N E W S F E E D S >>>

Funding for Charities

 Funders Listings

Links & Information

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.

13 July 09
BUCHANAN GALLERIES'' COMMUNITY BURSARY LAUNCHED FOR 2009

We are now inviting applications for the Buchanan Galleries'' Community Bursary for 2009. Buchanan Galleries'' Community Bursary provides a £10,000 fund to help charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations in west central Scotland.
Each year Buchanan Galleries aims to support organisations which make a vital difference to the people in their area, helping them to pay for materials and services they might otherwise not be able to afford. This is the 6th year we''ve run our Community Bursary, and we've now helped fund over 100 good causes.
Applications close on 31st August 2009.
More info at:
http://www.buchanangalleries.co.uk/news/buchanan-galleries-community-bursary-launched-2009
 (or use http://digbig.com/5baaya )

13 July 09
CONNECTING CLASSROOMS

The British Council has announced that it is now seeking applications from clusters of schools for its Connecting Classroom initiative. Connecting Classrooms is a global programme that creates partnerships between clusters of schools in the UK and around the world. These partnerships bring an international dimension to young people's learning, to improve their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and prepare them for life and work as global citizens. Partnerships last for two to three years, initially, depending on the countries involved. There is no joining fee, and participating schools and co-ordinating bodies can receive grants to support activities that sustain their links during their involvement in the programme. The next application deadline is the 28th August 2009 for partnerships with schools in the Near East and North Africa'' the Middle East; Latin America; and the Carribbean.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-connecting-classrooms-what.htm

13 July 09
THE FUTURE OF OUR ENRICHING NATURE PROGRAMME
SITA Trust''s Enriching Nature Programme was launched in 2005 and provided £13.5million funding over three years for biodiversity conservation projects. The three year programme was due to come to an end in 2008 but, recognising the enormous demand for biodiversity investment, the SITA Trust Board decided to build on the success of the programme and committed a further £4.5 million of funding for 2009 applications. The final funding deadline for this programme has now passed. The Trust hopes to announce its future strategy for funding biodiversity conservation projects in the Autumn of 2009.
http://www.sitatrust.org.uk/news/45

13 July 09
FUNDING TO SUPPORT REGIONAL EVENTS
Earlier this year, EventScotland launched the new national events strategy, Scotland: The Perfect Stage. As part of this activity, the Regional Events Programme has been re launched as the National Events Programme to align with the new strategy. Through the programme funding
is available to support events (outside of the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow) that showcase Scotland and help to generate tourism. Previous events supported through the programme include the Wigtown Book Festival which received a grant of £12,205 to create a new infrastructure for the event to increase audience capacity and grow the event; the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which received a grant of £25,000 to target visitors from outside Scotland to help grow their audience numbers. The next funding application is the 2nd October 2009 for events which take place between 1 May 2010 and 30 April 2011.
www.eventscotland.org/funding-and-resources/national-events-programme/

13 July 09
CALL FOR PROPOSALS - CULTURE PROGRAMME (2007-2013)
The European Commission has issued the next call for proposal under the Culture Programme (2007 -13). Through the Culture Programme the European Commission provides financial support to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans with a view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship. Through this call the for proposal, the European Commission specifically wants to support multiannual cooperation projects; cooperation measures; special action (third countries); and support for bodies active at European level in the field of culture. The Culture 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 funding available, is open to Cultural operators, including cultural enterprises as long as they are acting in a non-profit-making cultural capacity. For more information including information on closing dates for applications, please click on the "more" link....
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:C:2009:151:SOM:EN:HTML

13 July 09
SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL SMALL CAPITAL GRANTS PROGRAMME
The Scottish Arts Council has announced that funding of up to £100,000 for equipment and public art and up to £250,000 is available to help create opportunities for people to participate in the arts across Scotland by investing in new equipment and improving arts facilities. The Scottish Arts Council will accept applications for both equipment and/or minor building work such as new equipment to support participation in the arts and artistic production and minor building work and fit-out of spaces. In addition the fund will seek to support projects which prioritise the needs of a number of priority participant groups as identified in the recent report Taking Part in Scotland: Summary of Key Findings. These are; people living in deprived areas; disabled people; people aged 65+; ethnic minority communities; and people living in rural areas. The closing date for applications is the 21st August 2009.
www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/apply/organisations/capital.aspx

13 July 09
THE PETER CRUDDAS FOUNDATION
The Peter Cruddas Foundation is a grant making Foundation that aims to support charitable works that benefit disadvantaged and disengaged young people in the UK by ensuring that their funding reaches those most in need. The Foundations funding streams for 2009 are; pathways/support for young disadvantaged or disengaged young people into mainstream education, training or employment; crime diversion schemes; work experience/skills projects for young people; mentoring of young people in London; General youth work in London. To be eligible for funding an organisation must be a registered charity or an organisation / individual supported by a UK charity. There are no minimum or maximum grants and projects can be funded for more than one year. Applications can be made any time.
http://www.thepetercruddasfoundation.org/about_us.html

13 July 09
E.ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND
E.On the power and gas generating and distributing company has announced the launch of a new Sustainable Energy Fund. The E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund offers grants of up to £20,000 to community groups and not for profit organisations who wish to consider and implement sustainable energy projects in their buildings. Projects that can be considered include; the purchase and installation of one or more renewable energy technologies (e.g. wind, solar thermal, PV, wood etc); the renovation of existing facilities to incorporate micro-generation technology (e.g. the reinstatement of a watermill and the purchase of a turbine to produce hydro-electricity); an energy efficiency makeover for your building that could demonstrate significant energy savings and also behavioural change amongst users; and the use of new or innovative technology to deliver either energy savings or micro-generation capacity. To be eligible
organisations must benefit specific community groups namely: Young people; Elderly people; and People in fuel poverty. The next closing date for applications is the 16th October 2009.
http://www.eon-uk.com/about/sustainableenergyfund.aspx

13 July 09
GRANTS FOR PLANTING TREES
The Tree Council, the lead tree campaigning charity working to promote the importance of trees within the changing environment has announced that its Trees for Communities and Trees for Schools grant making programmes are now open for applications. Funds are available for schools and community groups within the UK who are able to show that children under the age of 16 will be actively engaged in the planting projects. The Tree Council are able to fund projects between £100 and £700 and successful applicants will receive up to 75% towards their planting costs. For example, if your project totals £700, The Tree Council would offer up to £525. The remaining 25% will need to be secured by your school or organisation. If you are interested in applying for next year, the 2010 application forms for schools and community groups will be available to download after National Tree Week (25 November 2009 to 6 December 2009) with a closing date of 31 May 2010.
http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/?q=grants

13 July 09
FUNDING TO CHANGE YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIVES
Organisations that work with young people, whatever their background, to help them achieve their potential have the opportunity to apply for funding through The Learning Launchpad. The Learning Launchpad is a grant making fund delivered by the Young Foundation working in partnership with Edge that provides investment to organisations in their early stages of development. The Learning Launchpad offer investment at two stages. Stage one investments of up to £30,000 are suitable for people or fledgling organisations that are starting out with a new idea. Stage two investments of up to £100,000 are typically suitable for organisations or initiatives that are already up and running and want to grow. In particular, the Learning Launchpad is looking to support ideas that have a profound social impact both on individuals and on society as a whole; are innovative; are sustainable; can be replicated and are run by passionate and competent people. The next closing date for applications is the 15th July 2009.
http://www.learninglaunchpad.org/

13 July 09
THE FOREST EDUCATION INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP FUND
The Forest Education Initiative Partnership Fund is specifically to support the work of local groups known as Forest Education Initiative (FEI) clusters. The aim of the Fund is to help develop among young people a greater understanding of trees, woodlands, forest management, forest products and wood as a sustainable resource. Clusters can include woodland owners, related industries, schools and colleges, local authorities, community groups and environmental bodies . The Partnership Fund can provide grants of between £500 and £5,000 for specific activities, which enhance the overall objectives of the FEI. The type of activities that can be funded include; training for teachers (e.g. teachers'' workshops); educational visits (e.g. to the wide range of forest, timber and woodworking trades and industry) and creating facilities in woodlands for education; educational projects in schools; practical projects (in and out of school) involving children; case studies about woodland management or wood use; and development and production of materials for educational use by teachers or children (especially material that can be published more widely, for example by being placed on the FEI website); etc. If you are interested in starting a Cluster Group, the FEI national co-ordinators are available to give support and guidance with setting up and running a cluster. The next closing date for applications is the 1st October 2009.
http://www.foresteducation.org/local_groups.php?page=4

13 July 09
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THIRD SECTOR (24/06/09):
A leading social enterprise, recycling business, and support service for homeless young people are among the latest organisations to be supported by Scottish Government Third Sector funding, it was announced today.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said a further seven grants from the £12 million Third Sector Enterprise Fund would help a range of organisations expand their services.
He also announced details of a £900,000 grant to social enterprise the Wise Group from the £30 million Scottish Investment Fund.
Enterprise Fund awards include:
* Spruce Carpets, a Glasgow-based recycling business providing refurbished carpet at low cost to people on low income or those resettling after homelessness, which has been offered £99,620 from the enterprise fund
* Southern Uplands Partnership, which has been awarded £42,200 from the enterprise fund to help its work raising the profile of the Southern Uplands
Read on at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/24102947

13 July 09
CASH 4 CLUBS
Sports club that are registered with their sport's National Governing Body or local authority can apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the Cash 4 Clubs grants scheme. Cash 4 Clubs is a sports funding scheme which gives clubs a unique chance to apply for grants to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, gain coaching qualifications, and generally invest in the sustainability of their club. In 2008 over £30,000 was given out in grants to 30 community sports clubs across the UK. There are three tiers of grants at £250, £500 and £1,000. Previous grants have been awarded to the Southampton Canoe club which received a grant of £1,000 towards purchasing junior paddles and safety equipment; the Rugby Sea Cadets which received a grant of £1,000 to maintain and replace safety equipment; and Ipswich Basketball which received a grant of £1,000 to initiate a new women''s team aimed at the 16+ league. Applications can be submitted at any time and grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.
http://cash-4-clubs.com/

13 July 09
NEW FUNDING PACKAGE ANNOUNCED FOR THE ARTS SECTOR
Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd has announced a new range of initiatives to support Scotland's artists and practitioners during the economic recession. The £5 million Innovation Fund - the first Creative Scotland branded initiative, be offering new ways of getting funds into the hands of artists and creative practitioners. This includes funding to maximise the creative, cultural and commercial opportunities presented by new and emerging technologies; an awards scheme which will bring together innovative and inspirational collaborations by two or more Scottish or Scottish-based artists from different sectors; an enterprise support programme for start-up creative entrepreneurs across Scotland; a fund to support innovative, cross-agency working in rural areas; a residency fund to provide additional innovative residencies for artists to work with communities in education, health and the environment; and an interest free credit scheme that encourages and makes it easier for people to buy original art and craft.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/23120845

13 July 09
THE JOHN BRABOURNE AWARDS

The John Brabourne Awards are now open to applications from new talent focused on working in the UK film and TV industry. The awards also seek to help those disadvantaged in some way, either through lack of funds or set-backs due to illness or accident. There are two types of award; the CTBF Awards, which provide grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to assist with training, rental of equipment, or the costs of travel, rent, bills or childcare; the Sponsored Awards - which offers direct access to essential industry experience, through paid work experience at leading companies and/or access to training, equipment or materials, and in some
cases a mentor. The application deadline for the CTBF Awards is the 31st July 200 9. Sponsored Awards deadlines vary - please see Sponsorship Partners'' section on the John Brabourne website for specific details on deadlines.
http://www.ctbf.co.uk/johnbrabourneawards/aboutawards.html

13 July 09
FUNDING FOR TRAINING IN THE AUDIOVISUAL SECTOR
The European Commission has announced a new call for proposals for projects that improve the continuous vocational training of professionals in the audiovisual sector, so as to give them the know-how and skills needed to create competitive products on the European and other markets. The funding which is being made available through the EU''s Media Programme will provide a total of ?2.4 Million for training in economic, financial and commercial management; training in new audiovisual technologies; and training in script project development. Eligible applicants can include Film and television schools; Universities; Specialist vocational training establishments; Private companies in the audiovisual sector; and Organisations/professional associations specialising in the audiovisual sector. The closing date for applications is the 7th August 2009.
http://digbig.com/4ywsw

13 July 09
THE DEVELOPMENT AWARENESS FUND
The Department for International Development (DFID) has announced that the Development Awareness Fund is now open for applications. The aim of the fund is to promote awareness and understanding of global poverty and development issues within the UK. 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 2007 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. Seminars have in the past been held for organisations interested in applying for DAF funding. Participants have found these useful in helping them develop their project ideas. DFID is considering whether to organise seminars for potential DAF applicants during 2009, and what focus these should have. Details will be published once decisions have been made. There is a two stage application process and the deadline for submitting initial concept notes for this funding is likely to be the 25th September 2009 and the deadline for full proposals is the 30th November 2009. Funding for successful projects will be from April 2010.
http://digbig.com/4ywss

13 July 09
PRS FOUNDATION - AWARDS FOR NEW WORKS
The PRS Foundation has announced that it is currently accepting applications through its Awards for New Works scheme. The grant promotes and encourages new music, especially the commissioning of new works from UK based music creators such as composers, songwriters and producers. These can range from R&B to an orchestral composition or a jazz quintet piece. The maximum grant is £15,000, although awards usually average between £4,000 - £5,000. Priority is given for those applications which are adventurous and innovative, both through the proposed new music and its presentation. The deadline for proposals is Friday 9th October 2009. Interested individuals are strongly advised to discuss their project with a member of the PRS Foundation team before applying.
http://www.prsfoundation.co.uk/funding/newworks.html

13 July 09
NEW STRATEGY FOR COMIC RELIEF GRANTS
Charity will distribute ''bigger and fewer'' grants overseas in the next four years Comic Relief this week unveils a new grants strategy for the next four years following Red Nose Day, which raised a record £78m this year. Charities and other non-profit groups are being invited to apply for funding for overseas projects, which will receive 60 per cent of distributions, and for causes in the UK.
The strategy involves bigger and fewer overseas grants of an average of £500,000, but in the UK a greater number of organisations will benefit from an expansion of small grants.
A partnership with the Community Foundation Network involves distributing £6.1m to 53 community foundations in the UK for grants to benefit disadvantaged communities. Of this funding, £5m will be set aside for grants of up to £10,000.
Judith McNeill, director of grants at Comic Relief, said applicants did not have to be registered charities, but had to have constitutions and management committees. "They could, for example, be a local group working with older people who want to set up some activities to overcome isolation and social exclusion," she said in an interview with Third Sector.
Comic Relief is also providing some UK funding for distribution to social enterprises and social entrepreneurs through the charity UnLtd.
It is also giving an additional £2m over two years to the Time to Change campaign, which is working to change public attitudes to mental health.
On the international front, it is making more than £20m available to fund "small and diaspora-led" organisations based in the UK, but working, frequently through partners, in Africa. An example is Widows and Orphans International, set up by an NHS worker from Kenya, which funds projects to help street children in the west of the country.
"These people have different perspectives and a different knowledge," said McNeill. "It''s often more informal, more of a tacit knowledge about culture and social circumstances."
There were still funding opportunities for large development NGOs such as Oxfam and Save the Children, she said. Because many charities were suffering from the recession, she added, Comic Relief was prepared for a sharp upturn in applications.
One in six bids for funding for causes in the UK and one in seven bids for international grants are currently successful.
"We would urge people not to try desperately to bash square pegs into round holes, but some organisations will try to be creative, and that's often a good thing," said McNeill.
http://digbig.com/4ywtj

13 July 09
SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL NEW CAPITAL GRANTS SCHEME 2009/10 - OPEN FUND
21 August 2009 is the deadline for applications to the Capital Grants Scheme 2009/10 run by the Scottish Arts Council. Grants of between £10 000 and £100 000 will be awarded for new equipment and facilities that create opportunities for participation in the arts.
www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/apply/organisations/capital.aspx

13 July 09
THE MUSICIANS BENEVOLENT FUND
MBF AWARDS FOR ENSEMBLES & GROUPS
What's it for? Funding for emerging performing groups Who can apply? Performing groups in the UK with between 2 and 10 members What is available? from £500 to £3,000
Details
The Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF) makes awards to emerging performing groups who are generating a significant impact within their chosen field of music, have a genuine commitment to building a career as a professional group, and who can demonstrate recognised musical excellence.
The awards are open to groups with between 2 and 10 members who are able to meet the following criteria:
* All group members are in the final stages of study or the first 5 years of a professional career as a musician.
* A professional musician is defined as someone who is paid to perform, compose, or work in any other productive manner related to music, and whose main source of income is this activity.
* Have been together as a group for at least one year.
* Are at least 50% British/Irish or have been resident in the UK or Ireland for at least 3 years.
Awards are available for projects that clearly show how they will enhance the musical development of the group. Examples of projects that may be considered for funding include:
* Participation in high profile competitions or auditions.
* Coaching or mentoring sessions in the UK or abroad.
* Participation in prestigious showcases in the UK or abroad.
* Recording and releasing costs for an album, EP or single (unless the group has financial backing from a label).
* A tour or a series of concerts in the UK or abroad.
* Fees for short courses.
MBF AWARDS FOR ORGANISATIONS
What's it for? Funding for organisations which provide specialist training and performance opportunities for outstanding young musicians in any genre of music.
Who can apply? Organisations with national profile or reputation that can demonstrate the promotion of exceptional musical talent.
What is available? From £1,000 up to £20,000
Details
The Musicians Benevolent Fund makes awards to organisations based in the UK or Ireland which provide specialist training and performance opportunities for outstanding young musicians in any genre of music. Applications are only accepted from organisations with national profile or reputation that can demonstrate the promotion of exceptional musical talent.
Awards are usually made for:
* core funding for organisations with national profile.
* organisations which promote series featuring outstanding young musicians.
Special projects which do not fall into the above category may occasionally be considered.
More info: The Musicians Benevolent Fund http://www.mbf.org.uk/

13 July 09
BIG CHALLENGE
UnLtd, the has announced that the year 2 of the Big Challenge competition will be launched on the 4th July 2009. The Big Challenge is a competition for young people funded by Vodafone and youth charity "V", along with social enterprise foundation and competition organisers UnLtd. The contest offers either groups of young people or those working on their own aged between 16 and 25 the chance to win a share of £60,000 funding to carry out projects that use volunteering to help tackle the problems facing the 21st century. Individuals can apply on their own or in a group with other young people. Applications can be submitted in any creative format and will be shortlisted by UnLtd Youth Leadership Team before a final vote by the public. Successful applicants will get part of the Challenge fund they will have their project costs paid for and support and mentoring over the rest of the Challenge year to make their ideas a reality. On the 4th July the Youth Leadership Team will make their decision about this year''s most pressing issue for the Big Challenge to address.
http://www.bigchallenge.org.uk/default.aspx

13 July 09
CASHBACK ROUND 3 NOW OPEN

YouthLink Scotland has announced that the 3rd Round of CashBack for Community Fund is now open to applications from local groups and partnerships. The fund has been set up as part of Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 which takes funds confiscated as part of the proceeds of crime and reinvests them back into local communities. The fund aims to support organisations which support young people between the ages of 10 - 19 years of age who are currently involved or at risk of becoming involved in violence, alcohol, drugs and or anti-social behaviour. Priority will be given to projects/activities which address inequalities, and in particular those activities which will take place in areas of multiple deprivation to fill gaps in provision for young people in those areas.
Grants will be of up to £10,000, although larger grants may be considered. The deadline for applications is the 31st October 2009.
http://www.youthlink-scotland.org/Index.asp?MainID=9169

9 April 09
2014 COMMUNITIES

The 2014 Communities fund has been established in the lead up to Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games. This provides small grants to encourage grassroots involvement in sport and physical activity. Grants of between £300 and £1k are available for sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations, community councils and schools. This is proving to be a very popular scheme so it is best to your application in quickly if you would like to apply. More information from: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_2014_communities or 0870 240 2391.

9 April 09
PARKS FOR PEOPLE
From April 2009, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will take over running the “Parks for People” programme. Non profit-making organisations, including local authorities, can apply for grants to regenerate public parks and gardens that they own. There is a two stage application process and grants of between £250k and £5m are available.
More information on: http://www.hlf.org.uk/NR/exeres/3FA9BB9F-80A5-43C6-B7E0-A45E6F52EAD0,frameless.htm?NRMODE=Published

9 April 09
LANKELLY CHASE FOUNDATION
New funding guidelines for Lankelly Chase Foundation covering the period from 2009 – 2014 will come into effect in April. Over the next five years the Foundation will concentrate on the following programmes
· The Arts - to promote the use of the arts by people with severe mental illness or to encourage vulnerable young people participate in arts activities
· Breaking cycles of abuse – for projects aimed at preventing domestic abuse or sexual violence or those promoting child protection in community and voluntary sector organisations
· Custody & Community – for projects for women offenders and short term or remand prisoners
· Free & Quiet Minds – projects seeking to restore troubled minds and lives for people in psychiatric hospital and black and ethnic minority groups
· Local People Local Places – projects aimed at strengthening local communities and organisations (under this particular programme priority for capital grants will be given to organisations working in more remote rural areas of the UK)

Each programme has different maximum levels of grants and different funding rules including the type of projects that are excluded. Applications can be made at any time and only registered charities or other charitable organisations such as industrial and provident societies or community interest companies are eligible to apply. More information from: http://www.lankellychase.org.uk/index.htm

The Foundation will still provide grants for targeted summer activities for children between 5 – 17 years. In 2009, however, it will only support activities for young carers and for children and young people living in refuges. Grants of approximately £500 are available and the closing date for applications for summer activities is 8th May. More information is available from the website above.

9 April 09
THE COMMUNITY CHEST
The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has recently re-opened the Community Chest. This is a £400k scheme which will provide small grants and free training for small community groups and voluntary organisations over the next two years.
Grants of up to £1k are available for activities or operational costs. VAF is particularly keen to fund activities that will strengthen organisations e.g, training for committee members and volunteers, visits to other organisations, conferences and professional support or consultancy. Free training can be provided for groups with an annual income under £25k on topics such as charity law, making successful funding applications, monitoring and evaluation etc.
There are four application deadline dates each year - the next one is 31st March. More information on: http://www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk/

9 April 09
GET CONNECTED
BT will launch its 2009 Community Connections Awards on the 17th March. Community and voluntary organisations which would benefit from internet access and ICT but don’t have the money to get connected can apply. If successful they will be provided with a computer, broadband internet access for a year and a community website. More information will be available on this link soon.
http://www.btcommunityconnections.com/page.php?id=1

9 April 09
B&Q ONE PLANET LIVING AWARDS
The closing date for B&Q’s annual grants scheme this year is 27th March. This scheme provides free B&Q products to 40 projects in the UK. One project will receive £10k, 4 will receive £5k and 35 will receive £2k towards projects that meet one of the following themes.
· Saving energy
· Nature conservation
· Local culture and heritage
· Grow Your Own
Community-based organisations such as environmental groups, charities, schools, local sports clubs, disability and youth groups are eligible to apply. More information from:- http://www.diy.com/awards

9 April 09
COMMUNITY FOOD & HEALTH GRANTS
Community Food and Health’s small grants scheme will open for applications on the 21 April and close in early summer. Grants of between £500 and £3k will be available to groups and agencies in Scotland which are working in low-income communities to improve access to and take up of a healthy, varied and balanced diet. All applications must tackle one or more of the barriers to healthy eating which include availability; affordability; skills and culture. http://www.communityfoodandhealth.org.uk/funding/smallgrants.php

9 April 09
THIRD SECTOR ENTERPRISE FUND
The Scottish Government has set up a Third Sector Enterprise Fund which will provide £12m to help third sector organisations (e.g. voluntary and community groups, social enterprise companies etc) become more sustainable. Awards of between £25K and £100k will be available to eligible organisations which can show how they will take steps to change their capacity, capability and sustainability.
Within the £12m a sum of £250k has been earmarked specifically for credit unions. This fund will offer existing credit unions between £2.5k and £25k to build capacity, capability and financial sustainability. Applications can be submitted at any time but it is expected that most awards will be made by the end of 2009.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/15300/funding/enterprising-skills-fund

9 April 09
COMMUNITY RADIO FUND
The next funding application round for the Community Radio Fund will open on 15th April and close on 12th May. The Fund provides assistance to community radio stations for core running costs e.g. administration, financial management, fundraising, outreach work etc. The minimum grant is £5k. Applications can only be made by community radio licensees broadcasting under a community radio licence (not an RSL) More information from:-
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commun_radio/Communityfund/

9 April 09
TESCO CHARITY TRUST COMMUNITY AWARDS
The Tesco Charity Trust provides grants of between £1k and £4k. Two categories of grant are available. There are different deadline dates depending on the type of project that funding is being applied for.
· For projects for the elderly and adults and children with disabilities (deadline dates 31st March and 30th September)
· For projects concerning childen’s welfare and education (deadline dates 31st January and 30th June).
Grants have been provided for a range of purposes including play equipment, lunch clubs, befriending schemes, after school clubs.

9 April 09
SCOTTISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EXPRESS GRANTS SCHEME
A new application form and guidance notes will be available for SCF’s Express Grants Scheme in April. (The Express Grants Scheme replaced the previous Small Grants Scheme in January 2009). The scheme offers grants of up to £2k to voluntary and community organisations. Applications can be made at any time and decisions will be taken within six weeks. In the meantime, applications can be made using the interim form on SCF’s home page. http://www.scottishcf.org/

9 April 09
TRUSTHOUSE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation currently has two overarching themes for its funding – rural issues and urban deprivation. A third will be introduced in July 2009 and will focus on mental health issues for prisoners and ex offenders.
In this context “rural” means towns, villages, areas with a population of less than 10,000. The Foundation is interested in a wide range of projects from transport for the elderly or disabled; those which encourage a sense of community such as community centres and village halls; employment training schemes particularly those promoting local traditional crafts; drugs/alcohol misuse; carers networks etc. Three levels of grant are provided:- large (between £10k and £30k), small (between £5k and £10k) and fast track (less than £5k). The Grants Committee meets quarterly to consider applications at the beginning of February, May, July and November. Applications should be submitted at least two months before the date of the Committee. More information from:- www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk

9 April 09
LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland is one of the largest funders in Scotland distributing over £7 million each year to recognised charities. The Foundation offers a range of grants - from standard to capacity building - and there are four deadline dates each year. Full details are found on: - http://www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk/index.asp?pg=3
Each year the Foundation runs an extensive programme of application surgeries which provide an opportunity for potential applicants to discuss their project ideas on a one-to-one basis. The dates for the Highland surgeries for the remainder of 2009 are as follows:-
13th May Fort William
22nd June Dingwall
11th August Skye
29th September Thurso
13th October Inverness
Please phone 0870 902 1201 to book a surgery place.

9 April 09
CHILDREN IN NEED
The BBC’s Children in Need programme can fund organisations which work with disadvantaged young people who are 18 or under. Funding is available to organisations (including schools but only in very specific circumstances) that work with young people who are suffering from illness, abuse or neglect, are disabled, have behavioural or psychological difficulties and/or are living in poverty or situations of deprivation. There is a two stage application process and you can only apply on-line. The next application deadline is 15th April. More information from:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants/

9 April 09
MACROBERT TRUST
The next deadline date for applications to the MacRobert Trust is 31st May. The Trust gives preference to Scottish charities and the major categories for support are science and technology; youth; services and sea; ex-servicemen’s & ex-servicewomen's hospitals and homes; education; disabled and handicapped and community welfare. Grants are usually in the range of £5k to £10k and applications are considered twice a year in March and October.
Applications for the March meeting should be made by 31st October and for the October meeting by 31st May. More information from: - www.themacroberttrust.org.uk  or tel: 01339 881444.

9 April 09
THE SCOTTISH VETERANS’ FUND
Grants are available from the Scottish Veterans' Fund for projects which aim to deliver new or innovative approaches to veterans' issues or for those which seek to develop areas and activities that are not currently funded by either the Scottish Government or the MoD. There is a total fund of £80k per annum for three years (until 2011) and the maximum level of funding available for individual projects is £10k. The Fund is managed by Veterans’ Scotland and its main criteria are:-
· Transition to civilian life following service;
· Support to veterans in terms of advice and help from the government and voluntary sector;
· Recognition of veterans’ contribution to society e.g. Veterans’ Day events;
· Educational, intergenerational projects involving school children and young people;
· Research projects on issues faced by some veterans e.g. in housing and homelessness or in alcohol and drug abuse.
Applications for Veterans’ Day events are due by 1st April. All other applications are due by 1st June.

9 April 09
FOR SCHOOLS & YOUNG PEOPLE
Grants to Enhance the Teaching of Ecology
The British Ecological Society provides a range of educational grants including
· Innovation & Research grants – up to £750 to help make the teaching of ecology more interesting and exciting
· Field Equipment grants - up to £500 to buy ecology field work equipment
There are three application deadline dates each year and the next one is 30th April 2009. Grants are available for both primary and secondary schools. More information from: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/grants/education/index.php

9 April 09
Grants for Teaching or Promotion of Physics
Grants of up to £500 are available for primary and secondary schools for small-scale projects or events linked to the teaching or promotion of physics and, in particular - particle physics, astronomy and space science. Grants can be made for the costs of running a science week activity, organising a visit to or from a working physicist, or for supply cover, transport and materials/resources. Applications can be made at any time. More information from:
http://www.iop.org/activity/education/Teacher_Support/Grants/page_4712.html

9 April 09
Community Cash Awards
The Prince’s Trust administers the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Community Cash Awards scheme. This can provide up to £5k to help young people (aged between 14 and 25) set up a project to benefit their community e.g a youth club, music studio or a magazine. Young people must manage and run the project and formal groups or organisations are not eligible to apply. Funding of up to £1k is available for 14-16 year olds and up to £5k for 16-25 year olds. More information from: www.princes-trust.org.uk  (freephone 0800 842842).
The Prince’s Trust also provided Development Awards to help young people get into education, training or employment. Up to £500 can be provided to for example, buy clothes for a job interview or new job or buy equipment, materials or tools

9 April 09
Dewar Arts Awards
The Dewar Arts Awards are for young people (up to the age of 30) living or working in Scotland. The awards are for young people with an exceptional talent in any art form if their financial circumstances make it difficult for them to progress. Musicians, dancers, film makers, actors, jewellery makers and writers have all been helped and applications can be made at any time. More information from: www.dewarawards.org

9 April 09
Building Links between Young People – Application Deadline Dates
UK & France

Applications to The Lefèvre Trust for activities taking place from summer 2009 onwards are due by 15th May. All sorts of groups can apply from sports teams to youth groups to schools. Grants of up to £10k are available for projects that promote links between young people (aged 11 – 19) in France and the UK. Projects must have specific aims and a central theme e.g. language learning, culture and the arts, energy and the environment, science and technology etc. More information from:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/schoolpartnerships-france-lefevre-trust.htm
UK & Germany
Information about the German Challenge Fund is currently being updated. It will be available, together with the application form from the link below in April. The next deadline for applications is 31st July.
http://www.ukgermanconnection.org/microsites/?location_id=216

Community Fund
Community Fund is the operating name of the National Lottery Charities Board, established to distribute money raised by the National Lottery to charities, voluntary and community groups in the UK and to UK UK agencies working abroad.
How to apply to the Community Fund
The assessment process
The decision and further information

Community Groups Factsheets and Case Studies
Aimed at helping community groups get successful projects going.

SCVO's Essential Advice Manual

Comic Relief New Guidelines
European Grants & Loans
UK Fund Raising Search Engine

Help In Caithness
For people in Caithness You can contact Niall Smith, Caithness Voluntary Group, c/o Stevens Transport (Temporary Office),Harbour Quay, Wick Tel 01955 603453 for assistance.  The office also has an extensive library of funding information for inspection.  Other areas should contact their local Council of Voluntary Service.

Highlands & Islands  Special Transitional Programme
A wealth of information on the Programme including details on how to access all four funds (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF and FIFG) project case studies, horizontal themes and the various bodies involved.  A number of downloadable documents will be available - application forms and guidance notes etc.  The site is still under construction but already contains much useful information

Northern Network - No web site
Community Groups in Highlands looking for support for an idea for a project, especially those involving in whole community, should get in touch with Brian Mackenzie at the highland Council.  Brian co-ordinates Network 21, a scheme to help build more sustainable communities in the region, which can offer groups support materials, guidance and advice as well as a limited number of grants up to £2000.  a wide range of projects are eligible for Network 21 - which is part of Highland Council's Local Agenda 21 Initiative - such as those addressing waste or local transport issues, renewable energy, young people's needs, health, housing, the environment and community safety.  for more details ring Brian on 01463 702276 or email  network21@highland.gov.uk 

Church of Scotland Priorities Area Fund
Scottish Churches Community Trust can supply guidelines for applicants 

Community Loan Fund
The Bank of Scotland is getting together with Charities Aid Foundation to assist Community Development projects.  It has announced a £500,000 interest free loan to the charities aid Foundation for its Investors in Society initiative to provide loans otherwise unavailable from commercial lenders.  Details of the project can be obtained from the foundation on Tel 01732 520029

Scottish Executive Grants - for the voluntary sector in Scotland

Enterprise Company Grants  Community & Voluntary Groups
Your local Enterprise Company may be able to assist with funding from their community grants.  In Caithness call Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise on 01847 896115.  Other areas check your local phone book.

Guides To Funding
Scottish Executive European Structural Funds Website
Guide for the Voluntary Sector to Scottish Executive Funding
Highland and Islands Enterprise
Inverness and Nairn Enterprise INE’s Community Toolkit
Rural Tayside Grants
COSLA
Check You council

Raising More Money - Over 100 articles on giving.

Courses in online fundraising at Bristol University
Scottish coastal Community Projects Scheme
Up to £5000 for coastal communities to improve Crown Estate foreshore or seabed.
European Funding for Disability Charities - DTI - New site
Funders Online
Over 300 Foundations & Funders in Europe
Funder Finder UK
Directory of Social Change
Funderfinder
Community Fund
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
Millennium Commission  Millennium Awards
New Opportunities Fund
Scottish Arts Council
Sportscotland
National Lotteries Charities Board
The Management Centre - for managers and fundraisers in voluntary sector.
Inland Revenue - Changes to Giftaid -April 2000
Fundraising and IT
Shell Better Britain Campaign
Heritage Lottery Fund

See Also
Community Transport

Earlier Funding Updates
Earlier Funding Updates
Might still give you ideas on whereto look for funding and some funding comes round on an annual basis.

Highland Leader Funding 2007 - 2013
Highland Council - Grant.net

Community Tool Kit
Fundraising
Fundraising Strategy
Making an Application
Community Regeneration
Welfare and Disability
Capacity Building
Small Purpose Grants
Culture and Leisure
Children and Youth
Local Environment

Dounreay Communities Fund
 Are you
a community-based organisation or charity that benefits people in Caithness and North Sutherland? If so, you may be eligible for assistance from the Dounreay Communities Fund. The fund is provided by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is supplemented by UKAEA through a workforce safety dividend at Dounreay.

2 November 08
SCVO OFFERS FINANCIAL ADVICE
TO THIRD SECTOR

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has created a useful briefing on how the current financial situation is affecting the third sector. This can be read at www.scvo.org.uk/economy . They are also speaking to Government officials about the impact of the credit crunch on the voluntary sector and would like to hear from you if you have any concerns or stories which they can pass on. Call Sarah Beattie-Smith on 0131 474 8045 ext. 147.
On the same note, Charity Bank is stepping into the breach where commercial banks may fear to tread, offering short-term loans to charities affected by the Icelandic situation (apparently an estimated £120m of charity funds was invested in Icelandic banks). Organisations interested in discussing their situation should contact the Loans Officer on tel: 01732 774050 or e-mail: enquiries@charitybank.org

Scottish Objective 3 Programme
European Social Fund
No more applications now being accepted

Voluntary Action Fund
The Voluntary Action Fund receives funding from the Scottish Executive which we distribute as grants.  The grant programmes are linked by the common threads of social inclusion and support for organisations to become stronger. The projects they fund are all focused on providing real solutions to identified community need. Each grant programme has its individual criteria and priorities.

The Big Lottery Fund

National Lottery Funding
In Scotland Contact -
Awards for All (grants from £500 to £10,000 to groups with annual incomes under £20,000 for a wide variety of sports, arts, heritage and community projects)  Changes from 1 April 2009
Community Fund (funding of up to 100% to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society and improve the quality of life in the community)
sportScotland (funding for sport, particularly areas / groups traditionally deprived of sporting opportunities)
Scottish Arts Council (funding for arts e.g. to encourage participation in and access to the arts, to encourage high quality arts activities for, by or with children and young people, pilot projects etc)
Heritage Lottery Fund (funding to support a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the United Kingdom)
New Opportunities Fund (grants for health, education and environment projects)
Organisations must make an application to the relevant distribution body for lottery funds. The process and criteria differ between bodies.
National Lottery Good Causes

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has policy responsibility for the way National Lottery proceeds are given out. It sponsors the National Lottery Commission and co-ordinates the activity of the organisations which distribute money from the National Lottery to the good causes. The operation of the National Lottery is regulated by the Office for the Lottery (OFLOT).

Moray Firth Partnership Community Grants Scheme
What is the Moray Firth Partnership?
The Partnership is a voluntary coalition of organisations and individuals made up of representatives from industry, the local authorities, conservation bodies, recreation and tourism groups, local residents and many others interested in the future well-being of the Firth. It is a company limited by guarantee recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Scottish Charity. It aims to balance the environmental, economic and cultural resources of the coastal and marine area from John O’Groats in Caithness to Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire in order to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors.

The Moray Firth Partnership is running a project funded by the EC LIFE Environment programme which helps fund this grants scheme. The Moray Firth Partnership currently receives funds/support from Aberdeenshire Council, Cromarty Firth Port Authority, EC LIFE Environment fund, Inverness Harbour Trust, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, Texaco, The Highland Council, The Moray Council and the Esmée Fairbairn Charitable Trust.
 About the grants scheme
The Moray Firth Partnership Community Grants Scheme has been set up to help community groups and schools undertaking economic, environmental or cultural work in their local area on the coast and sea of the Moray Firth from John O’Groats in Caithness to Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.

The aim of this new grants scheme is to help meet the objectives of the Partnership by improving the future well-being of the Firth’s many assets, at a local level. These might be projects that seek to improve the economic, environmental, recreational or cultural assets of the Firth, and ideally a combination of 2 or more of these.

The scheme is particularly keen to encourage different interests to work together and involving local people in the management of their local coastline and sea.
Moray Firth Partnership Main Page

Scottish Arts Council
The Scottish Arts Council is one of the main channels for Government funding for the arts in Scotland
Scottish Further Education Funding Council
Responsible for funding Scotland's further education colleges; promoting innovation and offering guidance to colleges
J4B Searchable database of business grants
Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Government web-site which provides information for voluntary sector on the grants available from 4 Government Departments - Home Office, Department for Education and Skills, Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and the Department of Health.
The Community Fund Community Fund distributes money raised by the National Lottery to support charities and voluntary and community groups throughout the UK and to UK agencies working abroad
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme ENTRUST The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme encourages and enables landfill operators to support a wide range of environmental projects by giving them a 90 per cent tax credit against their contributions to Environmental Bodies.
Nationwide Foundation
The Foundation makes charitable grants to UK based organisations whose aim is to improve the quality of life and the range of opportunities for those in need, tackle social exclusion and achieve real and sustainable benefit to communities.