Remember that there are many sources of funding.  In Scotland a local CVS office may be able to help with information and advice.  In Caithness the CVS is known as Caithness Voluntary Group based in Wick. Their office has range of publications to research funding for charitable causes.  Also the worker their has experience of funding issues and may be able to advise on your project.  If you outside Caithness check out your local volunteer office.

2 November 08
Major Funders On Hand To Meet Local Groups
COMMUNITY groups have a chance to come and meet funders from two major organisations, BBC Children in Need and Community Energy Scotland, at an event in Wick.

It is taking place in the youth club on Thursday, November 6, from 10am to 2pm. There is no charge to groups wishing to be represented, and refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Last year’s Children in Need appeal raised over £37 million for projects to help disadvantaged children across the UK. There is a new application process and this will be explained.

From this year Children in Need will be:
· Accepting online applications only.
· Increasing the number of application deadlines.
· Introducing a small grants programme in Scotland.
· Making quicker decisions.

There will also be guidance on what makes a good application to BBC Children in Need. This may enhance the chances of groups completing a successful application.

This guidance will also be helpful to groups applying to other funders, as the guidance for successful applications can be used for other application processes. There will be time for groups to make a one-to-one appointment to talk about their project and possible application to Children in Need.

Grants are given to children and young people experiencing disadvantages such as:
· Illness, distress, abuse or neglect.
· Any kind of disability.
· Behavioural or psychological difficulties.
· Living in poverty or situations of deprivation.

The application should focus on the children your project will work with and the differences that the project will make to them.

You should clearly be able to demonstrate how your project will change the lives of the children involved for the better. Where possible, it should take into account their views and involve them in decisions that affect them. The next closing date for applications is January 15, 2009.

Community Energy Scotland is a new Scottish charity taking over the work of the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company (HICEC). Its aim is to build confidence and wealth at community level through sustainable energy development.

Community Energy Scotland will be there between 1pm and 2pm to talk about energy efficiency, renewable energy and grants that are available for groups who own community assets such as village halls, youth clubs, Scout halls and Boys’ Brigade halls or any other community facilities.
If your group is planning refurbishment of its facility, or you would like to know how to save on energy costs, come along and find out more. To book a place to meet the funders from Children in Need and Community Energy Scotland, contact Yvonne Hendry at Caithness Voluntary Group – telephone 01955 609960 or email yvonne@cvg.org.uk

2 November 08
SMALL GRANTS AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE GAELIC IN THE COMMUNITY
Deadline: Friday 14 November 2008. Are you involved in or interested in strengthening Gaelic in your community? Are you a member of a local organisation, for example voluntary or community group, small or new business, youth initiative? Could your organisation make a difference for Gaelic in your community if you had some financial help? If your answer is yes to any of these questions you may be eligible for a small grant from Bòrd na Gàidhlig to progress Gaelic activities. Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd is a fund aimed at strengthening the acquisition and usage of Gaelic in communities across Scotland. To read more about the fund go to www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-006new08o.RefLocID-00600f006.Lang-EN.htm
 For more information please tel 01463 225454 or email: tabhartas@bng.org.uk

2 November 08
SCOTTISH DIGITAL SHORTS 2009
Scottish Digital Shorts 2009, financed by the Scottish Screen''s New Talent Development Fund, UK Film Council''s New Cinema Fund and BBC Scotland, is seeking applications from writers, directors and writer-directors, particularly those who are Gaelic speaking, from ethnic minority background or disabled. The fund will be commissioning 6 live action short films. Budgets will range from between £10,000 and £16,000. The deadline for applications is the 25 November 2008.
www.scottishscreen.com/news/news_story_quick.php?news_id=584&page_id=19

2 November 08
CASHBACK FOR COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT SPORT
The Scottish Government has announced that the latest strand of the Scottish Government''s CashBack for Communities scheme is to be used to fund sports facilities in some of Scotland''s hard-pressed communities. The scheme takes the assets of criminals and reinvests them back into deprived communities to make a real difference to the lives of young people. Sports clubs and public bodies including local authorities in partnership with local clubs, will be able to apply for a share of the £2 million. In the first instance, applicants will need to apply to the Scottish Football Association (SFA). While football is expected to be the main beneficiary, other sports may also gain via access to the facilities. Priority will be given to projects covering the improvement or creation of pitches and the alteration, refurbishment or extension of changing facilities. In addition, priority will be given to projects that enable a club or a number of clubs or teams use of a facility to be significantly extended. For example, this could include portable floodlighting to a training area, a club development container or modular or traditionally built changing accommodation. Awards will be limited to a nominal maximum of £100,000. In exceptional cases, this nominal maximum may be exceeded. Partnership and applicant funding will be encouraged but in some instances awards could be up to a maximum of 100 per cent of the eligible project cost. The latter would most likely only apply to projects deemed high priority and where there will be significant revenue funding in future from either the SFA or local authority. The closing date for applications is the 14th November 2008.
http://www.footballcentral.org/sfa/general/latest-articles/sports-facilities-for-youngsters.cfm
(or use http://digbig.com/4xtad)

2 November 08
FUNDING FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROJECTS
ECOTEC has announced that it is now accepting applications under the Leonardo Da Vinci Programme. Leonardo Da Vinci is the EU''s main funding programme for European vocational education and training projects. ECOTEC is the programme's national agent within the UK. Under the programme. The majority of projects will involve working with a range of European Partners and successful applicants can help trainees or staff gain vital skills and experience by organising work placements in another European country; participate in a European partnership to share expertise and experiences; create new training materials to meet the needs of business; attend a special event to meet new European partners; and have a meeting with your partners to write your application for funding. There are a number of different application deadlines depending on which element of the programme you applying under. The programme is open to organisations from the private, public and third sector.
http://www.leonardo.org.uk/default.asp?section=00010001§ionTitle=Home

2 November 08
FUNDING FOR YOUNG FILM MAKERS
First Light Movies, which is supported by the UK Film Council and the National Lottery has announced that it is to simplify it grant making process by providing an online application process. First Light Movies provides grants to young people aged between 5 and 18 to participate in all aspects of film productions. Support is available through three funding streams. The Pilot Awards which provides grants of up to £5,000 for the production of a 5 minute film, the Studio Awards, which provides grants of up to £25,000 for films up to 10 minutes long and What's the Big Idea Awards which provides grants of £3,000 to develop ideas and stories for films. The deadlines for applications are the 16th December 2008 for the What's The Big Idea? Award and for the Pilot Awards. The Studio Awards is currently closed for applications but will re-open in the near future.
http://www.firstlightmovies.com/funding/

2 November 08
THE BATTY CHARITABLE TRUST
The Batty Charitable Trust (BCT) is a grant making Trust. Its income is derived from gifts made by the Estate of the late Christina Batty (otherwise known as Christina Foyle). The BCT will generally support smaller charities in the UK and especially those working at grass roots and local community level. They normally award one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work.
Previous recipients of Batty Trust awards include The Tunnell Trust For Young Musicians in Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye Pipe Band Festival. There are no deadlines for submission and applications will be received throughout the year. For details on how to apply visit http://www.battycharitabletrust.org.uk

2 November 08
SCOTTISH INVESTMENT FUND
The Scottish Investment Fund (SIF) is a £30 million fund provided by the Scottish Government to be delivered in the current spending review period (2008-2011). It aims to build capacity, capability and financial sustainability in the third sector, ensuring a strong and active third sector reaches its potential and makes a key contribution to the national outcomes of the Scottish Government
SIF will assist established third sector organisations located and trading in Scotland that have been trading successfully, partly through income generation, for at least three years. It will provide a blend of funding options with loan finance a key element of all investments.
Social Investment Scotland is the lead delivery partner and manages the Scottish Investment Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
George Briggs from Social Investment Scotland will be holding 1-2-1 surgeries for potential applicants to the Scottish Investment Fund on Tuesday 11 November 2008, 2pm-4pm. If you would be interested in booking a surgery to discuss a potential bid in more detail, or would like more information about the Fund, contact Lesley Kelly on 663 9471. http://www.scottishinvestmentfund.co.uk/

2 November 08
LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND
The Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has published its priorities and guidelines for grants for the period 2009-11. The guidelines show some changes to those that have been in place over the past three years. The Foundation operates a number of grant programmes aimed at supporting recognised charities in Scotland that are focused on improving the quality of life and creating equality of opportunity for people in Scotland. This applies particularly to those who are disadvantaged and marginalised, with particular emphasis on grassroots charities, and organisations that help those most in need become self-sufficient or improve the quality of their lives.

1. STANDARD GRANT SCHEME.
The Standard Grant Scheme is the biggest programme. Charities can apply
for revenue costs or capital costs for up to three years. Priority will
be given to projects that:
. Improve support for at risk groups.
. Reduce isolation.
. Improve community cohesion and integration.
. Improve health and well-being.
. Increase independence.
. Improve family welfare.
. Increase life skills.
. Increase citizenship.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the following
principles:
. Encouraging the involvement of volunteers.
. Showing evidence of the need for new and existing services.
. Adopting sound evaluation and monitoring procedures.
. Operating with openness and clear accountability.
. Complying with relevant regulation/inspection as required.
. Caring for the safety of vulnerable groups via effective vetting
procedures including 'Disclosure Scotland' checks.
. Implementing equal opportunities particularly with regard to
recruitment.
. Fulfilling duties as a responsible employer.
. Consulting and involving users.
. Collecting information through contacts or research to establish,
consolidate and promote good practice.
. Avoiding duplication by adopting a collaborative partnership approach
and networking with other agencies/providers.
. Recognising cultural diversity and particular needs that may arise.
. On-going staff/volunteer/organisational development.

What can you apply for, and for how much?
Support for existing services or for new work are seen as having equal value. Grants will be given for capital and revenue costs. Grants can be for one, two or three years.

Different application processes exist for grants below or above £2500. Applications for grants below £2500 are only accepted from charities with an income of less than £25,000.

The 2009-11 criteria are at
http://www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk/documents/Standard%20Grant%2
0Scheme%20Criteria,%20Priorities%20and%20Principles%202009-2011.pdf or
contact the address below.

The closing dates for 2009 are: 17 November 2008, 19 January 2009, 16 March, 18 May, 13 July and 14 September. Allow 3 months for decisions to be made.

2. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT
Capacity Building Grants are designed to help your organisation run as effectively as it can by working with you to identify strengths and set out opportunities for development. Topics covered include: Governance; Business planning; Fundraising; Resource and financial planning; Information technology; Strategic planning; Staff training and development.

Applications are dealt with in two stages, the first of which involves an independent advisor visiting your organisation to assess your needs.

Details are available at
http://www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk/documents/Capacity%20Buildin
g%20Grants%20Criteria,%20Priorities%20and%20Principles%202009-2011.pdf
or by calling the Foundation on the number below.

There are no closing dates, and applications are dealt with as received.

3. OVERSEAS PROGRAMME
The Foundation gives grants to Scotland-based charities working overseas. Awards have been focused on:

. Projects that build the capacity of organisations overseas, and develop their ability to advocate.
. Costs associated with running overseas volunteering programmes that focus on the development and transfer of skills. . Support for the initiation or continuation of sustainable indigenous projects overseas.
. Costs associated with bringing people to Scotland for training, development and study leading to sustainable development.
Closing date: The next application round will be launched in 2009.

4. PARTNERSHIP DRUGS INITIATIVE.
The Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) promotes voluntary sector work with vulnerable children and young people affected by substance misuse. It has been running since 2000, and is funded by the Foundation, the Scottish Executive and the Laidlaw Youth Project. Groups targeted are:
. Children and young people in families in which parents misuse drugs or
alcohol.
. Pre-teen children who are at higher risk of developing problems with
substance misuse.
. Young people who are developing or who have established problems with
substance misuse.

Alcohol and Drug Action Teams are a key group in co-ordinating work locally, and charities must develop two-stage applications with them.

The next closing dates are 24 October 2008 and 1 May 2009 for initial outline bids, and 23 January and 24 July 2009 for full applications.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Foundation has a good record of making information available to potential applicants, running a national programme of application surgeries throughout Scotland on a regular basis. This gives applicants the opportunity to discuss their ideas on a one-to-one basis. Dates are planned at local venues in the next couple of months.

October 2008:
. Edinburgh, 20th October;
. Tarbert, 21st October;
. Ardrossan, 27th October;
. Cambuslang, 28th October.

November:
. Livingston, 10th November;
. East Kilbride, 11th November;
. Elgin, 17th November;
. Edinburgh, 18th November;
. Wishaw, 19th November;
. Cumbernauld, 20th November;
. Glasgow, 24th November;
Aberdeen, 25th November.

For a list go to www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk/index.asp?pg=34 or call 0870 902 1201 to make an appointment for a surgery near you.

Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
Riverside House
502 Gorgie Road
Edinburgh
EH11 3AF
Tel: 0870 902 1201

2 November 08
THE LINKS FOUNDATION
The Links Foundation, which was formed by ''Working Links'', an organisation that delivers services to tackle social exclusion and poverty by helping disadvantaged individuals and communities, provides grants to disadvantaged communities. Since its launch in 2003 it has distributed over £3 million in grants to over 40 projects. The type of activities that the Foundation seeks to support include projects that advance people''s education; reduce significant disadvantage; assist those in conditions of poverty, need or distress ; and provide for recreational or other leisure time occupation. The Foundation can fund new or existing projects and can help meet costs such as salary, rent and stationery as well as capital costs. The average grant per project is about £20,000. Previously funded activities include arts, crafts and drama facilities for residents on a deprived estate; funding apart-time caseworker to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people; and supporting people with disabilities to become self-employed. The Board meets every four months. The closing date for applications is four weeks before the Board meeting.
http://www.linksfoundation.org/Default.aspx

2 November 08
HISTORIC SCOTLAND BUILDING REPAIR GRANTS
Under the Historic Scotland Historic Building Repair Grants Scheme, financial help is available to owners to meet the cost of high-quality repairs using traditional materials and specialist craftsman to conserve original features in buildings of special architectural or historic interest. In return, owners must insure and maintain the building and allow some access to visitors. Financial help is available to owners in both the private and public sectors (home owners, trusts, commercial undertakings, local authorities) to meet the cost of high-quality repairs. Applicants must be organisations or individuals who have a legal responsibility for the repair of a historic building. You will normally need to own the building, or hold a full repairing lease, which has at least 21 years to run, or be able to demonstrate that you have an agreement to acquire the property in question. There are a number of criteria which have to be met before an award can be considered. The building must be of sufficient outstanding architectural or historic interest; the building must be at serious risk from neglect or repair.; and a need for grant for repairs to be undertaken must be demonstrated. The grants awarded range from £10,000 to £500,000. The next closing date for applications is the 31st January 2009.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/heritage/grants/building-repair-grants.htm

2 November 08
GREEN ENERGY TRUST
Local community groups and not for profit organisations and charities within the UK can apply for grants for the installation of renewable technologies. The funding which is available through the Green Energy Trust will provide grants of up to 25,000 (but most projects receive around £10,000) for up to half the cost of the chosen renewable technology. The maximum amount would only be awarded to exceptional projects that tick all the boxes and demonstrate real value for money. Projects also need to have a really strong community benefit and wider educational element. The Trust considers all kinds of renewable technologies, including small-scale hydro, wind power, biomass, landfill gas, solar energy and ground source heat pumps. Applications involving other technologies may also qualify for support. Grant requests must be to support the capital and installation costs of a renewable energy project. The Trust meets three times a year to consider applications - usually during the first week of September and December then April 2009. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications will be screened for eligibility and completeness as long as they are received seven weeks prior to the Trustees'' meetings, with the final deadline being four weeks before the meeting.
http://www.scottishpowergreentrust.co.uk

2 November 08
GRANTS TO PROMOTE WALKING
The Paths for All Partnership has announced that it has funding available to fund new and innovative ways of promoting walking for health. The aim of Paths to Health is to increase the health and well-being of inactive people by promoting regular walking within local communities. The funding is available to any organisation, group or partnership within Scotland, which can demonstrate that it is working in the interests of the wider community. Funding is available through two funding streams: The small grants schemes for grant of up to £2,000, and the large grants scheme for grants of between £2,000 and £40,000 for projects lasting up to three years. Applications should demonstrate the involvement of the local community in planning and running local projects. The development of volunteers within the community to help run the scheme is integral to achieving long-term sustainability of led walk programmes. In addition grants of up to £2,000 are available to businesses that introduce walk to work initiatives. The Paths for All Partnerships would encourage any potential applicant to discuss any proposals with the Paths to Health team as soon as possible. Applications for small grants can be made at any time and for large grants the application deadline is the 5th January 2009.
http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/pathstohealth/grants.asp

2 November 08
SOCIETY FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF LADIES IN REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES
The Society for the Assistance of Ladies in Reduced Circumstances, which was founded in 1886 and provides support to women resident in the United Kingdom who are living alone in their own home (either owned or rented) and in genuine need, irrespective of age or social status, has announced that in 2009 it will make £50,000 available for grants to other organisations. Although the Trustees have decided that their principal charitable activity will remain the making of grants to individual women , applications will also be considered for funding towards projects which represent the complete work of a small organisation, or a particular undertaking by a larger one. In order to meet the requirements of the Society''s governing document, the Trustees will only consider applications for support for projects which are for the exclusive benefit of women in financial need. The Society cannot consider projects which also benefit men; children; and women who are not in financial need The Trustees intend short listing applications at their meeting in April 2009. The closing date for applications is 15 March 2009. All applicants must complete the online application form.
www.salrc.org/institutional_grants.htm

2 November 08
LEFEVRE TRUST
The Lefèvre Trust has grants of up to £10,000 to support innovative projects between young people aged 11-19 in France and the UK. Funding is available for groups of young people from across the UK and France. All types of groups are eligible to apply including youth groups, extra-curricular clubs, sports teams, school groups, theatre troupes, arts organisations, 6th form and FE colleges. Projects need to have a specific theme and aims and examples of these are detailed on the website
www.britishcouncil.org/schoolpartnerships-france-lefevre-trust.htm
The next deadline is 31 October 2008 for visits starting after 1 January 2009 and 31 January 2009 for visits starting after 1 April 2009. Visit the website for more information. You can also email stephen.hull@britishcouncil.org or telephone 020 7389 4665.

2 November 08
CO-OPERATIVE COMMUNITY FUND
The Co-operative Community Dividend has become the Co-operative Membership Community Fund. Grants are available between £100 and £5,000 to support a wide range of capital and revenue costs around the themes of the relief of poverty, improving education and other purposes benefiting the community. You must be within near to a Co-op outlet. More information and a store locator is available on the website: www.co-operative.coop/ourcampaigns/modernco-operation/communityfund

2 November 08
FUNDING TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL INCLUSION
The Friends Provident Foundation makes grants of up to £200,000 to not-for profit organisations for projects that address financial exclusion within disadvantaged communities. The funding is distributed through the Financial Inclusion Programme 2007 - 2009. The Foundation will consider applications for work that will make a strategic contribution to the overall outcome of financial inclusion in the UK. The Foundation will consider requests for capital or revenue funding, core funds or project costs. The Foundation is willing to consider applications from any type of legally independent organisation, but can only support work that is legally charitable. The next closing date for applications is the 24th October 2008.
http://digbig.com/4xmrk

7 September 08
COMIC RELIEF - SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME
Comic Relief will not be accepting applications for its main funding programme until early 2009, however its Small Grants Programmes (for grants up to the value of £5000) is still running. The final application deadline for the Disadvantaged Communities and the Older People programme is 30th September 2008. However, due to funds still being available in the Mental Health small grants programme the final deadline date for this programme is 12th December 2008. The main programmes will be re-launched in line with the Red Nose Day Programmes in early 2009. To find out more about the Small Grants go to www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk

7 September 08
WOMEN'S FUND FOR SCOTLAND
The Scottish Community Foundation aims to help Scotland's communities become stronger, believing that stronger communities will be more successful communities, with a better quality of life for everyone. They believe that women play a crucial role in creating and sustaining strong communities, but that there are often barriers which prevent their participation or engagement with local opportunities, or stop them fulfilling their potential to play a role within the broader community. The Women's Fund for Scotland seeks to address these barriers at a local level. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to:
. Organisations predominantly run by and for women
. Organisations with women-only projects, which seek to support and empower women.
Applicants must be constituted not-for-profit groups, and as of 2008 organisations with an annual income over £250,000 may no longer apply to this programme. To find out more, go to www.scottishcommunityfoundation.com
Deadline: 12 December 2008

7 September 08
DRINKAWARE TRUST
The Drinkaware Trust offers small grants of up to £2,500 normally to projects throughout the UK, in particular to reduce alcohol misuse amongst under-18s and / or to raise awareness about long-term health harms caused by hazardous or harmful levels of drinking. Projects supported fall into five general areas:
Theatre in education projects
Educational workshops and training, including peer-led education
Public education campaigns
Production or purchase of educational resources
Conferences
Apply at any time, you should hear the outcome within five to ten weeks.
For more information, go to www.drinkawaretrust.org.uk/grants.html or
tel: 020 7307 7450.

7 September 08
VOLUNTARY ACTION FUND: VOLUNTEERING SCOTLAND GRANT SCHEME
The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has confirmed that its flagship volunteering investment fund is once more open for business. The Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme (VSGS) can provide grant for up to three years for projects that attract harder to reach volunteers. The philosophy behind VSGS is simple: that with dedicated resources, organisations can develop and sustain high quality volunteering opportunities for people who need more support to get involved; and that with this extra resource of volunteers, the organisation can enrich its services.
Applications for grant are now invited. Substantial grants for one or two years are available, as well as one-off small grants of £5,000 to smaller organisations.
To download an application form and guidance notes please go to
http://www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk/grant-schemes/vsgs
The closing date for the second round of the main grants (for one and two years) is 30 September 2008. Applications for small grants are considered throughout the year.

7 September 08
THE LINKS FOUNDATION
What''s It For? Support for community projects.
Who Can Apply? Community based organisations in the UK.
What Is Available? There is no set amount, but average awards are around £20k.
Details: The Links Foundation funds a wide range of community-based projects. All applications must show the positive impact a project could have on a community.
Funding can be for new or existing projects and can help meet capital and revenue costs.
Applications are considered 3 times per year.
More Info: The Links Foundation http://www.linksfoundation.org/Default.aspx

7 September 08
ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE SCHOOLS ETC AWARDS
The national learning charity ContinYou, is inviting schools and children's centres, youth groups and community groups, as well as clusters of schools and/or children's centres to enter the Schools ETC Awards. This year schools, etc, can enter the awards and win a first prize of £2,000 and a runner's up prize of £1,000. Each year the award has a different theme. This year the theme is "Enjoy and Achieve": putting the smile back into learning. Schools and other eligible organisations, are invited to submit entries that show how their activities and programmes have inspired children and young people to learn; and encouraged families and communities to get involved, to learn together. Previous examples of activities that have caught the imagination of the Schools ETC team include the dads and lads group at Kelleholm Primary, Dumfries, who, after a visit to a local castle constructed their own model trebuchets. They held a competition to see which of their mini siege engines could launch a brussels sprout the furthest. This activity was one element of an ongoing programme aimed at getting fathers involved in their children''s education, and linked in with support for the fathers through training, volunteering and employability opportunities. Entries to the Award may be for a one-off event (for example: a family literacy day), a programme that takes place over a limited period of time (for example: a summer play scheme) or an ongoing activity (for example: an after-school club). The closing date for entries is the 21st October 2008.
www.continyou.org.uk/subscribe/schools_etc_and_etc_online/awards_2008

7 September 08
FUNDING AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY RECYCLING (SCOTLAND)
Not for profit community based organisations that are interested in developing projects that help to in the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste are invited to apply for funding through the Increase III programme. The INCREASE III programme is a £7.5 million grants programme being delivered through a partnership between the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS). Through the programme four types of funding are available: "Increase Prevention" which provides grants of between £5,000 and £300,000 for projects that relate to the prevention of waste; "Increase Enterprise" which provides grants of between £5,000 and £300,000 for projects that aim to recycle, reuse or compost household, commercial and industrial waste; "Increase Capacity", with grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 for projects that relate to the employment capacity, backfill of key operational positions freeing up time for organisational or activity development; and "Increase Small", with grants of up to £5,000, for projects that relate to the purchase of plant and machinery, health and safety equipment, provision of licenses, permits and training for organisations with a turnover of less than £100,000.. The deadline for applications is the 1st October 2008.
http://www.crns.org.uk/increase/

7 September 08
GRANTS TO PROMOTE WALKING
The Paths for All Partnership has announced that it has funding available to fund new and innovative ways of promoting walking for health. The aim of Paths to Health is to increase the health and well-being of inactive people by promoting regular walking within local communities. The funding is available to any organisation, group or partnership within Scotland, which can demonstrate that it is working in the interests of the wider community. Funding is available through two funding streams. The small grants schemes for grant of up to £2,000; and the large grants scheme for grants of between £2,000 and £40,000 for projects lasting up to three years. Applications should demonstrate the involvement of the local community in planning and running local projects. The development of volunteers within the community to help run the scheme is integral to achieving long-term sustainability of led walk programmes. In addition grants of up to £2,000 are available to businesses that introduce walk to work initiatives. The Paths for All Partnerships would encourage any potential applicant to discuss any proposals with the Paths to Health team as soon as possible. Applications for small grants can be made at any time and for large grants the application deadline is the 1st October 2008 http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/pathstohealth/grants.asp

7 September 08
SUPPORT FOR WOODLAND PROJECTS
Funding for local woodland projects is available through the Local Forestry Challenge Funds. These form part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and are administered by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). Under the scheme, two funds are available: Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT), and Forestry for People. The WIAT Challenge Fund aims to bring urban woodland into sustainable management and improve recreation facilitates by carrying out an agreed programme of work. The funding is targeted at woods within 1 km of settlements with a population of over 2000 people and The type of work that could be supported includes; development of woodland management plans; silvicultural work to improve woodland structure and condition; and construction of new or improved recreation facilities including footpaths. The Forestry for People Challenge Fund covers all Scotland, including the WIAT areas. It supports local involvement in woodland projects for health, learning and strengthening communities. Examples of this might include; setting up walking initiatives; developing natural play areas; delivering rehabilitation programmes in woodland; developing continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for teachers; establishing volunteer groups; developing not-for-profit initiatives such as green exercise projects. Application can be made by landowners, local authorities, schools community based organisations and other not for profit organisations. The first closing date for applications will be Friday 12th September 2008.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-7epeed

4 July 08
Highland 2007 Legacy Programme is Launched
The Highland Council has launched the Highland 2007 Legacy Programme, providing an annual fund of £500,000 in grants to build upon the success of Highland 2007. The programme aims to enhance and to promote the events, festivals and cultural programme of the Highlands. Community organisations, promoters, artists, performers, youth groups and schools are now being encouraged to create their own legacy of Highland 2007 and to submit their applications. The deadline for the first tranche of applications is Friday 22 August 2008. The deadline for the next tranche is 6 February 2009.

4 July 08
FINAL CALL FOR COMIC RELIEF UK GRANTS APPLICATIONS DEADLINES 2008
Comic Relief is reminding Scottish charities and community groups that the final deadline for applications to their current main grants programme is 15 August 2008.

Under the main grants programme, awards are usually made for up to three years and are typically between £5000 and £100,000.

The 5 main grants programme areas are:

. Young people 11-21 experiencing problems with alcohol, mental health or affected by prostitution
& trafficking;
. Older People;
. Refugees and asylum seekers;
. Mental health;
. Domestic Violence

Applications for small grants of up to £5000 (for work with older people, user-led mental health groups or disadvantaged communities) can be made at any time. The final deadline for small grants applications is expected to be late 2008 and will be advertised on the website. The grant making guidelines provide full details of each programme and these are available on their website www.comicrelief.com

New UK and overseas grants programmes will be launched in 2009.

Further Information Please Contact:
Grant Inquiries: UK Grants Team - 020 7820 5555
Or email ukgrants@comicrelief.org.uk

. For further information about the Comic Relief grants programme and how to apply, please download the UK Grant Making Guidelines and application pack from www.comicrelief.com  Alternatively you can send a self addressed A4 envelope with 85p postage to: UK Grants Team, Comic Relief 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP.

. Large print, Braille and audiotape versions are available on request.

. The purpose of any work must be charitable.

. Comic Relief exists to tackle poverty and promote social justice in the UK and Africa.

. Since its launch in 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £425 million to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the UK and Africa to help themselves.

. Comic Relief is a registered charity, number 326568.

4 July 08
HISTORIC SCOTLAND - DIRECT FUNDING OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR 2009-12
Historic Scotland''s annual funding application round covering the three financial years beginning 2009/10 is open. Applicants should be aware that there continues to be a heavy demand for grant-assistance and that the application appraisal process will involve priority being given to those applications that clearly demonstrate activities that assist or compliment Historic Scotland's own activities, especially with regard to meeting its ongoing corporate plan targets. Completed applications require to be returned to Historic Scotland by September 30, 2008 with initial decisions on the award of grant scheduled to be made by November 30, 2008.
For more information contact Martin Ross on 0131 668 8805 or Thomas Knowles on 0131 668 8819. For an application form go to
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/heritage/grants/grants-voluntary-sector-funding.htm

4 July 08
FAIRER SCOTLAND FUND
From: Scottish Government
What''s It For?: Improving social inclusion and community regeneration in Scotland.
Who Can Apply?: Charitable organisations delivering targeted services.
What Is Available?: Variable.
Details: The Fairer Scotland Fund aims to tackle poverty and deprivation across Scotland. Community Planning Partnerships around Scotland are responsible for allocating and managing and the Fund (valued at £145million) until 2011. Funding priorities will be based on local authority
Single Outcome agreements.
More Info:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/regeneration-/fairer-scotland-fund/Q-A

4 July 08
SCOTTISH INVESTMENT FUND
The Scottish Investment Fund is a £30m fund provided by the Scottish Government to be delivered between 2008-2011 and beyond. It provides innovative support to third sector organisations through strategic investment in individual organisations supported by integral business support and management development. The fund supports established third sector organisations by investing in assets, business development and skills of people. It aims to secure a transformational step change in an organisation's activity by taking it to the next level. For more information on the Scottish Investment Fund please view our Investment Strategy:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/15300/funding/scottishinvestmentfund

4 July 08
GUIDES TO PROCUREMENT AND NEGOTIATION FROM ACEVO
- four briefings about tendering for voluntary organisations, based on feedback from the sector.
The four briefings cover negotiation, tendering and bidding, VAT, and impact reporting are intended to help third sector organisations diversify income by helping them to manage procurement and negotiation processes.
http://digbig.com/4xdcs

4 July 08
GRANTS THAT INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TO DEAL WITH ALCOHOL ISSUES
Organisations such as community groups, universities and charities, etc are able to apply for funding to the Alcohol Education and Research Council (AERC) for projects that increase the capacity of individuals and organisations to deal with alcohol issues . The grants are being made available under a number of different funding programmes. These include research grants to develop the evidence base in order to inform and influence policy and practice and development grants to develop the capacity of people and organisations to address alcohol issues. The AERC
expects to fund projects of around £50,000 which should be completed in one, two or three years. The application deadline for research and development grants is September 2008. The AERC also makes grants of up to £5,000 under its Small Grants Programme. Under the Small grants
programme, priority will be given to evidence based projects, pilot research studies or demonstration projects with a strong evaluation component. Applications to the small grants programme can be made at any time. In addition the Council also offers a limited number of Studentships on a competitive basis to students who are working in the alcohol field and wish to acquire appropriate professional qualifications by following a Taught Course. Grants awarded in the past have been for projects that; address alcohol issues within specific ethnic communities;
promote safe and sensible attitudes to alcohol in children and their families; and projects that reduce underage consumption of alcohol.
http://www.aerc.org.uk/grants.html

4 July 08
GREENPRINTS
The SITA Trust has announced that the next application deadline for its Green Prints programme is the 22nd August 2008. Through the GreenPrints programme grants of up to £10,000 as well as practical support and advice are available to enable young people to make a real difference to the communities in which they live. The funding is open to not for profit organisations for projects designed and delivered by groups of volunteers aged 16 to 25. One of the most unusual elements of this programme is the individual, dedicated mentor-support that will be provided by the BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts to assist with the practical delivery of every single project that is supported. A project currently supported through the programme is the Reclaim Primrose Hill project. This project brings together young people from Primrose Hill in Coventry who will work with local residents and community groups to reclaim their local park, transforming it from a neglected space into an inviting park that can be enjoyed by the community
http://www.sitatrust.org.uk/apply/greenprints

4 July 08
FIRST LIGHT MOVIES ANNOUNCES NEW APPLICATION DEADLINES
First Light Movies provides grants to projects that enable young people to participate in all aspects of film productions. Since launching in 2001, First Light Movies have enabled over 12,000 young filmmakers to write, act, shoot, light, direct and produce over 800 films. The funding is available to
organisations such as schools, youth services, community and voluntary groups, etc that work with young people aged between 5 and 18. Grants are available through three funding streams. The Pilot Awards which provides grants of up to £5,000 for the production of a 5 minute film, the Studio Awards, which provides grants of up to £25,000 for films up to 10 minutes long and What's the Big Idea Awards which provides grants of £3,000 to develop ideas and stories for films. The deadlines for applications are the 14th October 2008 for the Studio Awards. The What's The Big Idea? Award and the Pilot Awards will both reopen for applications on the 16th July 2008 with a closing date of the 16th September 2008.Applicants need to be organisations that work with young people.
http://www.firstlightmovies.com/

4 July 08
PILOT PROJECT - SUPPORTING MOBILITY IN DIFFERENT CULTURAL SECTORS
The European Commission has issued a call for proposals for Pilot Project to support, on an experimental basis, initiatives that enable people working in the cultural sector within the European Union to travel outside of their country of residence in order to perform, learn, create, cooperate and exchange for professional purposes. This can include artists of all disciplines, cultural workers, practitioners, cultural institution managers, producers, promoters, researchers, journalists, operators in the cultural area, etc. The funding is being made available to networks of cultural organisations encompassing at least 5 partners from at least 5 different Member States. All the partners have to have supported mobility of cultural workers within the EU or between the EU and third countries for a minimum of 2 years. Applications must be received by the 30 September 2008, and activities to be co-financed must start no later than 1 December 2008. The grants available will range between ?150 000 and ?350 000
http://ec.europa.eu/culture/calls-for-proposals/call1440_en.htm

4 July 08
FIRST MINISTER ANNOUNCES LOTTERY LEGACY FOR 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The First Minister, Alex Salmond has announced that the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland will launch a ''2014 Communities'' fund to create a lasting community legacy from Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 2014 Communities'' fund will have an initial budget of £500,000 between 2008 and 2009 to enable people and communities to participate in the Games whether that be through taking part in sport, volunteering, learning new skills or by arranging celebratory events marking Scotland''s place in the Commonwealth. The Big Lottery Fund is keen for people and communities to have their say in where Lottery money could go in support of Glasgow''s 2014 Commonwealth Games. On 19th June BIG hosted a discussion at ''The Gathering'' giving everyone involved in the voluntary and community sector, community enterprise and grassroots sport the opportunity to express their views. Those who were unable to attend the event will still be able to take part in the discussion online by logging onto www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ b2014 from Friday 20 June.
http://digbig.com/4xddq

4 July 08
ELIZABETH FINN CARE - GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS
Do you provide advice and support to people in crisis? People who were once self-sufficient and holding down responsible jobs but who are now facing hardship due to physical or mental health problems, redundancy, family breakdown, bereavement, caring responsibilities or inadequate pensions in retirement.

Elizabeth Finn Care is the UK's largest, independent, direct grant-giving charity helping individuals of British or Irish nationality, their partners and children with one-off grants or regular allowances towards meeting life's essentials. We can make a real difference to their lives by giving practical help, advice and support; most importantly, we listen and care, restoring hope for the future and welcoming into the Elizabeth Finn ''family''.
For more information, see our website at www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk

4 July 08
HILTON HOTEL VOUCHERS FOR PRIZES/FUNDRAISING:
Since 2005, in response to huge ongoing demand from charities and good causes, Hilton Hotels agreed to donate a limited number of accommodation vouchers for use by charities for raffle or auction prizes at their fundraising events. The Foundation manages this process and to enter the monthly draw to receive a voucher, requests should be made by Email: info@hilton-foundation.org.uk Whether successful or unsuccessful, to maintain a fair response we require that organisations leave a gap of three months between each request. Please note that once awarded, these vouchers cannot be transferred, extended or exchanged.

4 July 08
HILTON IN THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
AIMS: The Foundation makes grants to a wide range of charities and organisations that meet one of our three chosen areas of focus:
Young People - Education;
Young People - Health;
Disaster Relief and International Fund.

GRANT SIZES & APPLICATION
PROCESS: Completed applications are first assessed by the Foundation office, with grants of up to £5,000 approved by the Director. The Director will also assess Sponsored Grant requests received from Hilton hotels and offices. Applications for more than £5,000 are reviewed by the Grants Committee, with a shortlist of approximately 20 of the strongest and regionally representative applications put forward by the Foundation office for their consideration. If favoured, grant applications for up to £10,000 can be approved by the Committee, and applications for more than £10,000 are recommended to the Trustees for final approval. However, the Foundation is a small charity and generally will not make awards of over £50,000 (per year). Funding can be requested for up to 3 years for any particular project. Guidance and application forms are available on website below.
CONTACT: Hilton in the Community Foundation, 179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UL Tel: 020 7605 7733 Fax: 020 7605 7736 Email: info@hiltonfoundation.org.uk
Website: http://www.hilton-foundation.org.uk
DEADLINES: Remaining application deadlines in 2008 are: 4 August 2008 for Grants Committee Meeting 3 September 2008; 28 October 2008 for Grants Committee Meeting 29 November 2008.

4 July 08
KELLOGGS ACTIVE LIVING FUND
AIMS: To fund projects and activities that directly lead to people taking part in sustained physical activity. The Kellogg's Active Living Fund is very keen to fund activities that enable adults and children to exercise together and help remove the "barriers" which stop people being active.

PRIORITIES; Applications can be considered for projects engaging with young people up to 25 years of age. However priority will be given to applications requesting support for family units - children and adults undertaking physical activity together. They are particularly looking for projects that are innovative in their approach to involve children or young people and their families.

EXCLUSIONS; They cannot consider applications for contributions to larger/major appeals. (Where the overall project cost would not cover at least 50% of the total project cost)
They will not make a grant: To individual athletes, sportsmen and women; For costs associated with salaries or posts; To profit making organisations; Towards transport costs, as all projects should be accessible to ensure sustainability; To applications where the request does not directly support the activity being undertaken, for example the fund will consider a request for equipment, but not for maintenance on a building being used; To retrospective applications, where the activity has either taken place or has commenced at the time an application is considered by the Kellogg's panel; For costs relating to refreshments.

GRANT SIZE; The maximum grant request that will be considered is £1,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS; The Active Living Community Fund is being administered by The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester. All correspondence will be with The Community Foundation.

CONTACT: For any queries in relation to this application or if you would like help or support in completing your application form please contact Louise Daly Tel: 0161 214 0940
Email: kelloggs@communityfoundation.co.uk
Website: www.kelloggs.co.uk/company/corporateresponsibility/activelivingfund/

4 July 08
TESCO CHARITY TRUST - COMMUNITY AWARDS
AIMS: To provide practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children, the elderly and adults and children with disabilities, living in the local communities around their stores in the UK.
ELIGIBILITY: There are two categories of Community Awards:
1. Grants to support children's welfare and/or children's educations (including special needs
schools);
2 Grants to support elderly people and/or adults and children with disabilities
There are two rounds of funding every year for each category, with the timescales:
GRANT SIZES: The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one off donations of between £1,000 and £4,000. Tesco also gives a 20% top-up to monies raised by Tesco employees for charity
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please note charities can only make one application each year. Decisions are made by the Tesco Charity Trustees in conjunction with the regional Community Co-ordinators who are based across the UK.
CONTACT: Tesco Charity Trust, New Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Herts, EN8 9SL
Tel: 01992 646768
Website: http://www.tescocorporate.com/charitiesandfundraising.htm

DEADLINES: Grants for children's education and children's welfare - Applications can be made between 1st December & 31st January: Decisions are made in April. Or Between 1st May & 30th June. Decisions are made in September
Grants for elderly people and adults and children with disabilities - Applications can be made between 1st February & 31st March. Decisions are made in June. OR between 1st August & 30th September. Decisions are made in December.

4 July 08
CHANGING LIVES
AIMS: Crisis is the national homeless charity, dedicated to providing realistic opportunities for single homeless people to move towards financial independence. Changing Lives is its grant awarding project, and provides financial awards of up to £2500 to people who have been homeless to help them move towards a work based vocational goal. The award could be used to pay for a course, for materials to use at work or for start up equipment to set up a business.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants should be over 18, be free from substance misuse and have permanent leave to remain in the UK. They should not be rough sleeping or squatting. They should also be working with a support worker and support organisation, who will provide a reference and take on the award on behalf of Crisis if the applicant is successful.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Application packs and frequently asked questions are available for download from their website.
CONTACT: Please feel free to contact them at: CRISIS, 66 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT
Tel: 0844 251 0111 Email: changing.lives@crisis.org.uk 
Website: www.crisis.org.uk
DEADLINE: The next round of applications is open from: 19 May until 12 noon on 11 July 2008.

4 July 08
THE ALFRED FAGON PLAYWRIGHTING AWARD
Deadline: 31 August 2008
The Alfred Fagon Award of £5,000 is open to any playwright of Caribbean or African descent, resident in the UK, for the best new stage play in English, which need not have been produced. Each entrant may submit only one play (television, radio and film scripts will not be considered).
For more information about the award visit www.alfredfagonaward.co.uk

4 July 08
WASTE RECYCLING ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED (WREN) LAUNCHES SMALL GRANT SCHEME
Small grants can make a big difference WREN is pleased to announce the launch of its new small grant scheme. The scheme has been designed for projects with a total cost of under £50,000 and grants can be awarded between £2,000 and £15,000. Typical projects suitable under the WREN small grant scheme might include village halls or community centres, skates parks and play areas, footpaths or towpaths, cycleways or museums.
In Cheshire, as an example of how a small grant can make a big difference, WREN awarded £3,500 to the red squirrel captive breeding programme at Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington. The project aims to establish breeding pairs for release in to suitable areas where red squirrel
populations have been in decline.
To find out more about how the WREN small grants scheme could benefit your project either contact WREN on 01953 717165 or visit the WREN small grant scheme section:
http://www.wren.org.uk/how-to-apply/small-grants

WREN distributes £15 million annually to eligible projects under the Landfill Communities Fund. Waste Recycling Group (WRG) set up WREN to ensure its landfill tax credits are used cost effectively and benefit the maximum number of people, especially those who live near landfill sites.
For more information on WRG visit www.wrg.co.uk

4 July 08
THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION ARTISTIC GRANTS
The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is now accepting applications from cultural organisations and individual artists for artistic project grants. This funding supports artistic projects that show vision in illuminating the issues of diversity in Europe. In particular, the EF is looking to support projects that are exploring a wide spectrum of European diversity; projects reflecting on Europeanness and European developments in an innovative way; projects involving an innovative creative process and a visible end product; and projects that have a legacy for the future. Projects will be assessed specifically on their artistic quality. Artistic uniqueness and European relevance are the main selection criteria. Eligible projects are; new projects -being at its initial phase-, as opposed to ongoing projects; projects of artistic originality and European relevance; projects with an expected completion date of no later than 18 months after the contract has been signed (estimated November 2008). The average grants offered are between E30,000 and E60,000. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2008.
http://www.eurocult.org/we-support-cultural-cooperation/grants/

4 July 08
THE BAILY THOMAS CHARITABLE FUND
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund is a registered charity which was established primarily to aid the research into learning disability and to aid the care and relief of those affected by learning disability by making grants to voluntary organisations (including schools and Parent Teacher Associations) within the UK and the Republic of Ireland working in this field. The Trust consider under learning disability the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, they consider projects concerning children or adults. Learning disability, thus defined, is a priority for funding. They will not offer grants for research into or care of those with mental illness or dyslexia. They offer grants from £250. The next deadline for applications is 1 October 2008.
http://www.bailythomas.org.uk/

4 July 08
EU ANNOUNCES NEXT CALL FOR LIFE + PROPOSALS
The European Commission has announced that it will launch the next call for proposals for projects funded by the LIFE+ programme on the 15th July 2008. The LIFE + programme is the EU''s main fund for supporting environmental projects. With a budget of ?2.143 billion, Life + (2007 -13) will address all four priority areas of the Sixth Environment Action Programme. These are; climate change; nature and biodiversity; health and quality of life; and natural resources and waste. Life + is divided into a number of funding strands that will support; best practice or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the EU''s Birds and Habitats Directives; innovative and demonstration projects that halt the loss of biodiversity; projects that contribute to the implementation of Community environmental policy; and projects that implement communication and awareness raising campaigns on environmental, nature protection or biodiversity conservation issues, as well as projects related to forest fire prevention Applicants may wish to start preparing their proposals already, using the existing application forms and guidelines from the 2007 call. Those doing so should bear in mind that there will be some changes in the forms and guidelines that will be published on 15 July 2008.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm

4 July 08
FUNDING TO TACKLE CONSUMER AND FINANCIAL ILLITERACY
The MSE Charity provides grants to individuals and not for profit organisations tackling consumer and debt illiteracy. The charity which has been set up by the financial website "moneysavingexpert.com" provides grants to individuals of up to £500 to help pay towards a recognised and approved course that will help improve their ability to budget and manage their finances. The money can be used to pay for course fees or other necessary expenses. Organisation can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that will help educate people about money/debt/consumer issues. The ''Grant Approval Panel'' meets three times a year but expressions of interest in applying to the charity can be submitted at any time.
http://www.msecharity.com/index.html?pid=1

4 July 08
GATEWAY EXCHANGE FUND
The Gateway Exchange Fund aims to support those who are seeking funding assistance to promote healing, creative self expression, transformation and renewal through innovative projects which can make a difference in areas of deprivation and need throughout Scotland.
Grant awards of up to £5,000 will be available to constitution, not for profit groups. Priority for grant awards will be given to projects which seek to involve or empower people to move on with their lives or fulfil their potential, where they would otherwise not have the opportunity. For example, ex-offenders, people recovering from addiction or individuals with mental health problems or recovering from abuse. In particular, creative projects involving the arts or those with therapeutic, healing and spiritual benefits will be a priority.
The fund does not receive direct applications, so please apply via the Scottish Community Foundation on 0131 524 0300 or 0141 225 6670. Or to read more about it go to www.scottishcf.org/page11264.cfm

4 July 08
RED NOSE DAY PROGRAMME 2005 - 2008
Comic Relief, has announced that its main grants programme is now open for applications. The main grants programme provides grants of over £5,000 to community and voluntary groups for projects relating to; older people; young people; mental health; refugees and asylum seekers; domestic violence; and disadvantaged communities. Funding is available for between one and three years and the level of grant support is likely to be between £15,000 and £40,000 per year for projects at local level; and higher for projects at regional and national level or for projects that can be replicated. The application deadline for the main grants programme is the 15th August 2008. In addition, the programme also makes grants of less than £5,000 for projects relating to older people; mental health; and disadvantaged communities through its small grants programme. The small grants programme is only open to organisations with a yearly turnover of less than £150,000 per year. Applications to the small grants programme can be made at any time.
http://www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk/

4 July 08
NATIONAL LIFELONG LEARNING STRATEGIES
The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, has issued a call for proposals to support the development of coherent and comprehensive National Lifelong Learning Strategies. The objectives of this call include supporting trans-national cooperation in the development and implementation of effective national lifelong learning strategies at both the national and regional level; to support the identification of the main critical factors influencing the successful development of national lifelong learning strategies; and to exchange experiences and good practice. This call is open to organisations established in the countries participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme. Applications may only be made by consortia consisting of organisations drawn from 3 or more countries. Beneficiaries can exclusively be public authorities or bodies at the national or regional level who are responsible for developing and implementing coherent and comprehensive lifelong learning strategies. Applications must be submitted by a legal person. The maximum grant is of ?200,000. The deadline for applications is 13 August 2008.
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/llp/nlls/2008/funding_en.html

4 July 08
CULTURE PROGRAMME (2007-2013)
The European Commission has announced the latest call for proposals under its Culture programme 2007 - 13. The aim of the programme is to support projects that enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans with a view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship. This call for proposals aims to support multi-annual cooperation projects that foster trans-national cultural links; cooperation measures that develop long term cooperation between cultural organisations within at least three eligible countries; literary translation projects that enhance knowledge of the literature and literary heritage of fellow European countries; cooperation projects with third countries outside of the EU aimed at cultural exchanges; and bodies active at European level in the field of culture that wish to expand their work at European level. The level of funding depends on under which strands applications are made and range from ?2,000 to ?500,000 for projects lasting between 1 and 5 years. The programme supports projects, organisations, promotional activities and research in all branches of culture, except the audiovisual branch for which there is a separate programme named MEDIA. The closing date for cooperation projects is the 1st October 2008; for literacy translation projects the 1st February 2009; cultural cooperation projects with third countries the 1st May 2009; and for support for organisations active at European level in the field of culture, the 1st November 2008.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2008:141:0027:0031:EN:PDF

4 July 08
CALL FOR PROPOSALS- PROJECTS ON LOCAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT
The European Commission has issued a call for proposals to identify and share good practices in the field of Local Employment Development (LED) and to provide inputs for the development of future local and regional employment strategies. A key aim of this call for proposals is to develop projects involving older Member States who may be willing to exchange their experiences in developing LEDs with other newer Member States. Applications should focus on the sharing LED practices as experienced in one Member State with at least two other Member States. This call for proposals is open to public authorities or state or semi-state agencies5 at central or regional level from the EU Member States and other participating EEA/EFTA countries as well as non-profit organisations active mainly in the area of employment policy, quality of work or social inclusion may also submit proposals on the condition that they are active at international, national or regional level and submit a proposal in partnership with a public authority or state or semi-state agencies. The total available budget is EUR 1.165.000. The intention is to finance no more than 8 projects from the total budget. The closing date for applications is the 14th July 2008.
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/emplweb/tenders/tenders_en.cfm?id=3245

4 July 08
SCOTTISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: COMMUNITY GRANTS
What's It For? Support for general community development projects.
Who Can Apply? Small charities (with an income of up to £250,000 per annum).
What Is Available? Up to £5,000.
Details:
This programme makes grants to a wide range of constituted groups involved in social welfare and community development activities. Funding is directed at locally based work carried out, and often initiated by, members of that local community.
More Info:
Scottish Community Foundation http://www.scottishcommunityfoundation.com

4 July 08
SCOTTISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: SPORT RELIEF FUND
What's It For? Using sport to strengthen communities.
Who Can Apply? Charities and community groups in Scotland.
What Is Available? Between £1,000 and £10,000.
Details:
Sport Relief (set up by Comic Relief and BBC Sport) applications in Scotland are managed by the Scottish Community Foundation.
Projects funded will be those that use sport and exercise to strengthen communities and provide opportunities for people who are excluded or disadvantaged. This may be through low income, rural or social isolation, age, disability, race, sexuality or gender.
Sport Relief is not simply about supporting sports activities or helping sports clubs expand, it´s about helping organisations that want to use sport and exercise to work with disadvantaged or excluded people and improve their quality of life. Priorities in Scotland are:
# Increasing access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion or isolation;
# Helping people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives to regain their confidence and self-
esteem.
More Info: Scottish Community Foundation http://www.scottishcf.org

4 July 08
THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE FUND
The Climate Challenge Fund aims to help Scottish communities make a real difference by significantly reducing their carbon emissions. The Fund was proposed by the Scottish Greens during the 2007 election, and adopted by the Scottish Government as part of the budget negotiations earlier this year. Grants are available to empower communities to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment.
http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf.asp

4 July 08
SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL: YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE:
What''s It For? Supporting young people in music.
Who Can Apply? Arts organisations in Scotland.
What Is Available? Up to £30,000.
Details:
Informal sector - Small grants to support programmes of musical activity aimed at young people up to 25 years old. Programmes must include partnerships. - Large grants to support programmes of musical activity aimed at 0-25 years old. Must include partnerships, named music tutors and trainees, training opportunities.
Training and continuing professional development - To support organisations providing training or continuing professional development opportunities which lead to infrastructural development within their organisation or the wider music sector, enabling a greater number of young people to experience quality music tuition and the diversification of music provision.
More Info: Scottish Arts Council http://www.scottisharts.org.uk

4 July 08
RED NOSE DAYS FUNDING PROGRAMME
Comic Relief operates a number of grant schemes through its Red Nose Days funding programme. Grants are provided through both its large grants scheme (over £5,000) and its small grants scheme (under £5,000). Although the application deadline for grants over £5,000 has now passed, registered charities as well as constituted voluntary and community groups can still apply for grants of less than £5,000. Grants are available through six programme areas. These are; Young people; Older People; Mental Health; Refugees & Asylum Seekers; Domestic Violence; and Disadvantaged Communities . The grants are made for between one and three years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no application deadline.
http://www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk/

4 July 08
DIFID ANNOUNCES THE NEXT FUNDING ROUND UNDER ITS DEVELOPMENT AWARENESS FUND
The Department for International Development (DFID) has announced that the next funding round under the Development Awareness Fund will open on the 30th May 2008. The aim of the fund is to promote awareness and understanding of global poverty and development issues. The Fund is open to any UK-based not-for-profit organisation or network to promote public knowledge and understanding of development issues. During the last funding round, 26 UK based organisations received grants totalling £5.6 million for projects including fair trade football tournaments, a project to increase the involvement of older people in the UK in the development debate, radio lessons for schoolchildren in developing countries, and farm visits for 5-11 year olds. Under the DAF, eligible organisations and networks can apply for grants ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 per annum for a maximum of three years.
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/funding/daf.asp

4 July 08
DARE TO CARE
What''s It For?: Raising awareness of child poverty.
Who Can Apply?: Community Groups, Youth Groups, Schools.
What Is Available?: Between £50-£250.
Details: Community Service Volunteers' (CSV) Dare to Care campaign in Scotland offers small grants to groups that can help to end child poverty in Scotland. The Dare to Care programme aims to raise awareness of child poverty in Scotland and what can be done to tackle the issue through volunteering. Grants can support activities that either raise awareness about child poverty or do something practical about it. A wide range of activities can be supported - visit the website for details:
http://www.csv.org.uk/Scotland/

4 March 08
THE PEOPLE'S MILLIONS
Maximum grant: £50,000 + VAT
Total available: £5.5 million for 2008
There will be four head-to-head competitions in each of the 18 ITV regions. That means 72 winning projects. In addition we will make another 18 bonus awards for the runners-up who score highest in each region.
This year the maximum grant will be £50,000 plus VAT.
In The People's Millions we want to fund projects that transform the local environment or provide opportunities or facilities to allow people to take part and enjoy their local area.
More info and application forms at:
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_peoples_millions

4 March 08
TESCO CHARITY TRUST COMMUNITY AWARDS
Community and voluntary groups whose core work is supporting children's welfare or education, elderly people and people with disabilities have the opportunity to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 through the Tesco Charity''s Community Awards. The Tesco Charity Trust has been in existence since 1987 and aims to provide approximately £600,000 in grants each year. Applications are considered in two rounds. Organisations supporting children''s welfare and children''s educational projects, including special needs schools need to apply by the 31st January each year. Organisations supporting elderly people and people with disabilities need to apply by the 30th June 2008.
http://digbig.com/4wrcj

4 March 08
INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES - SUPPORTING 21ST CENTURY LIFE
Through the Supporting 21st Century Life, a wide variety of organisations from the community, public and private sector can apply for funding of between £10,000 and £1 million for projects that encourage communication and connections within and between communities in Scotland and by bringing different generations together. The aim of the programme is to enable people and communities to respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing world and to think and plan ahead together to match future needs and services. The Big Lottery Fund is particularly interested in supporting projects for people with the challenges of parenting especially lone-parents, step families, fathers and grandparents; that gain a better understanding of the changing needs as users of support services; that encourage people from different generations to spend more time together; and projects that give advice and information to encourage relationships, positive connections between people and contact between generations. Projects can apply for one to five years funding. There are two steps involved in applying for funding. The first step involves completing an Outline Proposal Form providing brief information about your project. Those groups invited to continue to the next stage will be required to complete an ''Investing in Communities'' application form.
http://digbig.com/4wrch

4 March 08
£7.5 MILLION FUND TO SUPPORT LOCAL RECYCLING PROJECTS
The Scottish Government has announced the launch of a new £7.5 million fund to support local recycling projects. £2.5 million a year will be available to the voluntary sector over the next three years to support innovative community recycling projects. Money available to community projects can be used towards a range of measures including preventing waste and developing innovation in recycling to help achieve a zero waste Scotland. Projects funded by previous community recycling grants include; the first project to recycle mattresses in the UK; a project in Shetland using recycled glass to create new products; and a project which re-uses carpets. The support for community recycling has four strands: grants for waste prevention; grants for enterprise (recycling); small grants (under £5,000) and capacity building. The waste prevention; enterprise (recycling) and small grants are opening for applications today. Applications for capacity building support will be opening shortly.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/03/11094608

4 March 08
FUNDING FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
Communities across rural Scotland will share £57.7 million to grow local economies, improve rural facilities and conserve the environment. The funding, under the LEADER programme, is the first tranche of money to be released under the £1.6 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme, designed to empower communities at the grass-roots level. LEADER is divided into two main allocations - £38.5 million for the whole of rural Scotland and an additional £19.2m for the Highlands and Islands. The £57.7 million, a joint allocation by the Scottish Government and European Union, will be matched at a local level by public and private funds. Sixteen Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Scotland will administer the funds. Each has successfully applied for funding to be used to implement high-quality local development strategies for their
respective areas. A second round of applications has been launched and it is anticipated that a further four areas will be approved. £6.7 million has been held back to fund the second round of applications.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/03/10143903

VOLUNTARY ACTION FUND: VOLUNTEERING SCOTLAND GRANTS SCHEME
Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has recently been awarded £3.7m from Scottish Government to encourage volunteering. Two new funds are now inviting applications: Race Religion and Refugee Integration Funding Stream 2008-2011 (see Funding Extra 6th March) and Volunteering Scotland Grants Scheme
Volunteering Scotland Grants Scheme
1. Main Grants of up to £35,000 per year are available for projects creating high quality volunteering opportunities involving new volunteers from disadvantaged groups who need additional support to become involved. 1, 2 or 3 year funding is available and priority will be given to small and medium size charities that have existing experience of involving volunteers effectively. Applications for one-year grants can be made at any time. The deadline for applications for two- or three-year grants is 16 May 2008. Decisions will be announced in July 2008 with projects starting in September 2008.
2. Small Grants of up to £5,000 are also available to organisations with few, if any, paid staff. Small Grants can be used to fund volunteer training (including that for voluntary management committee members), planning and consultation events that involve volunteers, staff training where it will lead to the improved involvement of volunteers, attendance at conferences and networking events that are relevant to volunteers etc. Apply at any time.
Further information and application materials for these funding schemes is available on www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk or by phoning 01383 620 780.

4 March 08
PLAYGROUND PARTNERSHIPS 2008
Schools within the UK that wish to improve their play spaces have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Playground Partnerships Initiative 2008. A total of £500,000 is available to fund specific improvements and developments to their play environments. Schools can apply for awards of £1,000, £2,000, £5,000 or £10,000. All schools that are shortlisted will receive at least £250. Schools wishing to apply will first of all need to order the free Playground Partnerships resource pack. To be considered for an award, schools need to submit a folder of work (''portfolio of evidence'') and completed application form (mainstream or special school) by post. Applicants are encouraged to evelop a pupil-led approach; involve the whole school; encourage input from the wider school community and include pupils with special educational needs. The closing date for applications is the 18th July 2008.
http://www.playgroundpartnerships.org/staff-room.php#awards

4 March 08
GREENPRINTS
Funding of up to £10,000, as well as support and practical expertise is available to enable young people to make a real difference to their communities. The funding which is provided through the GreenPrints programme is open to not for profit organisations for projects designed and delivered by groups of volunteers aged 16 to 25. The SITA Trust and the Charity ''V'' have each pledged £1 million to fund the programme. The overall programme will be managed using the expertise and experience of the SITA Trust and BTCV. One of the most unusual elements of this programme is the individual, dedicated mentor-support that will be provided by the BTCV and the Wildlife Trust to assist with the practical delivery of every single project that is supported. There are several application deadlines throughout the year and the next closing date is the 25th April 2008.
http://www.sitatrust.org.uk/greenprints/

4 March 08
CLORE DUFFIELD PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS
Organisations such as registered charities youth groups, limited companies and schools that wish to undertake activities that enable young people aged 0-18 to experience the performing arts are eligible to apply for funding under the Clore Duffield Performing Arts Awards (formally known as the Clore Duffield Small Grants for Performing Arts Education programme). This is a £1 million programme that will operate between 2005 and 2010. Eligible organisations can apply for funding of between £1,000 and £10,000 for educational projects with under 18s that cover every aspect of the performing arts including opera, dance, music, musical theatre, the spoken word and theatre. The next closing date for applications is the 17th September 2008.
http://www.cloreduffield.org.uk/

4 March 08
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE (CSJ) ANNUAL AWARD FOR EFFECTIVE POVERTY
FIGHTING GROUPS FROM ACROSS THE UK
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has launched its annual award scheme for effective poverty fighting groups from across the UK. The prize fund is worth £50,000. For information on how to apply, go to