This week's Funding Bulletin (October 12th - October 16th 2026)
A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week.
The National Deaf Children's Society's Community Grants Programme
The National Deaf Children’s Society has announced that its Community Grants programme is open for applications, offering grants of £1,000 to £10,000 for UK projects supporting deaf children and their families. The charity supports children with any level of deafness or hearing loss.
Funding is focused on projects benefiting deaf children aged 0 to 5, either directly or indirectly. Projects can also involve older deaf children, young people, families and professionals. Eligible costs include venue hire, transport, promotion, sessional workers, interpreters, language tutors and essential equipment.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with set assessment dates.
To read more: Community grants | NDCS
The National Lottery Community Fund's Solidarity Fund
Organisations in England that address the root causes of poverty, discrimination and disadvantage can apply for long-term funding from the National Lottery Community Fund’s Solidarity Fund.
Grants range from £1 million to £5 million and can last five to ten years. Funding is flexible and can cover running costs and project activities.
The fund expects to award around £50 million each year until 2030.
It supports ambitious work that aims to change the policies, institutions and decision-making processes that contribute to inequality. Projects should be led by, and accountable to, people with direct experience of the issues.
Applications must show how the proposed work will:
Help communities gain influence, develop leaders and take part in decisions.
Change systems that contribute to poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Bring communities together to act on shared concerns.
Ensure people directly affected by the issues lead the work.
Share learning to influence decision-makers, improve policies and strengthen collective action. There is no application deadline. Funding decisions are made every three months.
There is no application deadline. Funding decisions are made every three months.
UnLtd's Community Climate Action Programme
UnLtd has announced that awards of up to £8,000 are available to early-stage social entrepreneurs taking practical action on climate change in communities across the UK. UnLtd supports social entrepreneurs to start and grow ventures that create positive social change.
The Community Climate Action programme supports projects helping people reduce carbon emissions while improving wellbeing. Projects must focus on transport, home energy, sustainable food, or reducing waste and consumption.
The type of projects that could be funded include:
Community schemes encouraging walking, cycling, shared transport or other lower-carbon travel.
Projects helping households reduce energy use, improve energy efficiency or address fuel-related inequality.
Community food initiatives that promote sustainable food choices, local production or lower-carbon diets.
Repair, reuse, recycling or sharing projects that reduce waste and unnecessary consumption.
Social enterprises combining climate action with benefits for low-income, disabled or racially minoritised communities.
Priority is given to founders with lived experience and strong community connections, including disabled and racially minoritised founders and those working in economically disadvantaged areas.
Current deadline: 16th November 2026
To read more: Community Climate Action | UnLtd
Architectural Heritage Fund's Heritage Revival Fund
Charities, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises in England can apply for grants of up to £500,000 through the Architectural Heritage Fund's Heritage Revival Fund.
The funding aims to bring neglected historic buildings, such as theatres, department stores and former banks, back into use for the benefit of local communities.
The programme supports organisations looking to take ownership of historic buildings, restore them and develop new community uses.
Funding is available for projects at different stages, from initial planning and feasibility studies through to building repairs and renovation. Eligible activities include developing business plans, architectural design, surveys, purchasing buildings and carrying out restoration work.
The programme is delivered by the Architectural Heritage Fund in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Historic England.
Current deadline: 18th January 2027
To read more: Fund | The Architectural Heritage Fund
Turning Point's Community Innovation Fu
Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations in England can apply for grants of up to £2,500 to support projects that reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and strengthen local communities.
The funding is provided by Turning Point, a health and social care organisation, through its Community Innovation Fund.
Projects should focus on one or more of the following themes:
Employment, Volunteering and Skills: Helping people develop skills and access employment and volunteering opportunities.
Social Connections and Community Participation: Helping people build relationships and become more involved in their communities.
Environment and Sustainability: Improving local spaces and encouraging community pride.
Housing and Basic Living Standards: Helping people access stable housing and essential living support.
Access to Health and Care Services: Making it easier for people to access the care and support they need.
Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention: Promoting healthier choices, wellbeing and early support.
Tackling Racism, Inequality and Stigma: Creating welcoming and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued.
Previously funded projects include a community crafting club, a sensory garden, a pottery course and a storytelling club for men recovering from addiction.
The fund is open to charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations operating in areas where Turning Point provides services. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a connection to local Turning Point teams.
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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