Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.
Funding News
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has opened Round 3, Window 2. This window and future ones will now include an extended maximum funding level, increasing from £1million to £2million. Open to incorporated voluntary and community organisations, CICs, CIOs, Co-operatives including community Benefit Societies, and now also parish, town and community councils until 11 October 2023 (11:59am), applicants can apply for up to £2 million matched capital funding for all asset types. You can also apply for revenue funding in addition to capital funding.
The Classical Association Grants
The Classical Association is a major provider of grants to classical projects in the UK. Their grants typically fund activities undertaken by schoolteachers, students, academics and organisations with the aims of: Supporting the teaching and learning of classical subjects and topics, primarily in UK schools, but also amongst the wider public; Increasing access to classics, widening participation and pursuing EDI objectives in UK classics; and Increasing the sustainability and viability of classics as a discipline in UK schools and beyond. Applications of up to £5,000 should be submitted for the consideration of the Small Grants Committee. Next deadline 1 December 2023.
Arts Council NI: Health and Safety Capital Programme
The Arts Council has designed this programme to enable organisations to purchase equipment including IT equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises which will address any health and safety issues or has been an outstanding maintenance issue which has rendered the space not fit for purpose. The Health and Safety Capital Programme budget is £600,000. Deadline 25 September 2023 (noon).
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding
UKRI offer funding and support across all academic disciplines and industrial areas from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences, and the arts and humanities. Their Councils include the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) which funds world-class, independent research in subjects from philosophy and the creative industries, to art conservation and product design and Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency which offers the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme. The key features of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme they are open to businesses or not-for-profit organisations including social enterprises, research organisations and graduates to work on an innovation project, partnerships can last between 12 and 36 months, and funding is provided to support the total cost of the project – businesses provide around one-third to half of the project costs depending on their size.
Laughology: THE HAPPINESS FUND
Funding grassroots, neighbourhood-based community projects throughout the UK. The Happiness Fund is available to enable and support projects which improve mental health and wellbeing, inclusion, learning and skills development in local communities. Ultimately it creates happier people and neighbourhoods - think Holly Willoughby meets Sponge Bob Square Pants. The fund will award £5,000 twice a year - allowing up to two different projects/ charities or CIC’s per year to apply. Deadline 6 October 2023.
Upcoming Deadlines
Meet and Code: Code Week Seed Grants
Meet and Code invites local nonprofits across Europe to apply for micro-grants to organize events that foster interest in and access to digital skills among young people aged 8-24 years. Grant €500. Deadline 13 September 2023.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grants
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grants of up to £15,000 are available for original, innovative projects that promote a healthy heart and help reduce the risk of developing heart disease in your area and across the country. They award up to £15,000 in each region of the UK. Deadline for Northern Ireland based organisations 14 September 2023.
Department for Communities: Access and Inclusion Grants
Grants of up to £30,000 are available to arts, culture and active recreation venues in Northern Ireland to enable both physical improvements at facilities and works that will enhance the experience on offer to people with disabilities. Deadline 14 September 2023 (5pm).
The King's Award for Voluntary Service
The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life. Awarded to outstanding groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional, each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Volunteers are expected to be leading its work. Deadline 15 September 2023.
The Ulverscroft Foundation supports projects (both UK and overseas) which will have a positive effect on the quality of life of visually impaired people, or people with a print disability. Applicants need not necessarily be a charity: they can be from a CIC or social group. The Ulverscroft Foundation supports a wide range of grants. These range from around £100 to £500,000. Next deadline 15 September 2023.
Ards and North Down Borough Council Arts funding streams
Current open funding streams include the Arts Project Grant available to arts, community and special interest groups throughout the Ards and North Down Borough area who wish to enhance existing and undertake new community arts activities. A maximum grant of £1,000 is available. Deadline 21 September 2023 (4pm). Multi-Annual Grants 2024-26 is offered every two years and supports arts organisations within the borough in creating programmes which benefit local residents. Deadline 19 October 2023 (4pm).
Fundraising Support for autumn 2023
Events
Meet the Fundraising Regulator - In Person | NICVA
14 Sept 2023; 10:30am to 1:00pm
This session in NICVA with Fundraising Regulator is an opportunity to hear more about their work, the guidance they provide and how they can support you. It is also a chance to hear about their upcoming review of the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Free Online Introductory Fundraising Workshops for NICVA Members
We are hosting a series of FREE workshops for NICVA members introducing a different fundraising topic or aspect of fundraising. These sessions are an opportunity to find out about an area of fundraising that's new to you, top up your existing knowledge, or be a snapshot into an element of fundraising you'd like to explore. Each workshop is led by NICVA’s Fundraising Advice Officer.
- Maximising your Income - 20 September 2023; 12:00pm to 12:45pm
- Using your internet channels for better fundraising - 18 October 2023; 4:00pm to 4:45pm
- Communicating your Need - 15 November 2023; 12:00pm to 12:45pm
Training
A Practical Guide to Completing Funding Applications
As the voluntary and community sector face a squeeze on finances from a variety of sources, securing funding is essential but it’s a competitive environment. This in-person event gives a useful overview and the practical advice you need to complete funding applications with a focus on addressing emerging funding priorities.
- 30 November 2023
- 9:30am to 12:30pm
- Paid (£35 members £50 non-members)
Fundraising Clinics
These popular, free fundraising advice clinics provide members with an hour-long chance to discuss and address specific fundraising needs. The sessions can be delivered online, in-person or over the telephone.
Taking place, the last Tuesday in September, October, and November, you can book a slot from 10am until 4pm. See links below:
- 31 October 2023 (3 places left)
- 22 November 2023
Resources
Explore the Fundraising Hub for a wide range of resources to support your fundraising journey. A few are below:
NEW Community Ownership Fund – updated prospectus and increased matched capital funding level
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has opened Round 3, Window 2. This window and future ones will now include an extended maximum funding level, increasing from £1million to £2million.
The partnership between Meta and PayPal Giving Fund to handle the processing of charitable donations means UK organisations need to act to avoid disruption to their fundraising on Facebook and Instagram. Fundraisers should also note that processing fees will now be incurred.
National Lottery funding distributors announce big changes
Both The National Lottery Community Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund have launched their new funding strategies. A summary of the changes is provided.
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