Funding Opportunities & Resources
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Connections Through Culture Grants
Background
This programme is provided by the British Council.
The British Council specialises in international cultural and educational opportunities, fostering creative links between the UK and abroad.
In 2026, Connections Through Culture incorporates grants programmes formerly known as Biennials Connect (Visual Arts) and Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennials and Festivals Grants.
Objectives of Fund
The funding is intended to support new collaborative projects between artists, creative practitioners, cultural professionals and arts organisations, fostering cross-cultural exchange, the sharing of skills and knowledge, and the development of lasting international relationships.
Value Notes
Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, each application must include at least one UK partner and one partner from an eligible participating country. Each partner must be legally based in the country they are applying from at the time of application and for the duration of the project.
Applications are accepted from organisations and individuals.
A wide range of themes and artforms are eligible, including architecture, design, fashion and craft; creative technology (including digital arts, XR/immersive and games); film; literature; music; theatre and dance; and visual arts.
For projects taking place as part of Visual Arts, Architecture, Design, Fashion or Craft festivals or biennials, applications should be submitted by the festival or biennial organisation rather than by individual artists, designers or practitioners.
Eligible Expenditure
The grants support the development of new creative projects leading to collaborative activities that promote the exchange of skills, knowledge and practice, and may involve activities such as co-creation, residencies, exchanges, workshops, research and development, exhibitions, performances, showcases, festivals, publications, webinars and conferences. Projects can be delivered digitally, in person, or through a hybrid approach.
Funding can be used for costs directly attributable to project delivery, including professional fees, travel and accommodation, equipment and materials, venue hire, production costs, marketing and promotion, accessibility and inclusion measures, and translation and interpretation.
Location
United Kingdom in partnership with eligible countries (Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Mainland China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, UK, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam)
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 12 August 2026 (23:59).
Guidance notes and the online application form can be found on the British Council website.
Background
The Men's Health Community Fund, announced in spring 2026, is a new £6.3 million national initiative designed to support community-led projects that improve men's health and reduce inequalities, particularly among those least likely to engage with traditional health services.
The scheme sits within the UK Government's Men's Health Strategy for England and has been developed as a partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Movember, and People's Health Trust (PHT).
Objectives of Fund
The fund is intended to support projects that improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of men and boys aged 16 and over, with a particular focus on those living in disadvantaged communities or experiencing the poorest health outcomes.
Its objectives include reaching men who are underserved or disengaged from traditional services, delivering support in trusted community settings, addressing the wider social determinants of health such as housing, employment and debt, and building a stronger evidence base around what works in improving men's health. In addition, it emphasises prevention and early intervention and provides support during key life transitions, such as becoming a father, experiencing job loss, or entering retirement.
This funding opportunity consists of the following three funds which have different levels of grants and different application windows:
- DHSC funding envelope(up to £3 million) supports programmes for two groups:
- Men aged 35–59 who are unemployed, economically inactive or facing economic precarity.
- Older men (60+) experiencing key life transitions (eg, retirement, bereavement, relationship breakdown, caring responsibilities etc.).
- Movember funding envelope (£3 million) supports programmes for young men aged 16–35, with a focus on community-based approaches that strengthen social connection and encourage men to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing – seeking help when needed.
- People's Health Trust funding envelope (£300,000+) supports programmes for men working in industry. Applications to open later in 2026.
Value Notes
Around £6.3 million will be made available:
- DHSC is committing up to £3 million with grants of between £75,000 and £125,000 each. Earliest project start date January 2027.
- Movember is committing £3 million to support up to 15 grants (between £150,000 and £300,000 each) of up to three years. Earliest project start date January 2027.
- People's Health Trust is committing £300,000, with fundraising planned to increase to up to £1.25 million.
Who Can Apply
Applications will be accepted from community voluntary sector organisations (VCSEs) in England that are already doing meaningful work with men and who want to strengthen, develop and share learning about what makes that work effective.
Eligible organisations must be one of the following:
- Incorporated organisations
- Charity registered in England, Scotland or Wales
- Charitable incorporated organisation (CIOs)
- Company limited by guarantee
- Community interest company (CICs) limited by guarantee (not shares)
- Charitable community benefit society
- Community benefit society with a charitable asset lock and clearly defined members
- Unincorporated Organisations / Constituted Community Organisation
- A constituted group, voluntary organisation, or association with a social or charitable purpose.
All eligible organisations must have a minimum of three trustees, directors, or management committee members who are not related to each other, all aged over 18. Where this requirement is not met at the time of application, it must be satisfied within three months of any grant offer and before any funds are released.
The funders are particularly looking for organisations with strong community trust, lived-experience-informed approaches and existing reach into communities of men and boys who may not see services as relevant, trusted or accessible, or who are at an early stage of recognising their own health needs.
This opportunity would be particularly relevant for organisations that:
- Have established trusted relationships and meaningful connections with specific communities of men and are embedded within those communities.
- Have specific expertise in designing and delivering work for men, rather than general community provision.
- Use insight, evidence, practitioner knowledge and lived experience to shape and improve their work, including learning from previous delivery and engagement with the communities they serve.
- Have a strong understanding of the wider inequalities affecting men's health and wellbeing, including the role of poverty, exclusion, discrimination and gender norms in shaping health outcomes.
- Are open to learning, collaboration and reflective practice, including working alongside researchers, evaluators and peer organisations to strengthen understanding of what works and why in the sector.
Illustrative examples include prevention-focused work in a community based, non-clinical settings such as peer-led groups, sports or gaming initiatives, creative arts or nature-based initiatives, or faith-based peer support groups. These examples are not exhaustive.
Restrictions
Companies limited by shares or limited liability partnerships are not eligible (this is a DHSC restriction).
A full list of restrictions can be found in the guidance notes.
Eligible Expenditure
The funding can be used to deliver a wide range of activities that improve health and wellbeing, including mental health support, social connection initiatives, and practical interventions addressing issues such as financial insecurity or housing instability. Grants will focus on community projects that reach underserved men and boys aged 16 and over, particularly those in the most disadvantaged areas and at key transition points in their lives.
Location
England
How To Apply
Funding rounds will open at different times across the partners:
- Applications for the DHSCfunding is via the Gov.UK 'Find a Grant' website.
- There is a two stage application process. Expressions of Interest are accepted from 22 June 2026 to 15 July 2026 (17:00).
- Applications for Movemberfunding must be submitted directly via the Movember website.
- There is a two stage application process. Expressions of Interest are accepted from 22 June 2026 to 15 July 2026 (17:00).
- Applications for the People's Health Trust funding will launch separately later in the year, with its own application process.
Full details with criteria and online Expressions of Interest can be found on the Gov.UK 'Find a Grant' website and the Movember website.
Organisations must apply to one funding stream only; applications spanning multiple streams will not be considered.
Documents & links
- Gov.UK ‘Find a Grant’ - The Men’s Health Community Fund
- Movember - The Men's Health Community Fund
- People's Health Trust - The Men’s Health Community Fund
Contacts
For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:
- People’s Health Trust
- Movember
- Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
Background
The Community Fund is provided and administered by the cardfactory Foundation who supports charities working to help people and communities at 'Moments that Matter'.
The Foundation's goal is 'to address immediate needs while helping communities and individuals build long-term stability and resilience.
Objectives of Fund
The funding is for UK registered charities working, either at the national or regional level within the UK, in one or more of the Foundation's priority areas:
- Families experiencing financial disadvantage - support families facing long-term, sustained economic hardship, rather than short-term or one-off events, that restricts their ability to meet essential needs like food, housing, or heating. The focus is on addressing immediate pressures while also supporting longer-term stability and resilience.
- Hardship and Crisis Support (Acute) - provide time-bound support to individuals and families experiencing a recent triggering event or escalation in risk (e.g. fleeing domestic abuse, imminent homelessness, or sudden bereavement). There is particular interest in how organisations deliver sustained improvement and longer-term stability beyond the initial crisis response.
- Vulnerable children and young people (0–25) - support young people facing circumstances that threaten their safety, wellbeing, or development. The goal is to protect these individuals, build their resilience, and help them achieve stability. This includes support for those with care experience, at risk of exploitation, young carers, or those with complex needs (SEND).
Value Notes
Fixed grants of £10,000 are available.
Note: applications for other amounts will not be accepted.
Who Can Apply
Registered charities with a valid registration number may apply.
To be eligible, charities must
- Be working within one or more of the Foundation's priority areas.
- Have an income of less than £3 million per annum. There is particular interest in supporting smaller, local charities where a £10,000 grant will deliver real impact.
- Have been actively operating for at least 18 months.
- Be able to submit the previous year's published annual accounts.
- Operate within the UK, either at a national or regional level.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Community interest groups.
- Political parties
- Promotion of religion
- Individuals.
Eligible Expenditure
Unrestricted funding is available for groups to use where it is most needed to strengthen a charity’s long-term sustainability and reduce administrative burden.
Location
UK
How To Apply
There is a two-week application window which opens 22 June 2026 and closes 3 July 2026.
Funding decisions to be announced in September 2026. Grants paid approximately six weeks after decisions are announced.
Guidance notes and the online application form are available from the Foundation's website.
Note: A link to the online application form will be made live from 22 June 2026.
Contact the cardfactory Foundation for further information.
Contacts
For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:
- Enquiries
cardfactory Foundation
Century House
Brunel Road
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF2 0XG
Email: info@cardfactoryfoundation.org.uk
Emergency Essentials Programme
Background
Family Fund Business Services are working in partnership with Children in Need to deliver their Emergency Essentials Programme (previously the Buttle UK Families Programme).
Objectives of Fund
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances. This Fund is administered by Family Fund Business Services.
This programme provides items for the most basic needs of vulnerable children and young people who may be:
- Living in severe poverty and suffering deprivation as a result.
- Affected by additional social issues such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, estrangement, disability or serious illness, mental health or behavioural difficulties, abuse or neglect.
Value Notes
Where possible, items will be provided directly rather than awarding a cash grant.
Who Can Apply
Applications must be made through an organisation that is supporting the family or young person and is capable of assessing their needs, and that can also administer the grant.
Applications will only be accepted from:
- Registered referrers.
- Support workers on behalf of the family.
- Professionals such as a teacher, GP, nurse, charity representative, housing or tenancy support worker.
The support is for the following:
- Children aged under 18 years who are experiencing a crisis or emergency.
- UK or EU citizens who are normally resident in the UK.
- Where the child or young person's family do not have access to support and have insufficient resources to meet their needs.
- Where a child or young person's family are experiencing poverty or destitution or are in receipt of a means tested benefits.
- Where vulnerable low income families have been affected by the recent severe floods.
Consideration may be given where a child or young person, or their family, have an asylum application under assessment or in circumstances where residency criteria is not consistent across the family unit.
Due to the high demand for BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials grants, only one application per household within a 12 month period will be accepted.
The application for each household will take into account the needs of all children under the one application, it does not mean only one child per household can be supported.
Restrictions
Funding is not available for the following:
- Children whose care is the responsibility of the local authority.
- Adults aged 18 and over.
- Families and young people who are non-EU residents on a student or work visa.
- Families or young people not normally resident in the UK.
- Where a child has not yet been born.
- Payment of fuel/utility bills, council tax or rent.
- Payment of loans or debts, bankruptcy fees.
- Rent costs or deposits.
- Household repairs/adaptations/additions.
- Holidays, school trips or play schemes.
- Childcare/childminding/afterschool clubs.
- Children’s toys/Christmas presents.
- Specialist medical equipment.
- Computers, laptops or mobile phones.
- Televisions, DVD or other entertainment equipment.
- Musical instruments.
- Driving lessons.
- General subsistence costs.
- Funeral costs including cost of headstones.
- Items solely for the use of parents, eg beds for parents.
- Flooring.
Applications based purely on financial hardship will not normally be considered.
Eligible Expenditure
Funding is available for critical household items as follows:
- Electric cookers.
- Furniture, kitchen equipment and small appliances.
- Clothing.
- Baby equipment.
- Fridges and freezers.
- Washing machines.
- Tumble dryers.
- Children's beds and bedding, including cots.
Support may also be available for vulnerable low income families have been affected by the recent severe floods.
Location
United Kingdom
How To Apply
Applications are currently being accepted.
The guidance notes and online application form can be found on the Family Fund Business Services website.
Contact Family Fund Business Services for further information.
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Team
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