Funding Opportunities & Resources

Top Tips - Keep it simple!

Make your application as easy to read as possible - the people who are assessing your application may not have a lot of time or much knowledge of the work you do so being clear is key.

Avoid complicated wording or acronyms if funders understand what you are asking for and how you meet their criteria, they are much more likely to say yes to funding your activity.

Don't Forget

Don’t forget if you are just starting out our get started guides have a range of information including setting up a group writing a constitution and finding and applying for funding

More information about the team and what we can offer can be found on our web pages.

Got an idea for the newsletter – we would love to hear from you!

Screwfix Foundation

Background

The Screwfix Foundation is a grant-making charity which was created by trade retailers Screwfix in 2013.

The funds for the grants programme are raised throughout the year with an eye to supporting causes that will change people's lives.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended for both national and local charities across the UK so that they can fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities specifically for those in need (by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress) in the UK.

Due to the very high number of applications received each quarter, Screwfix will give priority to the following projects:

• Where Screwfix is funding the project in full.
• Where the project will directly benefit people in need and will have a lasting impact.

Value Notes

Grants 'in the region of' £5,000 are available.

Funding needs to be spent within 12 months from receipt of payment.

Who Can Apply

Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations based in the UK (including specialist not-for-profit schools) can apply.

Applications will be accepted from:

• Registered Charities with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Registered Charities with OSCR
• Registered Charities with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
• Registered Community Benefit Society with the FCA
• Registered Cooperative Society with the FCA
• Registered Community Interest Company (CIC) with Companies House.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be supporting people in need in the UK by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress. The main beneficiaries could be:
  • People suffering from sickness or disabilities.
  • People from diverse groups.
  • Disadvantaged or vulnerable people.
  • People suffering from financial hardship.
  • People suffering from mental health issues.
  • Other.
• Be looking for funding to support projects that relate to the repair, maintenance, improvement or construction of homes, community buildings and other buildings.
• Have suitable governance to manage funds, eg, financial reporting, committee meetings, etc.

Both national and local charities can apply.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Items that are easily removable from a property such as soft furnishings, curtains, tables, chairs etc.
• White goods or electronic items.
• Grants for research.
• Purchase of vehicles.
• Purchase of garden machinery or removeable furniture such as lawnmowers, chairs or plants.
• Repayment of loans.
• Annual Rent or service charges.
• Sponsorships.
• Salaries.
• Organisations that support wildlife or animals as their main beneficiary.
• Groups that have received funding from the Screwfix Foundation within the last two years.
• Projects that will benefit the general public ie, community centres, sports clubs and associations, uniformed groups such as scout and girl guide groups.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is for projects which improve a physical building (or land attached to it) that is used by people in need.

The funding is to be used for the following types of projects:

• Improved energy efficient lighting and heating
• Installation of new kitchen, bathroom etc.
• Installation of a sensory room.
• General painting and decorating.
• Improving safety and security of a building.

Location

United Kingdom

How To Apply

The guidelines and online application form can be found on The Screwfix Foundation website.

The trustees meet to review applications in March, June, September and December. The cut off date for applications is 12pm on tenth day of the month prior to the Trustee meeting.

The application windows are:

• 11 November to 10 February for the March meeting with a decision by 30 March.
• 11 February to 10 May for the June Trustee meeting with a decision by 30 July.
• 11 May to 10 August for the September Trustee meeting with a decision by 30 September.
• 11 August to 10 November for the December Trustee meeting with a decision by 30 December.

All projects that are successful will be listed on the Screwfix Foundation website.

Contact The Screwfix Foundation for further information.

Contacts

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

1. Enquiries The Screwfix Foundation Trade House Mead Avenue Houndstone Business Park Yeovil BA22 8RT Tel: 01935 414100 Email: foundation@screwfix.com
2. Apply https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/screwfix-foundation

Sunrise Moments Community Fund

Background

This fund is provided and administered by Sunrise Medical.

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support a variety of projects and activities that help wheelchair users and disabled people to enjoy greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

Who Can Apply

The following can apply:

• Individuals.
• Families.
• Community groups.
• Charities.
• Disability organisations.
• Sports clubs.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding can be used for projects such as:

• Disability sports clubs – Support for wheelchair basketball, rugby, tennis, and other inclusive sports.
• Community events – Helping to create accessible events and activities that bring people together.
• Mobility equipment – Funding towards specialist equipment that enables greater independence.
• Days out and experiences – Borrowing equipment or making activities more accessible.
• Personal challenges.
• Local community projects – Supporting initiatives that improve accessibility and inclusion.

Proposed projects should encourage people to get active, connect with others, try something new, or make everyday life easier.

Location

UK.

How To Apply

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026.

Applicants will be notified of any decisions made within a month of the deadline.

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Sunrise Medical website.

Contacts

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

1. Enquiries Sunrise Medical Email: enquiries@sunmed.co.uk
2. Apply https://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/community-fund

National Garden Scheme

Background

The Community Gardens Grants scheme was set up in 2011 by the National Garden Scheme and managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society. From 2019 the Award became wholly managed by the National Garden Scheme.

In November 2024, the Julia Rausing Trust announce a £1.5 million grant to the National Garden Scheme for the Community Garden Grants programme.

The Award was set up in memory of Elspeth Thompson, a garden writer and journalist and supporter of the National Garden Scheme who died in 2010.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is for gardening projects carried out within local communities in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The scheme is committed to:

• Sustainability in gardening so proposals need to demonstrate that they will be using sustainable gardening methods – for instance being as far as possible peat-free.
• Celebrating biodiversity so projects that encourage biodiversity and wildlife, while not essential, will be a positive.

Value Notes

Grants of between £1,500 and £5,000 are available.

Match Funding Restrictions

Match funding is not a requirement but organisations should state in their application if they have obtained, or are applying for, funding from elsewhere, giving the amount and the source.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be a fully set up community group, registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) with a functioning non-personal bank account.

Previous Success

Recent grant recipients include:

• The Fathom Trust used their grant to create an apothecary garden so they could expand upon the social and therapeutic gardening activities already taking place at their hub in the Brecon Beacons. They have partnered with local GP surgeries and accept referrals from mental health teams and charities like Mind.
• St Peters Community Wellbeing Projects in Bethnal Green, London used their grant to improve their gardening space which supports local elderly and/or vulnerable BAME women through participation in community gardening activities.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Local authorities including parish councils.
• Schools including pre-schools
• Volunteer expenses.
• Salaries or wages.
• Promotional costs (eg, production or printing of leaflets).
• Hire of large mechanical tools (eg, large shredder, JCB etc).
• Transport to visit gardens.
• Insurance.
• Educational course fees or training costs.
• Groups that received a grant the prior year.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is for the creation of a garden or a similar project (such as an allotment) with horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.

The project should aim to bring a community together by creating a space people can share, by the acquisition and sharing of gardening knowledge and skills and by inspiring a love of gardening.

The funding can be used for a number of things, including but not limited to:

• Plants and containers
• Materials for flower or vegetable beds and other hard landscaping
• Greenhouses, polytunnels and sheds
• Seating
• Hand tools and certain garden power tools (eg strimmers)
• Materials for providing refreshment.

Location

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands

How To Apply

Grant applications for 2027 will be accepted between 29 September 2026 and 30 October 2026. Notification of decisions can be expected by email in April 2027.

The current application guidelines are available on the website of the National Garden Scheme.

The application process is in two parts.

• Firstly, there is an initial check on eligibility.
• The link to the second part will be sent by email.

Note only the first 300 eligible submissions will be considered for a grant.

Contact the National Garden Scheme for further information.

Contacts

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

1. Vince Hagan Grant Scheme Administrator National Garden Scheme Tel: 01483 213905 Email: vince.hagan@ngs.org.uk
2. Apply https://ngs.org.uk/who-we-are/community-garden-grants/

Youth Climate Action Fund

Background

The Youth Climate Action Fund is administered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The programme is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, a global organisation that launched the Youth Climate Action Fund in 2024 to support young people in 100 different cities across 38 countries to develop and provide climate solutions.

Objectives of Fund

The fund supports young people to develop and lead practical projects that contribute to a greener, healthier and more sustainable West Midlands. Projects must focus on at least one of four themes: air quality, circular economy, climate adaptation or nature, while strengthening youth leadership and participation in environmental action.

Value Notes

Grants of between £1,000 and £2,500 are available.

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from:

• Youth-led organisations, such as youth clubs or groups.
• Youth-serving organisations, such as adult-led organisations that support young people.
• Sponsor organisations, such as educational institutions, museums and community organisations.

All projects must be based and delivered within the WMCA area, which includes the following local authorities: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding supports the delivery of youth-led climate and environmental action projects addressing one or more of the following themes:

• Air quality
• Circular economy
• Climate adaptation
• Nature

Projects must be youth-led, which means that the project must be proposed, designed and led by at least two individuals aged 15 to 24 who actively participate in decision-making and oversight.

Location

West Midlands Combined Authority area (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton)

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 25 September 2026 (5pm).

Applicants must email environment@wmca.org.uk to receive an information pack and application form.

Contact West Midlands Combined Authority for further information.

Contacts

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

1. Enquiries West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) 16 Summer Lane Birmingham West Midlands B19 3SD Tel: 0345 303 6760 Email: environment@wmca.org.uk
2. Apply https://www.bvsc.org/news/youth-climate-action-fund