Grants and funding

Who it’s for

Organisations in England working to tackle the root causes of inequality, including poverty, disadvantage and discrimination, particularly those supporting communities to organise, lead and create long-term change.

What it offers

Large-scale, long-term funding of £1 million to £5 million to support work that builds community power, connects communities and creates lasting solutions to inequality. Funding can support core costs, staff, training, equipment, evaluation and other organisational development needs.

Deadline

Open to applications (rolling programme) — there is currently no fixed deadline.

How to apply / key details

Applications are made through The National Lottery Community Fund. The programme focuses on organisations that are community-led, prioritise lived experience and are working towards long-term systemic change rather than short-term projects.

Who it’s for
Small, local voluntary and community organisations, including registered charities and Community Interest Companies, with an annual income of up to £25,000.

What it offers
Unrestricted grants of £500–£2,000 to help local organisations continue delivering vital services. Funding can be used for core running costs, equipment, training, volunteer expenses, organisational development and other essential costs.

Deadline
Applications are open until 30 September 2026. Decisions are usually made within 10 weeks of submission.

How to apply / key details
Applications are made through the Groundwork website. Priority is given to organisations supporting marginalised or vulnerable communities, particularly in areas of high deprivation. Applicants must complete an online eligibility check before accessing the application form.

Who it’s for
Employers across Great Britain, including businesses of any size, charities, social enterprises and sole traders, who can offer suitable jobs to eligible young people.

What it offers
Up to £3,000 per job for employers who recruit an eligible 18–24-year-old who has been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more.

Deadline
Applications are currently open. Funding is available until the programme budget is fully allocated.

How to apply / key details
Applications are made through the Government's Find a Grant service. Eligible jobs must be at least 25 hours per week, last at least four months, pay at least the relevant minimum wage, and provide a genuine employment opportunity that does not replace an existing role.

Who it’s for
Community groups and organisations delivering projects that benefit Selwood Housing customers and local communities (this includes Malmesbury). Projects should support local people, for example by reducing isolation, encouraging involvement, or improving local spaces.

What it offers
Grants of up to £2,000 to support local projects. Funding can cover the full cost of a project or contribute towards a larger initiative, particularly those that reduce isolation, support people in need, build skills, or improve community spaces.

Deadline
Applications open quarterly:
1 April – 31 May / 1 July – 31 August / 1 October – 30 November / 1 January – 28 February

How to apply / key details
Applications are made via an online form, with guidance available on the Selwood Housing website.

Who it’s for
Residents in Wiltshire experiencing financial hardship or an immediate crisis, including families and vulnerable individuals.

What it offers
Short-term financial support for essential needs such as food, energy costs, household items and other urgent expenses. The fund also aims to help people build longer-term resilience and stability.

Deadline
Running from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

How to apply / key details
Applications are typically made through referral partners such as local authorities, support organisations or professionals working with the individual. Residents should contact Wiltshire Council or a local support service for guidance on accessing the fund.

Who it’s for
Families in Gloucestershire experiencing financial hardship or crisis, particularly those with children and young people.

What it offers
Financial support to help families through short-term crises, including help with essential household items, energy costs, food and other urgent needs. The fund aims to build resilience and provide stability during difficult periods.

Deadline
Running from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

How to apply / key details
Referrals are made through professionals such as Family Hubs, schools, health workers or support organisations. Individuals cannot apply directly, so families should speak to a local professional or Family Hub to access support.

Who it’s for
Registered charities supporting children, young people, or those most disadvantaged, particularly in areas where Barratt Redrow is building new homes.

What it offers
Grants of £1,500 to support local charities and community projects. Funding is provided through regional divisions to help organisations delivering positive impact in their communities.

Deadline
Ongoing – organisations can apply at any time.

How to apply / key details
Eligible charities should complete an Expression of Interest form via the Barratt Redrow Foundation. The fund forms part of the Foundation’s wider commitment to supporting communities, including additional investment in areas such as youth opportunities and tackling homelessness.

Who it’s for
Community groups, charities, parish councils, schools, social enterprises and other locally-led organisations delivering projects that benefit communities across the Cotswold District.

What it offers
A crowdfunding platform that helps communities raise money for local projects, with the opportunity to receive additional funding from Cotswold District Council. Projects can also attract support from local residents, businesses and organisations through the Spacehive platform.

Deadline
30th September 2026 (current funding round deadline). Projects must be fully launched on Spacehive and have any necessary permissions in place by this date.

How to apply / key details
Applicants must create and launch a crowdfunding campaign on the Spacehive platform. A project workshop for the Autumn 2026 round will be held on 17th July 2026 to help applicants develop their ideas and prepare their campaigns.

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
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.