Grants and funding

Who it’s for
Staffed adventure playgrounds across England, particularly those serving low-income communities and facing financial pressure.

What it offers
Unrestricted grants of £20,000–£50,000, alongside expert sustainability support. Funding is designed to help secure the long-term future of adventure playgrounds and strengthen their resilience.

Deadline
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 20 March 2026.

How to apply / key details
The fund has been made possible through a philanthropic donation and recognises the vital role adventure playgrounds play in communities. Eligible organisations running staffed adventure playgrounds are encouraged to apply and share the opportunity across the sector.

Who it’s for
Charities, social enterprises, community groups and not-for-profits in rural areas of Wiltshire looking to establish or improve local community hubs.

What it offers
Capital funding (from around £2,500) to help create or enhance rural hubs such as community cafés, shops and shared spaces that improve access to services and strengthen local connections. Funding can support refurbishment, equipment, infrastructure and access improvements.

Deadline
Projects must be completed by 31 March 2026.

How to apply / key details
Economic projects (e.g. shops or cafés) require at least 40% match funding; non-economic projects require 25% match funding. Applicants must be incorporated organisations based in eligible rural areas.

Who it’s for
Charities, local authorities, housing associations, community organisations, information and advice providers, and social services representatives who can refer individuals in need.

What it offers
Grants of up to £600 to support older people living on low incomes in England and Wales who are of or over state pension age. Funding can help cover essential items such as a new fridge, unexpected bills, food, clothing, or gas and electricity costs.

Deadline
Ongoing.

How to apply / key details
Applications are made via referral from eligible organisations. Further information and referral guidance are available on the Friends of the Elderly website.

Who it’s for
Charities, community groups, and town and parish councils whose initiative is endorsed by their county councillor.

What it offers
Grants typically between £250 and £5,000 to support projects promoting health and wellbeing and tackling health inequalities. Each Gloucestershire county council division has a £20,000 funding pot available.

Deadline
Open until the end of March 2027.

How to apply / key details
This is a county councillor-led scheme. Applicants must secure endorsement from their county councillor before applying. Full details are available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

Who it’s for
Schools, local authorities and not-for-profit community groups.

What it offers
Free tree packs available in eight different species mixes, with 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings per pack to support tree planting projects and create greener, healthier spaces.

Deadline
Applications currently open for tree packs to be delivered in March 2026. (The Trust makes deliveries twice a year, in March and November.)

How to apply / key details
Tree packs are allocated subject to availability. Eligible organisations can apply online via the Woodland Trust website.

Who it’s for
Registered charities supporting disadvantaged young people (under 25), people with disabilities or mental health problems, and older people (over 60).

What it offers
One-off capital grants of around £2,000 and up to £5,000. Small grants of up to £750 are also available. Preference is given to funding furniture and equipment (excluding office items).

Deadline
Small grants are considered monthly. Larger grants are reviewed at the next scheduled board meeting.

How to apply / key details
Funding is primarily for capital expenditure. Full eligibility criteria and application details are available via the charity’s website.

Who it’s for
Registered charities with an annual income between £150,000 and £1 million.

What it offers
Grants of up to £5,000 to support projects enabling children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive in education and employment. The Trust also funds work that strengthens communities and improves wellbeing and life outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Funding can be used for project or core costs.

Deadline
Two funding windows in 2026:
1 March – 30 April 2026
1 August – 30 September 2026

How to apply / key details
Applicants should review the Trust’s FAQ sheet for detailed funding priorities before applying. Applications must be submitted during the open funding windows via the Trust’s website.

Who it’s for
Community sports clubs across the UK, including those in the South Cotswolds, looking to improve the sustainability of their facilities and reduce energy costs.

What it offers
Funding support to help clubs invest in low-carbon upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, LED lighting and insulation. The programme aims to help clubs cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and reinvest savings back into grassroots sport and their local communities. This year, 12 clubs will be supported nationwide.

Deadline
Current funding round now open (limited number of clubs will be selected).

How to apply / key details
Clubs can find out more and apply via the Energy for Tomorrow programme webpage. Local organisations are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible sports clubs in their networks.

Who it’s for
Rural community buildings and village halls across England, typically managed by charity committees or similar community organisations responsible for the building.

What it offers
Grants between £2,000 and £5,000 to help make modest improvements to village hall buildings — such as boiler replacements, insulation, toilet upgrades or new kitchens — with awards covering up to 20% of eligible project costs.

Deadline
Open on a rolling basis until available funds are fully allocated.

How to apply / key details
Applicants are advised to make sure their project is ready to proceed before applying and to have match funding in place. An online application form is available via the ACRE website.

Who it’s for
Local schools, charities and non-profit community organisations delivering practical improvement projects.

What it offers
Support with materials and products for community projects. A monthly budget of up to £100 is available. Larger projects are welcome but may be placed on a waiting list depending on demand and acceptance.

Deadline
Rolling programme. Organisations are encouraged to apply early, particularly during busier periods.

How to apply / key details
Organisations can apply more than once, although applications may be queued at peak times. Applications are quick and easy to complete online.

Who it’s for
Not-for-profit, constituted organisations working within the Cotswold district, particularly those running small, community-focused initiatives.

What it offers
Grants from £100 up to around £2,000 to support practical projects that benefit the local community, especially initiatives that may struggle to access larger, mainstream funding.

Deadline
Open until the funding is fully allocated. Organisations are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited.

How to apply / key details
Applicants must have safeguarding procedures and at least £1 million public liability insurance in place (support is available if needed). The application and awarding process is straightforward.

Who it’s for
Grassroots voluntary and community organisations, registered charities, and not-for-profit companies (including qualified Community Interest Companies) based and operating in Wiltshire and/or Swindon.

What it offers
Grants of £750 to £5,000 per year (for 1, 2 or 3 years) to support projects and activities that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. Funding can cover core costs, project expenses and capital costs (up to £5,000) for work such as tackling poverty, alleviating poor mental health or supporting children and young people.

Deadline
Ongoing rounds with set cut-off dates; decisions are made at intervals throughout the year. The next review periods run through to 31 March 2027, with regular panel dates for applications received.

How to apply / key details
Applicants must be local organisations registered with an appropriate governance structure and financial controls. Full application guidance and forms are on the WSCF website.

Woodland Engagement Events Funding

Who it’s for
Groups, organisations and landowners running woodland engagement events in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England.

What it offers
Funding to support events that encourage tree creation, woodland management and community engagement with nature.

Deadline
Varies by funding round — check current deadlines online.

How to apply / key details
Applications are made online via the Woodland Engagement Events programme.

Who it’s for
Small charities with a total expenditure of under £40,000 per year.

What it offers
Grants of up to £3,000 per year for up to three years.

Deadline
Applications considered throughout the year.

How to apply / key details
Apply directly to the trust following its guidance.

Who it’s for
Community groups with local projects benefiting people and places in the Cotswolds.

What it offers
Up to £10,000 in pledges through crowdfunding and match funding.

Deadline
Project deadlines vary depending on campaign setup.

How to apply / key details
Projects must be created and run via Spacehive.

Who it’s for
Landowners and public bodies planning woodland creation projects in England.

What it offers
Payments to support planning and design costs for woodland creation.

Deadline
Open year-round, subject to funding availability.

How to apply / key details
Apply through the government grant service.

Who it’s for
Community groups seeking to install public access defibrillators.

What it offers
Grants of up to £625 towards the cost of a defibrillator.

Deadline
Applications accepted year-round.

How to apply / key details
Contact your district councillor for details.

Who it’s for
Small local groups or organisations such as community interest organisations, community interest companies, or informal volunteer groups with at least four people involved. Informal groups must partner with a registered organisation for financial safeguards.

What it offers
Small Sparks grants of £100–£500 to support community-led activities, events or projects that bring people together and deliver positive local benefits using an asset-based community development approach.

Deadline
Open on a rolling basis – applications can be made at any time and are considered twice a month.

How to apply / key details
Applicants must register their organisation online and then request an application form from grants@southglos.gov.uk

Who it’s for
Community groups supporting children, young people and community wellbeing.

What it offers
Grants awarded through customer voting in local Tesco stores.

Deadline
Deadlines vary by local store voting period.

How to apply / key details
Apply via Tesco Stronger Starts.

Who it’s for
Community groups and charities across the UK.

What it offers
Funding for projects that improve lives locally.

Deadline
Multiple funding rounds throughout the year.

How to apply / key details
Check the foundation website for current opportunities.

Who it’s for
Community groups in the Bristol Water supply area.

What it offers
Part of a £5 million fund supporting wellbeing, education and environmental projects.

Deadline
December 2026.

How to apply / key details
Applications are made via Bristol Water.