The Foundation are limited to no more than £500 per individual so that we can spread our funds widely to the neediest individuals.
Grants are ONLY payable to disadvantaged children aged under 16 for essential sports equipment and clothing. Travel or coaching are not payable. Payment is for individuals therefore teams/groups should not apply.
For full details and to apply, visit the Dickie Bird Foundation website.
Community Facilities Programme
The Community Facilities Programme is a capital grant scheme operated by the Welsh Government. Grants are available at two levels; small grants of under £25,000 and larger grants of up to £300,000. Grants can be used to improve community facilities which are useful to, and well used by, people in the community.
The Programme is open to community and voluntary sector organisations, including social enterprises. The focus of the programme is on increasing opportunity, creating prosperity for all and developing resilient communities where people are engaged and empowered. All applicants are expected to be working with partners which can come from the public, private or the third sectors.
The lead applicant must be a community or voluntary sector organisation. For example a community group, a registered charity or a social enterprise. We are keen to encourage partnership working and therefore require applications which include public, private or third sector partners.
As a minimum requirement the main applicant/lead organisation must be able to show that they are an organisation which has:
- A constitution or set of rules, dated and signed as adopted by the Chair, or other senior office holder on behalf of the Board or Trustees;
- A bank account, in its own name, which requires at least two (unrelated) signatories;
- Evidence to show that any profit distribution is minimal i.e. restricted to the return of capital invested with minimal interest. This policy should be detailed in your organisation’s constitution or rules;
- Less than £150,000 in unrestricted reserves. Applicants with more than £150,000 in unrestricted reserves must also provide information on the organisation’s reserves policy. This should include whether any of these funds are being invested in the project and if not, the reason why not.
Applications can be made at any time – to find out more about the programme and its requirements, and to apply for funding, visit the Welsh Government website.
Fund to Tackle Youth Crime
- £5 million to keep youths away from crime through sport
- Charities bid to fund grass-roots activities teaching resilience and discipline
- Part of largest youth justice funding package in a generation – making streets safer
Find further detail on this fund on the Government website!
Cymru Football Foundation
The launch of the Cymru Football Foundation is the start of another exciting chapter in Welsh football. The new charity will support the development of football facilities through investment, assistance and guidance.
The Cymru Football Foundation will deliver the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities that will improve and grow Welsh football on and off the pitch and is preparing to undertake the largest programme of funding in the history of Welsh football.
The priorities of the Cymru Football Foundation will be to support projects that:
- Enable stronger and sustainable community focussed clubs
- Grow opportunities and improve experiences for women and girls
- Support wider community needs and tackle inequalities
To mark the launch of the Cymru Football Foundation, two grant programmes have become active:
Fit-for-Future Equipment Fund
- Funded by the FAW and UK Government (DCMS)
- Small grants up to £25,000 available covering essential equipment from goalposts to pitch maintenance equipment
- Open now, APPLY HERE
Fit-for-Future Facilities Programme
- Funded by the FAW and UK Government (DCMS)
- Large and small grants up to £300,000 supporting capital projects from grass-pitch improvements to changing room developments
Sustainability Fund opening January 2025
For more information on the Cymru Football Foundation and the active grant programmes, visit www.cff.cymru.
LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund
Consortium and its Community Collaborators, working in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, are delighted to announce the launch of the LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund. This Fund has been enabled thanks to National Lottery players.
And, thanks to additional funding from Comic Relief, we are able to provide grants to user-led LGBT+ organisations based in one of the devolved nations.
£90,000 is available through small grants to grassroots groups and organisations who are run by and for one or more of our 5 communities of focus, whcih are:
- D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent LGBT+ people.
- LGBT+ People of Colour and People from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities.
- LGBTQI+ Women.
- Older LGBT+ people.
- Trans and Non-Binary people.
For full details, visit the Consortium website.
Major Sporting Events 2022-2030 Subsidy Scheme
The scheme supports the hosting of major sporting events in Wales where the funding is deemed to be a subsidy.
The objective of the scheme is to provide support for the successful preparation, marketing and delivery of major and mega sporting events in order to maximise the economic, socio-cultural, environmental and media (global profile) benefits to Wales and to help protect sustainable organisations and jobs in the events sector.
The scheme will be open to domestic and international rights holders for major and mega sporting events, and their partners.
Support under this scheme may be granted between 1 September 2022 and 31 March 2031.
The estimated total expenditure on major sporting events from 1 September 2022 to 31st March 2031 will be in the region of £36 million.
For full details about this scheme, visit the Welsh Government website here.
National Lottery Community Fund
Our priority is to keep money flowing to support communities across Wales. We’re open to all applications that meet our criteria, including support during COVID-19. We are also working closely with WCVA and other funders to ensure we are forming the best support for Welsh communities.
We therefore welcome applications that meet our revised priorities.
- supporting organisations to adapt or diversify to respond to new and future challenges
- supporting communities adversely affected by COVID-19
- supporting communities and organisations to become more resilient to help them to respond better to future crises.
Grants ranging from £300-£10,000, £10,001-£100,000, and from £100,001-£500,000 are available.
We’re here to help. Please contact us if you have an idea by calling 0300 123 0735 or emailing [email protected].
The funding is of course available to all organisations throughout the UK.
Visit the National Lottery Community Fund website for further details and to apply.
Localgiving
Localgiving is a charity whose mission is to strengthen UK communities by safeguarding the sustainability of the local voluntary sector.
Don’t forget WSA members receive 25% off a 12 month Localgiving membership (pay just £72 instead of £96)
For more information, please contact the WSA office.
For further information on Local Giving please see the video below:
Magic Little Grants
After successfully distributing 2,000 grants to their members last year, making it the biggest ever Magic Little Grants programme, Local Giving have announced that this year’s will be even bigger and better than ever before!
Localgiving will be awarding £500 grants to 2,650 charitable organisations, in partnership with the People’s Postcode Lottery.
This year, Localgiving will be funding more organisations than ever before and will once again spread this funding out far and wide across the country. If your organisation is carrying out a project within the themes detailed on the Localgiving website, make sure to get your application in – the programme is live! The application process is short and simple, taking ten minutes to complete. Each organisation may only apply once in 2022.
Organisations must either be in their first year of operation or have an annual income under £250,000. Funding can be used to launch new projects, support existing ones, or cover core costs associated with ongoing work.
Tesco Community Grants
Tesco Community Grants fund thousands of local community projects across the UK, helping to fight holiday hunger, tackle mental health, support young people, host community events and much more.
Find out more about Tesco Community Grants and learn how to apply here.
CVSC – Gwynt y Mor Offshore Windfarm Fund
A long term investment of £19 million, over the lifetime of the wind farm, the Gwynt y Môr (GYM) Offshore Wind Farm is helping coastal communities of Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire to achieve amazing things.
The fund is really flexible so that it can meet the differing needs and ambitions of communities across the coastal area. It focuses on the themes of:
- Building strong and sustainable communities;
- Developing prosperous communities with strong economic growth;
- Reducing poverty and inequality in communities.
The fund is independently administered by Community & Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) in co-operation with Denbighshire and Flintshire Councils for Voluntary Services. CVSC employ a full time, locally based fund manager. Decisions on the allocation of funds are made by a grants panel of people who live, work or volunteer in the funds area of benefit.
For more information and to apply for this funding, please visit the CVSC website.
Children in Need – Core Costs Funding Stream
Organisations: Working with children and young people aged 18 years and under. Working in the heart of their communities, particularly in times of crisis. Putting children and young people at the centre of everything they do, from design to delivery. Addressing challenges faced by children and young people, building their skills and resilience. Empowering children and young people, and extending their choices in life. Keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people. Committed to making a difference in children and young people’s lives
Funding for not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 or under
Organisations that work with children and young people who live in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands Hospices Housing Associations
Amount available: Up to £15,000 a year for up to 3 years
Click here for more information
Big Lottery Fund – Wales
People and Places – Medium Grants
Come together help children and young people to thrive enable people to live healthier lives be environmentally sustainable.
Funding for voluntary organisations, community organisations or public sector organisations.
Amount available: £20,001 to £100,000. We can support your project for up to five years
Click here for more information
Awards for All
Social connections and community activities are at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund supports amazing community-led projects.
Funding for voluntary or community organisation registered charity constituted group or club not-for-profit company or Community Interest Company school (as long as your project benefits and involves the communities around the school) statutory body (including town, parish and community council).
Amount available: from £300 to £20,000. And can support your project for up to two years.
Click here for more information
Heritage Lottery Fund
Fund projects that connect people to the UK’s heritage – saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, organisational sustainability
Funding for charities, trusts and charitable incorporated organisations community and voluntary groups community/parish councils, community interest companies faith-based or church organisations local authorities, other public sector organisations, private owners of a heritage asset, for example a building, land, object or collection.
Amount available: from £10,000
Click here for more information
The Rayne Foundation – Children and Young People
- The Rayne Foundation funds work that:
- Is based on different thinking and enables innovation
- Has potential for wider application beyond the funded proposal
- Is informed by direct delivery and has a clear, positive impact on people’s lives
- Can demonstrate match-funding contributions to the project
- Enables and encourages collaboration between sectors and silos
- Develops best practice and captures learnings to share with others
- Adds to sector expertise and leadership
Funding for UK-based voluntary, statutory and not-for-profit organisations.
Amount available: Typically between £10,000 and £20,000, with larger grants available for strategic projects.
Click here for more information
Waterloo Foundation – Child Development – Practical Projects
The Waterloo Foundation provides funding for sports-related projects that promote health and wellbeing, particularly among young people.
Funding preference for organizations with an annual income under £1 million, though there are exceptions for larger charities that deliver significant impact.
Preference for organizations with an annual income under £1 million, though there are exceptions for larger charities that deliver significant impact.
Funding available: Typically in the region of £5-£20k depending on the project.
Click here for more information
Boost charitable Trust
Aims to fund and support inspiring programmes which help improve the lives of the disabled and disadvantaged through the power of sport.
Funding available for charities or non-profit making organisations with a focus on sport.
Amount available: Varies dependent on application need
Click here for more information
Peter Harrison Foundation – Active Lives
Fund applications for physical activity initiatives that:
- Offer high-impact, life-enhancing opportunities for those who live in the top 10% of areas of deprivation;
- Remove barriers to participation for disabled or disadvantaged people ;
- Focus on grassroots involvement rather than elite participation in physical activity;
- Focus on skills development and confidence building for individuals;
- Incorporate effective strategies for wider impact perhaps through training, partnerships and/or dissemination activities;
- Demonstrate a high degree of involvement across the organisation from beneficiaries and those with lived experience;
- Have a well-developed plan for sustainability and seek to deliver a legacy.
- Reflect the values: Excellence, Entrepreneurship, Integrity, Sustainability.
Funding available for be either a registered charity or a registered CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club) have been registered with the charity regulator for two years or more (charity applicants) have been registered as a CASC for two years or more (CASC applicants) have produced independently examined or audited accounts for at least one full year of operation.
SMALL GRANTS – In your last set of accounts, your organisation’s annual income was under £500,000
MAJOR GRANTS – In your last set of accounts, your organisation’s annual income was under £5,000,000
Amount available: Small grants: Up to £5,000
Major grants: £5,001 – £30,000
Click here for more information
Ashley Family Foundation
To develop strong communities, social welfare and creative arts in England and Wales.
Applications are open to organisations based in and working with people in Wales.
Amount available: £500 – £10,000
Click here for more information
The Fore
A fair, healthy, just and sustainable society.
Registered Charities (including those constituted as charitable trusts, charitable unincorporated associations, charitable incorporated organisations and charitable companies limited by guarantee), Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee, or Community Benefit Societies. We do not fund CICs limited by shares.
Your annual revenue should be less than £500k
Amount available: The Fore will make grants of up to £30,000 which may be spread over one to three years. We ask you to tell them in your application the total amount of funding you are requesting and over what time period. Please note that maximum grant size is £30,000 in total.
Registration period: From 12pm (midday) Wednesday 4th December, to 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 11th December
Confirmation of place on funding round: Thursday 12th December
Application Deadline for those with a confirmed place on funding round: 5pm, Monday 13th January
Funding decisions announced: Late March / Early April
Click here for more information
The Delamere Dairy Foundation
The Delamere Dairy Foundation funds local projects that help strengthen communities across England, Scotland and Wales by making grants to support not-for-profit organisations that make a difference within their local area. Grants are available for projects that benefit communities through the advancement of agriculture and environmental protection, by improving the lives of young people and education, and relieving financial hardship and sickness.
Funding available for not for profit organisations
Amount available: Grants between £250 – £5,000
Click here for more information
Van Neste Foundation
Encourage innovation, self help and all those who take it upon themselves to tackle social injustices that so many face today.
Funding for UK registered charities, CICs.
Amount available: Varies dependent on application need.
Rolling – assess grant applications three times a year, typically January, June and October
Click here for more information.
Vinci UK Foundation
The VINCI UK Foundation funds projects which aim to tackle the issues in the following four areas of action through an innovative approach and which will make a positive, measurable impact on the local area :
Access to employment
Projects which support those currently excluded from the job market helping people to adapt to the world of work, while also receiving the training and support they need. Projects that offer basic training and guidance to enable individuals with no qualifications to enter the world of work.
Insertion through housing
Projects that enable access to housing for the most underprivileged individuals to provide them with more security and stability.
Inclusive mobility
Providing people with easier admission to secure employment, health care and education by improving the mobility of those deprived of means of transportation, and reduce the factors restricting their mobility.
Building better communities
Projects that aim to strengthen social links and fight social isolation of inhabitants of underprivileged neighbourhoods. Initiatives aimed at conveying citizenship values or educational training to young people”
Funding available for small and medium size registered community interest or non-profit organisations that are registered with either Companies House, Charity Commission or both
Amount available: Between £3,000 and £10,000.
Click here for more information
Little Lives UK – Children’s Community Support Programme
Aims to helps to provide children and young people with free activities, lessons and classes that will make a positive impact to their lives.
Funding available for children’s groups and organisations, such as play groups or sports classes.
Smaller organisations are preferred.
Amount available: up to £2,000
Click here for more information
Aviva Community Fund
Building stronger, more resilient communities across the UK: that’s what we’re striving towards at Aviva, and it’s how we’ll continue to help small charities and community causes.
Funding available for Charity*
- Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO);
- Community Interest Company (CIC);
- Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG); or
- Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC);
Organisations must:
- have an active board of trustees or directors or management body
- have a UK bank account in its own name
- have a safeguarding policy (if the organisation supports children or vulnerable people)
- be a living wage employer (if the organisation employs people)
No more than £2m in income in last year.
Amount available: up to £50,000 in match fund.
Click here for more information
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation – Small Grants
Strengthen disadvantaged local communities.
Funding available for Charitable organisations (including social enterprises, not-for-profit registered companies and voluntary organisations) in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Small to medium sized local organisations with a demonstrable track record of success working to address local issues in communities of extreme urban deprivation and deprived rural districts.
Must not exceed £250,000 of yearly income.
Amount available: Single year grants between £2,000 and £10,000 for core costs, salaries, running and project costs
Click here for more information
The Allen Lane Foundation
Make a lasting difference to people’s lives rather than simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems; is aimed at reducing isolation, stigma and discrimination, and; encourages or enables groups that experience marginalisation and/or discrimination to share in the life of the whole community.
Funding available for Fund organisations which are registered charities, and also other organisations which are not charities, such as constituted voluntary groups or Community Interest Companies (CICs) for example. We would only consider applications from CICs towards the costs of projects that must be wholly charitable.
Fund relatively small organisations. If you work across a local area such as a village, estate or town, to be eligible you will need to have an income of less than around £100,000. At the other end of the spectrum, if you work across the whole of the UK you will need to have an income of less than around £250,000.
Amount available: Average grant size being £5,000-£6,000.
Click here for more information
Woodward Charitable Trust – Small Grants
Children and young people who are isolated, at risk of exclusion or involved in anti-social behaviour and projects to help those who have been in the care system.
Funding available for Charities, CICs, CIOs and Exempt Charities who do not exceed £200,000 a year in income.
Amount available: Up to £3,000 but usually £1000 and less
Deadline: 12pm Friday 13th December 2024
Click here for more information.
Clothworkers Foundation – Open Grants Programme
The Clothworkers’ Foundation improves the lives of people and communities – particularly those facing disadvantage and marginalisation – through grant making. The Foundation was set up in 1977 to be the primary vehicle of charitable giving for The Clothworkers’ Company.
Funding available for Charities, CICs, other registered not-for-profit organisations.
Amount available: fund both large and small projects.
Small Grants: Programme awards grants of up to £15,000.
Large Grants Programme awards grants over £15,000 and typically, not more than £150,000.
Click here for more information
Joseph Levy Foundation – Children and young people
Joseph Levy Foundation’s mission is to promote change and make a difference in the lives of others by supporting non -profit organisations that help those most in need in their communities, across the UK. They have a particular interest in supporting children and young people.
Click here for more information
Paul Hamlyn Foundation – Youth Fund
Focusing on young people (14–25) who experience systemic inequity. For these young people, transitions are harder due to the way society, systems and structures operate. This often compounds the inequity they experience.
Driving change in systems, processes, structures and practice to create more equitable, inclusive, asset based environments and experiences for young people.
Tackling the root causes of inequity and injustice which creates barriers and challenges for young people as they transition to adulthood.
Cantering young people voice, insight and power. Recognizing that many young people are marginalized or excluded, their experiences hidden or less well known and their voices often erased or ignored.
Funding available for not-for-profit organisations which can be charities, community organisations, social enterprises and not-for-profit companies with a turnover over £30,000 and under £3.5 million. Non-charities must clearly declare how funding is for charitable purposes and have an asset lock in place.
Amount available: Up to £150,000
Click here for more information
People’s Health Trust – Active Communities
Active Communities funds community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local people wanting to create fairer places to grow, live, work and age.
Funding available for charity registered in England, Scotland or Wales; charitable incorporated organisation; company limited by guarantee; community interest company limited by guarantee (not shares); charitable community benefit societies; community benefit societies with a charitable asset lock and clearly defined members.
Amount available: Grants range from £5,000 to £50,000 over two years.
Click here for more information
Douglas Arter Foundation
For the benefit of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities within the UK.
Funding for Not for profit organisations, CIOs, Charities, CICs.
Amount available: £1,000 to £10,000
Applications must be made in writing and should include a copy of the organisation’s most recent accounts. The funders do not have a website.
Address: Fern Villa Melksham Road Patterdown Chippenham SN15 2NR
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Coalfields Regeneration Trust – CRT Game On – Wales Kit Fund
The aim of the grant is to get more people living in coalfield communities in Wales (ages 13 – 19) to play and stay in sport. Sport Wales statistics highlight an alarming drop off of registered players during these teenage years.
Funding available for Sports clubs based in any eligible coalfield community in Wales. Sports clubs – Wales Only
Amount available: £750 maximum
25/26 applications open on 01/04/25
Click here for more information
WCVA – Volunteering in Wales Main Grant Scheme
Increase volunteer engagement and satisfaction by removing barriers to volunteering for people of all ages and from all parts of society.
Support the creation and development of high quality and positive volunteering opportunities in Wales.
Promote changes in beneficiary organisations to embed volunteering into their working practices and culture eg obtaining the Investing in Volunteers Award.
Funding for Not-For-Profit organisations
Amount available: Up to £30,000 per annum.
Click here for more information
Morrison Foundation
Morrisons Foundation grant funding programme supports registered charities delivering projects which help to improve people’s lives in communities across England, Scotland and Wales. They have set funding objectives, which are:
1. Tackling poverty and social deprivation;
2. Enhancing community spaces, facilities and services;
3. Improving health and wellbeing. Charities applying should ensure their project meets at meets at least one of the funding objectives.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis, there is no deadline to submit a request. CICs and organisations that are not registered on the Charity Commission / OSCR are not eligible for support. For full eligibility criteria check out the Grant Funding Policy page here.
The Bluestone Foundation
The Bluestone Foundation was established in 2010 to help people to help themselves through environmental, economic and social projects in Pembrokeshire. The Foundation underpins the ethos of Bluestone National Park Resort, which is about celebrating our unique and beautiful county and its people. Together, we can help build economic growth alongside environmental and social opportunities for the people and communities of Pembrokeshire.
They are proud to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) who help and advise potential applicants before passing them on for the consideration of the Bluestone Foundation Committee. Made up of employees from across the resort who themselves live in the area, the committee understands the needs of Pembrokeshire and a genuine desire to make a difference. The Foundation is supported by an annual financial contribution from the Bluestone business, the generous donations of our guests, and through fundraising events led by our staff.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Dwr Cymru
As a not-for-profit company, their customers are at the heart of everything they do. That’s why in 2017 they launched The Welsh Water Community Fund. Since the launch of the fund, they are pleased to have donated over £500,000 supporting hundreds of local community initiatives.
Click here for more information
Tesco Community Grants – Stronger Start
The funding aims to make a positive difference – Tesco Stronger Starts is open to charities and community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £1,500. Every three months, three local good causes are selected to be in the blue token customer vote in Tesco stores throughout the UK.
Barclays Community Football Fund
Barclays believe in creating opportunities for all through access to football. That’s why, in partnership with Sported, the Barclays Community Football Fund is providing grants, training, and exclusive ticketing offers to make football more accessible in communities across the UK.
The Barclays Community Football Fund is helping to reduce inequalities in football by supporting community sports groups who need it most. The programme focuses on groups operating in areas of high deprivation and supporting young people from the following underrepresented groups: women and girls, racially diverse communities, young people with disabilities, from the LGBTQ+ community, and from lower socio-economic areas.
If you are not a Sported member or existing grantee, you will need to register an account to apply for funding and access the additional offers.
Persimmon Community Champions
As well as building good quality homes and creating well-paid, high-skilled jobs, the Community Champions scheme makes a real difference to people’s lives. We do this by supporting local charities, sports clubs and good causes across the country.
They have 30 offices across the UK that will each make a donation of up to £6,000 every quarter to those local organisations who are the lifeblood of our communities. Smaller donations are also available.
Applying for a donation is really simple. All you need to do is complete the online form by clicking the link below.
In your application, please tell us why your group or charity deserves to be supported and how much you are seeking. We also need the location and contact information for the organisation you are representing so that we can direct this to our relevant local office for consideration.
JAZZ Apple Foundation
JAZZ Apple launched the ‘JAZZ Apple Foundation’ on the 1st June 2014 with the simple aim of offering monetary support to people, groups and charitable endeavours that are important to you and share the foundations beliefs.
- We believe in the importance of nourishing and supporting the next generation of young Brits.
- We believe in encouraging the consumption of an apple a day (JAZZ of course!) and a healthy, balanced diet.
- We believe that sport and physical exercise is vital for a healthy body, mind and soul.
Since its formation, the Foundation has helped over 1,000 people and handed out over £20,000 in awards to a range of great causes ranging from junior football teams to dance and ballet clubs.
The way it works – fill in the Application Form, read the T&C’s and email it to [email protected]. Every month the Jazz Apples Team will select the lucky award winners. It could not be simpler.
Download Application Form (PDF)
Alpkit Foundation – Go Nice Places Do Good Things
Alpkit only exists because of our wild places and the people that make them. Alpkit Foundation is our payback, our social dividend to protect the places we love for everyone to enjoy. They make small awards that help work to remove barriers in getting outdoors and experience wild places.
Projects driven by real activists among our communities and those deeply passionate about the benefits of time outdoors. Snippets of joy. Often they will hear first hand of the small steps that are driving big change. It’s really humbling to see this in action and it’s these stories that build our impact review. As it should be.
They’ve given awards to improve education, environment, diversity, mental health and participation in the outdoors. This has spread wide through to tens of thousands of people. It’s humbling to see the effect that this has.
Apply
Simply click the link below and submit the online form. The trustees meet every 2 months to consider applications. There’s no limit to the number of times you can receive an award. If possible, please apply at least 3 months before the start of a project so that the trustees have time to consider it at their next meeting.
We particularly like to support projects that:
- Encourage responsible outdoor activity
- Have longlasting benefits Introduce new people to get outdoors
- Demonstrate value for money
B&Q Foundation
The B&Q Foundation supports hundreds of registered charities across the UK every year. Providing grants for a wide range of charities who are looking for funding to improve or develop spaces that benefit their local communities.
They generally support with funding of up to £10k for building or indoor projects and £5k for garden projects.
They love working with different types of charities. They focus on funding charities that support people who are most in need because of homelessness, financial hardship, sickness, disability, or other disadvantage
The types of projects they’ve supported are improvements such as decorating, fixing roofs, refurbishment of garden space, upgrading key fixtures and fittings, and creating new buildings or rooms.
They know that charities are pushed for time and that is why they work with the team at Neighbourly to make the application process as easy as possible. Follow the three-step process below to apply for a B&Q Foundation grant.
Step1: Check our grant criteria
Check that your charity and potential project meets our grant criteria:
Step2: Apply for a grant
If your organisation meets the criteria for receiving a grant, please use the link below to apply through Neighbourly.
Step3: We’ll be in touch
They’ll assess your application and one of the team will be in touch. Please note due to the volume of applications it can take up to 2 months after the deadline to be notified with the outcome.
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