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This week's Funding Bulletin (January 5th - January 9th 2026)

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

The Stephen Beard Foundation's Wirral Grants Fund


The Stephen Beard Foundation has opened up it's Wirral Grants Fund, which can support community groups, charities and projects based on Wirral that focus on helping the community with mental health needs. The Foundation will award small grants of up to £1000.


The Stephen Beard Foundation has been set up in memory of Stephen Beard who died on 23rd April 2020. Stephen worked as a highly respected solicitor representing clients with mental health issues. The decline in mental health services and care for those suffering with these issues were his passion. We hope to support, promote and give much needed funds to existing projects based on the Wirral supporting people with mental health issues.


Current deadline: 13th February 2026



The Calisen Impact Charitable Trust


UK-registered charities can apply for grants to support projects that improve the environment, help local communities, or promote wellbeing.


The grants are provided by the Calisen Impact Charitable Trust, which funds projects that contribute to one or more of the following goals:

  • Helping the UK meet its climate targets

  • Moving towards net zero emissions

  • Building a more sustainable energy system

  • Promoting inclusion and creating safe, diverse learning and working environments

  • Supporting local economic and social growth, especially in areas where Calisen operates (mainly in the North West and across the UK)


Previous beneficiaries include Eco-Schools, which helps schools gain Green Flag accreditation and encourages children to take environmental action. Another example is Youth Zones, which offer nutritious meals and support to disadvantaged young people.


There is no set total fund value or maximum grant amount.


Current deadline: 31st March 2026



VSNW Pilot Grants


Through BRIDGE, as part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Research Engagement Network (REN) programme, Voluntary Sector North West are offering £4,000 pilot grants to VCFSE organisations to support disabled people and carers to engage with health and care research.


The funding is aimed at Disabled People’s Organisations, self advocacy groups, carers’ organisations and end of life organisations who want to test community led approaches that build confidence, trust and understanding around research, and create clearer routes into future research opportunities.


Projects could include things like accessible community conversations, creative or peer led engagement, one to one support for people facing access or confidence barriers or gathering insight from communities to help shape how research is done.


Current deadline: 23rd January 2026



The Delamere Dairy Foundation


Grants of £1,000 - £5,000 are available for local projects strengthening communities in England, Scotland, and Wales.


The Delamere Dairy Foundation, the independent charitable Trust set up by Delamere Dairy Ltd, to give back to local and wider communities through the provision of discretionary grants and other financial assistance, will provide support for charities, community groups, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that fit the objectives of the Foundation:

  • The advancement of agriculture and environmental protection

  • The advancement in life of young people by developing their capabilities so that they may mature as contributory members of society

  • The relief of financial hardship

  • The advancement of education

  • The relief of sickness


Recent beneficiaries of the foundation's grants include a local food bank, a community garden, and a youth mentoring programme. Applications will be considered at regularly scheduled panel meetings.


Current deadline: 31st January 2026



The Screwfix Foundation


The Screwfix Foundation is open for applications from charities and not-for-profit organisations (including specialist not-for-profit schools) for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve the properties and community facilities of those in need due to financial hardship, sickness, disability, distress or other disadvantage throughout the UK.


Grants in the region of £5,000 are available for a variety of projects, such as:

  • Improved energy-efficient lighting & heating

  • Installation of new kitchen, bathroom etc.

  • Installation of a sensory room

  • General painting & decorating

  • Improving the safety and security of a building


Current deadline: 10th February 2026



The Kelly Family Trust


Registered charities whose activities support and encourage the family to work as a cohesive unit in tackling problems that face one or more of its members can apply for grants of up to £5,000 through the Kelly Family Charitable Trust.


Higher grant amounts can be awarded at the discretion of trustees.


Both capital and revenue grants are available, and the Trust welcomes requests for core operating costs in addition to project-based funding. Newly established organisations are encouraged to apply, as the Trust seeks to help charities grow and establish their services.


Initiatives supported by the Trust focus on preventing the fracture of the family unit through interventions such as practical support, relationship counselling, or mediation. Proposals addressing sexual abuse, domestic or physical violence, alcohol or drug misuse, and support for prisoners and their families are also supported


Although the Trust prefers to fund charities with annual incomes below £500,000, it may consider applications from larger organisations presenting pioneering pilot projects.


The Trust has supported charities like Mosac, which assists non-abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children, and Westminster Befriend a Family, a group that trains volunteers to befriend and regularly visit families under stress in their homes.


Current deadline: 1st March 2026



The Matrix Causes Fund


The Matrix Causes Fund is currently inviting applications from organisations working to improve the lives of people facing disadvantage in the UK and internationally. The Fund supports initiatives that promote access to justice, equality of opportunity, and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable in society.


Grants of up to £6,500 are available for one-off projects, alongside the option of multi-year funding of up to £4,500 per year for up to three years. This flexible funding can be used to support core organisational activities as well as frontline work that delivers meaningful impact.


The Fund is open to registered charities and to organisations established for charitable purposes, even if they are not formally registered. Each funding round accepts up to 30 applications, with a maximum of two awards made to organisations based outside the UK.


Priority is given to projects that support people facing significant disadvantage, including prisoners and those leaving the criminal justice system, asylum seekers and refugees, individuals with mental health challenges, people with disabilities, and women living in refuges. Projects that help people access justice, build opportunity or contribute to a more sustainable environment are particularly encouraged.


Current deadline: 31st March 2026



The Souter Charitable Trust


The Souter Charitable Trust invites applications from UK-registered charities that work to relieve human suffering in the UK and overseas. The Trust particularly supports organisations with a Christian ethos, although charities without a Christian emphasis are also welcome to apply.


The Trust works with organisations that share its values and aims to support vulnerable and underserved communities. Funding is intended to help charities provide practical assistance and improve both physical and spiritual wellbeing.


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


Current deadline: 19th January 2026



Bailey Thomas General Grants Programme


UK charities, parent-teacher Associations, and schools can apply for grants to help children and adults suffering severe learning difficulties, including autism.


The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works and cover project and core costs.


Previous grants have been used to support:


Capital building/renovation/refurbishment works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools

Employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture

Play schemes and play therapy schemes

Day and social activities centres including building costs and running costs

Support for families, including respite schemes

Independent living schemes

Support in the community schemes

Snoezelen rooms


The Fund does not currently accept appeals from Community Interest Companies. There are two funding programmes, the main programme for grants of £9,000 or more, and a small grants programme for appeals below £9,000.


Current deadline: 31st March 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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