We’ve been given a list of funding opportunities that might be useful for local community groups who are seeking funding for projects.
Skipton Building Society – 2016 Grassroots Giving Programme – To celebrate its 163rd birthday, the Skipton Building Society will launch its Grantsroots Giving programme for 2016 on the 3rd May. Through the programme 163 community and voluntary groups around the country can win award of £500 to help them with their community work. The idea behind our Grassroots Giving campaign is to help community organisations, or groups, who only have access to limited funding from elsewhere. The programme is also able to fund projects within schools but this needs to be addition to its statutory services. The closing date for applications will be 29th July 2016. Following the application closing date, a shortlist of organisations will be compiled and listed on the Grassroots Giving website. The public will then be free to vote for their favourite organisation. https://www.skiptongrg.co.uk/
Scotmid Community Grants (Scotland) – The Scotmid Co-operative is offering small grants to assist and support community projects and initiatives throughout Scotland. Last year Scotmid awarded grants totalling £235,000 to organisations ranging from parent and toddler groups to national campaigns. Funding is concentrated on the areas of Children/education; Community Groups; Active Lifestyles; Environment; the Elderly; Homelessness; Fairtrade; Arts & Culture; and Charity. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a group or individual acting for the wider benefit of the local Community; and live within the geographic boundaries of one of Scotmid Regional Committees. Applications can be submitted at any time. For more info visit: http://www.scotmid.coop/community-and-charity/supporting-local-communities/scotmid-community-grant/
CSV Action Earth Grants (Scotland) – CSV Action Earth which aims to empower people in Scotland to make a positive difference to the quality of their lives has announced that its grant programmes is open for applications. There are two grant schemes available which are looking to increase numbers of volunteers on locally based environmental projects. These are: (1) The CSV Action Earth Awards which offer grants of £250 for projects who are providing or improving habitats for wildlife, enhancing local nature spots and getting communities volunteering together (2) The CSV Local Nature Reserve Awards which offers grants of up to £500 exclusively for projects taking place on Local Nature Reserves (LNR). The project site must be open and accessible to the general public. Exceptions may be made where a community site has limited access such as a Care Home or Hospital. School projects should generally be off the school site if possible. Grants will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. For more info visit: http://actionearth.csv.org.uk/apply
Woodward Charitable Trust (UK) – The Woodward Charitable Trust, which is one of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts has announced that it General Grant making programme is open for applications. Applications are welcomed from UK registered charities working addressing a wide range of social issues. This includes: Children and young people who are isolated, at risk of exclusion or involved in anti-social behaviour; Projects that help the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners and/or ex-offenders; Disadvantaged women, covering refuges, domestic violence and parenting; disability projects, which can include rehabilitation and training for people who are either physically disabled or learning disabled; Arts outreach work by local groups involving disadvantaged people; Projects that promote integration and community cohesion amongst minority groups, including refugees and travellers. The fund offers grants of up to £5,000 through their small grants scheme and grants of over £5,000 through their large grants scheme. Grants awarded in the past have included a grant to SHARP (Support Help and Advice for Relatives of Prisoners) to help fund a helpline and a grant towards the running costs of a cyber café for disabled users. The closing date for applications is the 31st July 2016. For more information visit: http://woodwardcharitabletrust.org.uk/general_applications/
Funding for Parks and Public Gardens (UK) The next closing date for applications to the Parks for People funding programme is 12pm on the 1st September 2016. Through the programme, Local Authorities as well as not for profit organisations that own public parks and gardens can apply for grants of between £100,000 and £5 million for the regeneration of parks and public gardens (including squares, walks and promenades). To be considered for funding, applicants need to show that: The community values the park as part of their heritage, the parks meet local social, economic and environmental needs and that the park management actively involves local people. For more info visit: http://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/parks-people
Grants to Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems – Outdoor clothing company Patagonia has funding for projects from organisations that identify and work on the root causes of environmental problems. Small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect biodiversity and the environment, can apply for grants of up to €12,000 to run projects that protect local habitats. Applicants must be able to produce measurable project results, and Patagonia are particularly keen to support efforts that force the government to abide by laws. Creative methods to engage communities to take action, including film, photography and books will only be supported if they are tightly linked to a direct-action campaign on the issue, with specific goals that go beyond education and awareness. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2016. http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2942
Funding for Music Making Activities (UK) – The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, the charitable Trust established by the composer to encourage the music of the future, has announced that it is open for applications. Funding of between £500 and £4,000 is available for the development of group music making, especially involving young people. Because of the Trust’s link with a major composer, the Trustees wish to see composition as central to projects put forward for support. Projects in and out of schools or in community situations will be considered. The Trustees will consider applications for first-time initiatives as well as the development of existing projects. The trustees generally hold one meeting a year, in the autumn and the closing date for applications is the 30th September 2016. For more information visit: http://www.tippettfoundation.org.uk/
