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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.

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 www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk or telephone 020 7340 9650. The closing date for entries is 14 April 2008.

4 March 08
UNLTD SPORT RELIEF AWARDS
Are you an entrepreneurial young person, between the ages of 11-21? Would you like to promote understanding and solve conflict in your community? Do you have an idea of how to do this through sport?

UnLtd Sport Relief Awards provide cash and a package of support to individuals across the UK with awards of up to £500 (11-16) and between £500 and £5,000 (17-21). We want to help you use your ideas to tackle conflict and promote understanding in your communities through sports and leisure activities.

All it takes is one great idea. So what are you waiting for? This could be your chance to get your community moving and score some skills on the way. The type of projects we can support are varied; here are a couple of ideas: you could engage young people from different backgrounds in an indoor cricket mini-world cup; you could reduce violence in your area by getting young people to channel their energies into football rather than fighting; you could hold a skateboarding competition for kids that will reduce tensions in the local area. Use your creativity and come up with your own solution!

We can support you if: You are between the ages of 11 and 21. If you are between 11 and 16, then you will need an advisor to complete the application form with you. Are residents in the UK and have the potential to learn from the project.
Are applying on your own or with an informal group.

We can't support:
Political campaigning.
Activities outside the law, against public policy or anything that
fosters ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony.
Another organisations ongoing operations.
Paying for academic qualifications.
Living expenses.

What to do now...
Speak to a local member of the UnLtd Sport Relief team for more information on the scheme. They can give you advice on filling in the application form and can meet with you to talk you through the application form if you need help with it.

You can also find out more information about the funding scheme at www.unltd.org.uk/sportreliefawards

Submit your application form to the nearest UnLtd office. A member of staff may contact you with questions about your application. You will receive a final answer on the success of your application within 6 - 8 weeks. If your application is successful then you will be contacted by letter.

Support package:
UnLtd Sport Relief will offer Award Winners a range of support in addition to your funding, including face to face meetings, information on other funding sources and practical training in areas such as conflict resolution.

We would strongly recommend that you speak to a member of UnLtd Sport Relief staff before completing an application form. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today! Call the Sport Relief helpline on 0845 3670770 or write to sportreliefawards@unltd.org.uk If you live in Northern Ireland then call 02890 244007

25 December 07
CVS small grants scheme is open again for applications from the voluntary sector

This is a partnership initiative with Caithness Voluntary Group, Voluntary groups East Sutherland and CVS North which have secured funding from HIE Caithness and Sutherland.

Funding is available for formally constituted groups. Assistance given is discretionary and will not be more than 50% of eligible costs. Applicants will normally be expected to provide a contribution towards the costs or access match funding from another source(not HIE Caithness and Sutherland) The grants scheme is unable to assist with normal running costs, organizations with restricted membership, such as religious or political groups are ineligible for financial assistance. Applications from sports organizations will not be considered and will be directed to their local sports council. Grants will not be approved for projects that have already started.

The grant available will be for a maximum of £1,500. Financial support will be available for a course, event or to purchase some new equipment. The committee aim to have a decision within two weeks of receiving the application.

For application form and guidance notes contact Niall Smith 01955 603453,niall@cvg.org.uk  or Yvonne Hendry 01955 609960, yvonne@cvg.org.uk

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 2005
Earlier Funding Updates 2003 - 2004
Might still give you ideas on whereto look for funding and some funding comes round on an annual basis.

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.

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.

Sustainable Funding Project

The Big Lottery Fund

National Lottery Awards

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)
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
European Social Fund
Information and guidance on European Social Fund (ESF)
Scottish Executive Grants
A guide for the Voluntary Sector to Scottish Executive Grants New Opportunities Fund The New Opportunities Fund is a Lottery Distributor created to award grants to education, health and environment projects throughout the UK.
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 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.
Direct grants
The Direct Grants Programme has been set up to provide 100% revenue grants for new activities from small voluntary and community organisations, not previously in receipt of substantial, mainstream funding