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This week's Funding Bulletin (April 13th - April 17th 2026)

A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week.


Groundwork's Grassroots Grants Scheme


Local charities and community organisations can apply for unrestricted grants of up to £2,000 to support projects that improve the lives of local people and their neighbourhoods. Funding is available to organisations working in areas that fall within the top 15% most disadvantaged communities in England, as measured by the English Indices of Deprivation.


The funding is provided through the Grassroots Grants scheme, delivered by the environmental and regeneration charity Groundwork. The programme supports community-led projects across England that address local challenges, support vulnerable people, and strengthen social connections.


The scheme is designed for small organisations that often find it difficult to access mainstream funding but make a real difference locally. Eligible applicants include registered charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of less than £25,000.


The grants are flexible and can be used for a wide range of costs, including:

  • Paying staff or volunteer expenses

  • Purchasing equipment or materials

  • Covering core running costs such as rent and utilities

  • Providing training for staff or volunteers

  • Hiring consultants to support organisational development


Previously funded projects have included youth clubs, food-growing initiatives, mental health workshops, and activities that reduce isolation among older people.


Current deadline: 1st September 2026



UK Community Foundation's Lead the Change Programme


UK Community Foundations has launched Lead the Change, a new three-year grant programme focused on young people. It is being delivered in partnership with BBC Children in Need and other major charitable funders.


The programme aims to strengthen community connections and improve safety while supporting young people in reconnecting with their communities, becoming leaders, storytellers, and changemakers. It also focuses on building digital skills so young people can challenge harmful online content, increasing opportunities through skills and leadership development, and creating a national movement led by young people.


Registered not-for-profit organisations that are community-based and trusted by young people are eligible to apply. Grants of up to £123,300 are available for projects lasting up to three years.


Eligible activities that can be funded include:

  • Safe spaces for young people to meet and connect, such as youth clubs, sports, creative and cultural spaces.

  • Youth‑led community action and resilience, including co‑designed projects, leadership development, intercultural initiatives to bring people together.

  • Pathways to opportunity, such as skills development, mentoring, training and connection to training or apprenticeships.

  • Narrative change and digital literacy that might involve tackling misinformation and disinformation, storytelling and youth-created content.


Applicants must work with young people who have experienced local tensions or division. They must also involve young people in designing and delivering activities. Organisations need to be based in, or work within, one of the 27 eligible areas supported by participating community foundations. Details of these areas are available on the UK Community Foundations website (link below).


The application process will begin with a short expression of interest. Selected organisations will then be invited to submit a full application in May. Each participating community foundation will award one or two grants, although most will award one. Final decisions are expected in late August.


To read more: Lead the Change


Sasha Love Foundation


UK-based registered charities and grassroots organisations are invited to apply for funding from the Sasha Love Foundation.


The Foundation offers grants of up to £10,000 for projects supporting young people affected by depression, mental health challenges, and drug-related issues.


Funding is also available for overseas education and healthcare initiatives, with a particular focus on improving access to education for young women in developing countries.


Previously funded projects include the Liss NEET Project, which supports young people who are not in education employment or training, and Malaika Kids, which provides support for children and families in some of the poorest parts of Tanzania. Grants may cover up to 50% of total project costs.


Current deadline: 1st October 2026


To read more: The Sasha Foundation

Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust


Charities registered in the UK that work to provide sanctuary, rehoming, and rehabilitation for animals both domestically and/or internationally are invited to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £10,000.


Organisations involved with wildlife conservation, the rescue, rehabilitation and (where possible) release of animals are also eligible to apply.


The funding can be used for general running costs or capital purchases.


This funding opportunity is provided by the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, which welcomes repeat applications from charities, subject to funding availability.


Preference is given to smaller animal welfare charities.


Current deadline: 1st August 2026




The Co-Operative Bank's Customer Donation Fund


Community groups across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 through The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund. The scheme, which supports grassroots initiatives, is open to organisations with a Co-operative Bank Charity or Community Directplus account.


Grants are awarded four times a year and can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buying equipment, hiring venues, running community events, or supporting outreach work. The fund is designed to help small charities and community groups deliver local projects that bring people together and create lasting social impact.


To apply, organisations must show how their proposed activity will benefit the local community and demonstrate clear outcomes. Applications are assessed on community benefit, need, and impact.


The fund reflects The Co-operative Bank’s ethical banking values and long-standing commitment to social responsibility. Since launching the initiative, the bank has awarded thousands of pounds to groups tackling issues like social isolation, mental health, food poverty, and youth engagement.


Current deadline: 30th September 2026



Souter Charitable Trust


The Souter Charitable Trust invites applications from UK-registered charities that work to reduce hardship and improve people’s lives in the UK and overseas. The Trust particularly supports organisations guided by Christian values, although charities without a Christian focus are also welcome to apply.


The Trust works with organisations that share its values and aims to support people and communities who are vulnerable or lack access to support. Funding is intended to help charities provide practical help and improve both physical and spiritual wellbeing.


There is no fixed minimum or maximum grant amount, but most awards range from £1,000 to £3,000. The Trust has supported a wide range of projects, including malaria prevention programmes and the provision of daily school meals for children in Africa.


Grants are limited to UK-registered charities. Because of UK legal requirements, the Trustees cannot fund overseas organisations directly, as they are not able to carry out the required checks.


Current deadline: 27th April 2026



UK Youth’s Open Grant Round (in partnership with Pears Foundation)


UK Youth has announced a new £10 million open grant round for youth organisations, delivered in partnership with the Pears Foundation. The fund is designed to support grassroots youth organisations across the UK, recognising the significant impact of youth work in building confidence, improving wellbeing, and equipping young people with essential life skills.


Despite its benefits, access to youth work remains unequal, with lower participation among young women and girls, those living in deprived areas, and young people receiving free school meals. This fund aims to address these disparities by supporting organisations that reach underserved groups and communities.


The programme will provide multi-year, unrestricted funding alongside targeted capacity-building support, enabling organisations to strengthen their delivery and sustainability. The fund has been designed with flexibility in mind, reflecting sector feedback and a commitment to reducing barriers within the application process.


Eligibility criteria and geographic focus details will be available via the fund webpage. Applications will begin with an Expression of Interest stage, and full application guidance will be published alongside the launch.


Current deadline: 6th May 2026


To read more: Our grants - UK Youth


MVRP's YES Fund


The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES Fund) has reopened for 2026, offering a total of £600,000 to support community groups and grassroots organisations working with young people across Merseyside. Delivered jointly by the Merseyside Police Commissioner and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, the fund focuses on preventing serious violence by creating positive opportunities and brighter futures for young people under 25.


Grants ranging from £5,000 to £25,000 are available for projects that provide safe, engaging activities and interventions designed to steer young people away from violence, exploitation, and anti-social behaviour. Eligible initiatives may include skills development, qualifications, mentoring, confidence-building, and programmes that support positive life choices.


Funding is targeted at areas experiencing higher levels of violence and reduced youth service provision. Projects are encouraged to run throughout the year, particularly during periods of increased risk such as school holidays, including summer, autumn half term, Halloween, and Bonfire Night.


Since its launch in 2024, the YES Fund has invested over £1 million and supported nearly 25,000 young people through a wide range of activities, including outreach youth work, mental health support, leadership training, sports coaching, and outdoor learning. The fund will once again be administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside.


Current deadline: 1st May 2026



Our past Funding Bulletins will also have grant opportunities that are still open!



Need support applying to any of the above? Get in touch with us at groups@wcvs.org.uk to access bespoke advice and one-to-one support with grant funding.



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