Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
B & Q Foundation updates funding programme
The B&Q Foundation supports hundreds of registered charities across the UK every year. In 2025, they reviewed their funding approach. Their focus is now on projects that directly improve home environments, rather than community centres, support hubs, or well-being spaces. They currently offer two main funding programmes: the Home Improvement Fund (up to £10,000) and the Home-Starter Kits Fund (up to £10,000 for kits, with a maximum allocation of £500 per kit). Registered UK charities supporting people experiencing homelessness can apply. Four deadlines a year; next deadline 6pm on 20 February 2026.
Applications for their UK-wide Grow Wild Youth Grant programme will open in mid-February 2026. Applicants aged 16–25 who live in the UK can apply for a £500 Grow Wild grant to bring their nature project to life this summer. Project ideas should champion UK native plants and/or fungi. Successful individuals/groups receive support and network opportunities and a chance to complete Kew's Young Environmental Leader Award. Application deadline: 3pm on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. See website for details of upcoming information session.
ScottishPower Foundation: Annual Grants
The Foundation provides funding to UK registered charities supporting education, environmental protection, arts, heritage, culture or science, prevention or relief of poverty, disability, and advancing citizenship and community development. Fund typically opens late June to mid-July. Your annual accounts should show an income greater than £75,000 but not exceeding £10M. Applications for between £35K- £150K accepted; the average grant for the last three years has been £60K.
The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust prioritises funding for larger initiatives that have a significant impact on rural communities. In particular, the Trustees are interested in projects that support the education of young people in rural areas or that help to relieve poverty within these communities. Donations typically range from £1,000 to £75,000. They have made changes to the application process for 2026. Applications open now until 30 April 2026.
Hospice UK: Screwfix Foundation Hospice Capital Improvement Grants
Hospice UK are working with the Screwfix Foundation to help hospices carry out small capital projects that have a direct impact to patients and their families. A total of £100,000 is available for this round of grants. They are looking to make grants of up to £10,000 per hospice for projects such as LED lighting, EV charging points, outdoor spaces, energy efficient doors and windows, etc. Any hospice that is a member of Hospice UK can apply for this grant, including NHS hospices. This covers the whole of the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It includes children’s and adult hospices. Apply by 5pm on 13 April 2026.
Upcoming Deadlines
King Charles III Charitable Fund: Small Grants
The King Charles III Charitable Fund Small Grants Programme awards UK registered not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 with small grants of up to £3,000 per year, for up to three years for projects and activities under specific themes. The theme for the next round is Social inclusion and Health and wellbeing – improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities. Application deadline is 11 February 2026 at 12pm(noon).
Community Foundation for Northern Ireland approaching deadlines
The Inishative Community Benefit Fund is available for local community projects within a 6-mile radius of the wind farm. Grants up to £2,000. The Brian Conlon Foundation’s funding is for community associations and groups in the Newry area, who are working to advance education, amateur sport, provide opportunities for young people, and assisting communities in the local area. Up to £3,500. Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund provides funding for projects addressing marginalisation, rural isolation, maximising community spaces, and more for eligible organisations within 6 miles of the wind farm. Deadline 1pm on 12 February 2026 applies to all schemes listed above.
Idlewild Trust is an independent grant-making trust. Idlewild Trust awards grants in two areas: Arts (nurturing early-stage professionals) and Conservation (objects and works of art). The Trust awards grants of up to £7,000 to registered charities and UK publicly exempt charities. Round 2 deadline 13 February 2026 at 12pm(noon).
Naturewatch Foundation: Pet Rescue Grant
Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant supports UK animal rescue charities working with dogs, cats and/or rabbits who have been affected by the low-welfare or illegal pet trade. A main grant of £10,000 is available annually to UK-registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) with an annual income of up to £5 million. Additionally, a mini grant of £1,000 is available to unincorporated non-profits, including unregistered charities and community groups. EOI deadline 14 February 2026.
KFC Youth Foundation Community Grants Programme 2026
The KFC Youth Foundation’s 2026 Community Grants Programme is now open for applications. They’ve made a few changes this year to make the process simpler and more aligned with their mission with refreshed questions to help them better support small, youth‑focused organisations working with young people aged 11–25. They will make two year grants of up to £6,000 (£3,000 in year one + £3,000 in year two). Application deadline 27 February 2026 (midday).
#FundingFebruary 2026
Events & Training
FREE: Enthuse's Digital Fundraising Labs series
NICVA is delighted to offer this series of free Digital Fundraising Labs in partnership with Enthuse, Europe’s number one charity first fundraising platform. Each session is designed to guide, inspire, energise, and empower your online fundraising approach.
FREE: Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
11 February 2026 - 6:30 to 8:00pm
Join Crowdfunder UK and Sport NI for an engaging free webinar designed to help you unlock the power of crowdfunding. Learn practical steps to create campaigns that inspire support and raise funds for your cause.
FREE: Maximising Contactless Donations with Give A Little
19 February 2026 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
As physical cash disappears from donor pockets, charities must look beyond the traditional collection bucket to ensure their long-term survival. This webinar is designed to help Northern Ireland’s charitable organisations navigate the transition from cash to digital giving with confidence and ease. Vicky Hewlett, Head of Marketing Communications at Give A Little explains how you can work towards building a sustainable cashless fundraising strategy with their solutions.
Using AI to create Social Media Content
- £75 NICVA members; £110 non-members
- 25 February 2026 - 9:30am to 1:00pm
This session has been designed for anyone who needs to understand how AI can support their social media efforts. It is a practical session in which you will learn how to use AI tools to brainstorm ideas, create content, and improve efficiency. It will be important also for feeling confident in incorporating AI into your social media strategy while maintaining a human touch.
FREE: Funding Fayre 2026
We're pleased to announce NICVA’s Funding Fayre returns in 2026, and we’re inviting voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland to register their interest in joining us. Kindly supported by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, this event is an ideal opportunity for anyone connected with raising funds for your cause. Register now for this popular event!
Guest Blogs
Ahead of their webinar for NICVA, Vicky Hewlett, Head of Marketing Communications at Give A Little updates us on their solutions.
Paul Montgomery, Operations Lead, gives an overview of the Stroke Association’s cashless donations journey, from early testing in 2024 and use at staffed events in 2025, to getting the technology in the hands of the supporter in 2026.
AI is reshaping work, but people remain the real advantage. This article explores how leaders can guide teams through disruption with clarity, soft skills and purposeful action, turning AI from a challenge into a meaningful opportunity.
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