Funding News

Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.

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Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Announces Funding Programmes for 2023/24

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will be launching three funding programmes during Spring and Summer 2023, providing targeted support for veterans, Armed Forces families and serving personnel.

The Force for Change programme now offer grants up to £15,000 for one-year projects in recognition of the increased cost of living. The Trust will focus funding on vulnerable Armed Forces communities who are being most impacted. Reopens for applications in spring 2023.
The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme will offer grants up to £100,000 for three-year projects that clearly address hidden or compelling needs identified in Armed Forces communities. Reopens for new applications in summer 2023.
The Transformational Grants programme will offer grants of up to £300,000 for projects up to five years in length that can deliver preventative, long-term outcomes and benefits. Reopens summer 2023.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website will be updated as each of these funding programmes opens for new applications.

The Hargreaves Foundation: Transforming young lives through sport and education

The Foundation’s objectives are underpinned by the desire to give those under the age of 18, and living with a mental health condition, disability, or growing up in poverty, the opportunity to fulfil their potential whilst improving wellbeing, self-esteem and independence. This £2 million annual funding scheme is open to Registered Charities, CIOs, Schools & Further Education Colleges, and NHS Trusts. There is no minimum or maximum grant size.

Leathersellers Company for Charities Supporting Vulnerable & Disadvantaged People

They are seeking applications from small charities that are providing vital services for vulnerable people in deprived communities across the UK. The Small Grants Programme will award grants of up to £5,000 to organisations with an annual income of less than £200,000. Partnerships are encouraged. The number of applications will be capped and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis e.g. the first 45 applications after each round opens will be able to be submitted. The Committee will meet regularly to ensure charities receive a decision within a month of submitting their application. Open to application from 9am on 10 April 2023.

Nineveh Charitable Trust

They support a broad range of UK-based projects and activities of benefit to the General Public, with an emphasis on promoting better understanding of the environment and countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, education and research. Whilst the Trust does not specify a minimum or maximum grant amount that can be applied for, an analysis of previous grants would suggest a maximum of £5,000 per year for up to three years. They prefer to pay grants to UK registered charities or Community Interest Companies, but individual applicants may be considered if the outcome benefits are clearly defined.

Biffa Award: PARTNERSHIP GRANTS SCHEME

Currently accepting expressions of interest in their 2023 Partnership Grants Scheme for both Built Environment and Natural Environment themes. The deadline for all expressions of interest will be 1 June 2023, with both themes being considered by the board at the same time. Between £250,000 and £750,000 is available, and although there is no ceiling on the total cost of your project, preference will be given to projects where the Biffa Award is recognised as a majority funder.

The Prince's Countryside Fund (PCF): Supporting Rural Communities

Supporting Rural Communities is their flagship grant programme, awarding £500,000 each year to power community-led solutions that enhance the viability and sustainability of rural communities. Grants are for a maximum of £25,000 over two years, and applicants must be from properly constituted, not for profit organisations with an income of less than £500,000. They support projects taking places in villages and towns in rurally isolated areas, where access to services is limited.

Upcoming Deadlines

Reminder - Community Foundation Northern Ireland: The Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme

You are invited to register your interest and your ideas to be considered as a participant on the Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme. The aim of the Programme is: “To contribute to reducing and preventing homelessness in Northern Ireland through supporting projects that address root causes of housing stress and homelessness, amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.” Deadline for EOIs is 23 March (4pm).

Ards & North Down Borough Council grants

Two upcoming deadlines to note:

Ards & North Down Borough Council: Heritage Grant – The Heritage Project Funding is designed to assist heritage events, projects or activities, which take place in the North Down and Ards District. A maximum grant of £500 is available. Deadline 23 March 2023 (4pm).
Ards & North Down Borough Council: Arts Project Grant – The Arts Project Funding is designed to assist arts events, projects or activities, which take place in the North Down and Ards District. Grants of up to £1,000 are available. Deadline 23 March 2023 (23:59).

Grow Wild: Community Project Funding

Grow Wild is offering grants of £2000 to seven groups from across the UK who would like to help them make positive changes by transforming an urban space through planting and taking positive actions for nature. Deadline 24 March 2024 (10am).

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland: The Gill’s Charity Fund

The Gill’s Charity Fund offers funding to organisations for projects for the benefit of older people resident in the Borough of Carrickfergus (as per the old Local Government area). Funding covers running costs, such as sessional costs for tutors, venue hire, transport and capital costs are eligible, if essential to the project. Grants available up to £2,000. Deadline 27 March 2023 (1pm).

Fundraising Articles & Resources

Guest Blog: The Chartered Institute of Fundraising in Northern Ireland | NICVA

Paul Montgomery, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland gives an overview of the work they do and how you can get involved. Plus, Paul details of their spring Fundraising Forum in Lisburn.

Guest Blog: The National Lottery Community Fund - remember to consider your environmental impact when applying for funding

Mark Creaney, from The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), talks about how the largest community funder across the UK is supporting communities who are seeking to minimise their impact on the environment.

Guest Blog: Fundraising Regulator builds on its presence in Northern Ireland | NICVA

The Fundraising Regulator gives an overview of their work in 2022 including its commitment to strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland.

Making a Sustainable Difference in your Organisation

The environment affects all aspects of our lives and there are numerous benefits for organisations to address environmental issues such as improved finances and greater appeal for employees, supporters, and funders. Find out more here including potential funders.

Fundraising Hub

NICVA Fundraising Advice has a range of articles from contributors supporting fundraising. Explore our Fundraising Hub for advice and information:

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