This week's Funding Bulletin (August 25th - August 29th 2025)

lewishallwcvs
4 days ago
5 min read

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

Wirral CVS' Small Grants Programme

Wirral CVS has £100,000 of funding from Wirral Council Public Health to provide small grants up to £5,000, with the majority of grants expected to be under £3,000.

We will be looking to fund activities that:

- Improve physical and mental wellbeing

- Reduce health inequalities

- Promotes preventative health

- Enhance social inclusion and community resilience

- Increase access to health and wellbeing activities

- Improve self-management of health conditions

- Empower communities to take charge of their wellbeing.

Eligibility:

- Organisations based and operating in Wirral

- Income under £10k in the last year

- Charities, Social Enterprises or other Community Groups that have a Governing Document (Set of Rules)

- A bank account in the organisation's name and at least two unrelated signatories, or agreement from an appropriate organisation to hold the funds on your behalf

To apply: Wirral Small Grants

Household Support Fund Small Grants Programme

Grants of up to £20,000 will enable community-based food and welfare support groups to provide food and essential items, support and skills to those most in need in their local communities. The application process will be through Wirral CVS.

Unlike previous years there will only be one funding round to cover Summer and Winter.

To read more: Household Support Fund

The Charles Hayward Foundation's Small Grants Fund

Grants of up to £7,000 are available to charities in the UK to support preventative and early community based services programmes that focus on helping older people stay in their own homes and maintain their independence.

The fund is looking to support projects that:

Address isolation and depression in older people through activities like informal daycare or social and recreational programmes
Provide support and practical assistance for older individuals living in their own homes
Cater to the emotional and practical needs of older caregivers
Meet the specific requirements of people with dementia

There are no deadlines, and applications can be submitted at any time.

Veolia's Annual Sustainability Fund

Veolia has announced the launch of its Annual Sustainability Fund for 2025, offering more than £150,000 to support community and environmental initiatives across the UK. The fund, open to not-for-profit organisations, community groups and individuals living in areas served by Veolia’s recycling and waste services, provides grants typically up to £1,000 per project.

This year also marks an expansion in eligibility: alongside environmental projects that boost biodiversity and promote sustainable habits, the fund now welcomes social projects. Initiatives that offer employment support, aid rehabilitation, support youth and strengthen communities are encouraged to apply.

Selection will prioritise projects with clear, lasting benefits for people or the planet, and those fostering strong community involvement. Past recipients have included community orchards, repair cafés, biodiversity corridors, school-based environmental education, and local waste reduction campaigns.

In celebration of the fund’s fifth anniversary, 2025 introduces a “bumper” grant of up to £5,000 for an exceptional project demonstrating remarkable community benefit.

Current deadline: 30th September 2025

Energy Saving Trust's Voluntary Redress Scheme [CLOSING SOON]

The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme has launched the 13th funding round, offering £40 million to support projects that assist vulnerable households with energy-related challenges.

The scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust and is open to charities and community energy groups, including community interest companies, co-operative societies, and community benefit societies across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Eligible organisations can apply across six funding streams:

Main Fund (£25 million): Grants between £50,000 and £2 million for projects aiding vulnerable households.

Impact Fund (£2 million): Grants between £20,000 and £499,999 for projects monitoring the impact of energy advice services.

Small Project Fund (£1 million): Grants between £20,000 and £49,999 for smaller-scale initiatives.

Innovation Fund (£6 million): Grants between £20,000 and £1 million for developing innovative energy products or services.

Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund (£4 million): Grants between £20,000 and £1 million for projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Just Transition Fund (£2 million): Grants between £20,000 and £250,000 for community renewable energy projects benefiting vulnerable consumers.

This funding round addresses the critical need for effective energy advice services, particularly for households at risk from cold homes and high energy bills. By supporting projects that monitor and evaluate the impact of such services, the scheme aims to enhance their effectiveness and reach.

Organisations not yet registered must do so at least 10 working days before the deadline to allow for eligibility checks. Applications can be submitted through the Energy Redress website.

Current deadline: 9th September 2025

To read more: Energy Redress scheme

The Cruach Trust

The Cruach Trust, a small Scottish charity, invites organisations to apply for its grants programme. The Trust provides grants of up to £2,000 for projects related to the natural environment, community, and music.

Organisations eligible to apply include registered or recognised charities, societies, trusts and other bodies, with a preference for Scottish small and local charities. However, organisations with an income exceeding £100,000 will not be considered. The Trustees will only award grants up to a maximum of £2,000.

Examples of grants offered by the Cruach Trust include:

Supporting a horticultural apprenticeship arranged through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Grants for gardens, wildlife and the natural environment.
Grants for organisations working with children, young carers, the elderly, the vulnerable and the homeless.
Grants for music, the arts and cultural charities.
Grants for medical research and support.

Current deadline: 12th September 2025

To read more: Cruach Trust — The WS Society

The Alzheimer's Society's Accelerator Programme

The Alzheimer’s Society is offering up to £100,000 and a year‑long partnership in business support to UK innovators poised to transform dementia care. The funding which is being made available through its Accelerator Programme supports early‑stage businesses, academics, designers or entrepreneurs (UK residents aged 18 +) whose innovations already demonstrate proof of concept and traction.

Funded projects can be digital or physical solutions addressing any point along the dementia pathway from early diagnosis to end‑of‑life care or simply making everyday tasks easier for those living with dementia.

Current deadline: 18th September 2025

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.