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This week's Funding Bulletin (June 29th - July 3rd 2026)

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


UK Government invites evidence to shape National Lottery Funding


The UK Government has launched a 12-week Call for Evidence inviting individuals, charities, community organisations and National Lottery players to help shape the future of National Lottery Good Cause funding. The review will consider where future investment should be directed, how funding can better support grassroots organisations and communities, and how the application process can be made more accessible. This is the first major review of National Lottery funding in more than 20 years and provides an opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to influence how billions of pounds of future funding will be distributed.


The consultation is open until 23rd September 2026



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



The 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 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: 13th August 2026



Barchester's Charitable Foundation


Barchester's Charitable Foundation is a grant-giving charity that helps older people and other adults with disability across England, Scotland & Wales lead more fulfilled lives and reach their full potential.


The Foundation focuses on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community, helping combat isolation and loneliness and enabling people to be active and engaged.


Funding of between £100 and £2,500 (£1,500 for individuals) is available for individuals charities and small community groups to help improve people's mobility, independence and quality of life. Applications for individuals must be completed by a third-party sponsor such as a health care professional, social worker or charity/support group representative.


The Foundations helps individuals with:

  • Manual and powered wheelchairs

  • Mobility scooters

  • Specialised trikes / bikes

  • Car adaptations


Groups and organisations can apply for grants to help with:

  • Activity projects

  • Equipment and materials for use by members

  • Member transport

  • Day trips, outings and group holidays in the UK


Applications are assessed on a case by case basis, with funds allocated to those who demonstrate greatest need.



The James Tudor Foundation's Mental Health Grants Programme


Grants of up to £25,000 are available to UK-registered charities that support children and young people recovering from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and parents affected by ACEs, mental illness or addiction.


The James Tudor Foundation’s Mental Health Grants Programme funds evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.


The programme has two main goals:

  • To help children and young people who have experienced ACEs to overcome their trauma and thrive.

  • To help parents address their own severe mental health issues to prevent them from harming their children.


This could include therapies for children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence, specialist support for bereaved children and young people, whole-family therapies, and support for parents or caregivers to help break intergenerational cycles of abuse.


Current deadline: 31st August 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)


Previously funded projects include:

  • Eco-Schools, which helps schools achieve Green Flag accreditation while engaging pupils in topics such as biodiversity and energy.

  • Manchester Youth Zone, where funding supported free nutritious meals for young people in Harpurhey.

  • Wigan Youth Zone, where the Trust backed targeted youth work, including support groups for vulnerable young people and LGBTQ+ members.


Although the Trust focuses on communities in the North West where Calisen operates, charities from anywhere in the UK can apply.


Current deadline: 30th September 2026



The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation's Small Change Big Difference Fund


Members and colleagues of the Yorkshire Building Society can nominate UK Charities to apply to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation's Small Change Big Difference Fund. The Foundation aims to help alleviate poverty, improve health and save lives.


Once nominated, organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500 to support initiatives that benefit vulnerable groups in the UK, including children, the seriously ill, the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities.


Funding can be used for projects or items that make a positive difference, such as sensory toys for children with special needs, social activities for the elderly, or staff training for programme delivery.


Priority will be given to organisations with an annual income under £100,000 and those supporting marginalised communities.


To access the funding, charities should encourage supporters who are members or colleagues of the Yorkshire Building Society to nominate them for potential funding opportunities.


Current deadline: 30th September 2026



The7stars Foundation


The7stars foundation has announced that several of its grant schemes are currently open for applications to support vulnerable children and young people across the UK. The foundation was established in 2016 by the7stars media agency and awards grants to charities supporting young people aged 18 and under.


Open schemes include:

  • Child Poverty – two-year unrestricted grants of £60,000 for registered UK charities working to end child poverty. One charity partner is selected each year and applicants can register interest.

  • Social Impact Funding – two-year unrestricted grants of £10,000 for registered UK charities with turnover under £1.5 million. The current round supports anti-racism and online abuse work.

  • Individual Funding – one-off grants of up to £500, applied for by safeguarding professionals on behalf of children facing critical need.

  • Apprenticeships – fully funded apprenticeships up to Level 4 for non-levy paying organisations supporting vulnerable young people.


Current deadline: 13th July 2026



The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation


The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation has announced their next funding programme, which provides support to small UK-registered charities in five areas:

  • The performing arts

  • Music

  • Jewish life and learning (including interfaith initiatives)

  • Medical Research Travel Grants

  • Personal Awards


The Personal Awards category has been introduced, offering grants of up to £5,000 to support individuals driving innovative change within the Foundation’s existing themes.


The Foundation aims to support initiatives that significantly impact individuals and/or communities and leave a lasting legacy.


Large charities will not be considered.


Current deadline: 21st August 2026



The GSK IMPACT Awards 2027


The GSK IMPACT Awards recognise and reward outstanding registered charities working to improve health and wellbeing across the UK. The programme is open to charities that have been registered for at least three years, work in a health-related field, and have an annual income between £150,000 and £3 million. Charities with an annual income between £20,000 and £150,000 may instead be eligible for the GSK Community Health programme.


GSK and The King's Fund particularly encourage applications from organisations that are led by and support people from under-represented backgrounds, including people from ethnic minority communities, disabled people and the LGBTQ+ community. The awards recognise the value of diverse leadership, experience and perspectives in delivering impactful health services.


The application process takes place in two stages. Organisations must first submit a stage one application, with successful applicants invited to complete a second-stage application. Shortlisted organisations will receive an assessment visit before the final judging process in January 2027. Applicants are encouraged to review the programme guidance and eligibility criteria before applying.


Current deadline: 19th August 2026



The National Lottery Community Fund's Step Forward Fund


The Step Forward Fund is a £4 million funding programme from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-designed with The Phoenix Community Trust and its partners. It supports grassroots organisations led by and serving Global Majority and racially minoritised communities in England, helping them grow, strengthen their organisations, and build on the positive impact of their work.


The fund offers grants between £100,000 and £225,000, providing £50,000–£75,000 per year over two or three years. It is intended to help organisations move from smaller, project-based funding towards larger, longer-term investment, enabling them to continue advocating for and supporting their communities. The programme expects to make between 20 and 30 awards.


The programme forms part of The National Lottery Community Fund's commitment to equity by investing where need is greatest, supporting community-led organisations, and generating learning to improve future grant-making across the sector.



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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