Funding News – 16 January 2023

Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.

Funding News

New funding to Support At-Risk Theatres

The Theatres Trust has launched a new funding programme to support UK theatres at risk of permanent closure and strengthen the theatre sector’s resilience. The Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities grant programme aims to achieve progress with the restoration, reopening or revitalising of at-risk theatres by awarding grants of up to £20,000 towards commissioning expert support.

abrdn Financial Fairness Trust's deadlines for 2023

Their mission is to contribute towards strategic change which improves financial well-being in the UK, wanting everyone to have a decent standard of living and have more control over their finances. They fund research, campaigning and policy work to improve the living standards and personal finances of people struggling to make ends meet. Grants range between £10,000 and £200,000, with most between £50,000 to £120,000 in total. 2023 deadlines 1pm on 6 February and 5 June.

Sustain: Food for the Planet grants

Globally, food and farming contribute over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and industrial farming is the leading cause of deforestation and wildlife decline. The Food for the Planet small grants are to support groups to campaign for meaningful change to the food system locally. Grants of up to £5,000 are open to any local food partnership, local authority or community group in the UK.

Learn about Round 2 of the Co-op Foundation’s Carbon Innovation Fund

Round Two of their £3.5m Carbon Innovation Fund (CIF) will open on Wednesday 1 February and they’re hosting a webinar from 11am to 12.15pm that day for organisations wanting to know more. The Carbon Innovation Fund is their largest ever partnership with Co-op funded in part from the sale of compostable carrier bags in the UK. Grants of £75,000 to £200,000 to organisations working to reduce reliance on soy-based animal or fish feed and/or synthetic fertilisers. Sign up for the webinar here. Guidance notes and application questions for the Fund will be added to their website a week ahead of the webinar so that you can come prepared with any questions.

LSE launches 100x Impact Accelerator, a new £50m global initiative shaping “social unicorns”

Based at LSE, '100x' aims to nurture high-potential social enterprises, enabling them to achieve positive impact on the scale of billions. Each social enterprise selected for 100x Impact Accelerator will receive a £150,000 grant and access to the School’s world class expertise. This is in addition to a 12-week programme of bespoke support from experts and social unicorn founders – intended to help leaders determine how best to maximise their impact. 100x Impact Accelerator will support two cohorts of ten social enterprises every year, with 70 per cent of these coming from emerging markets. The accelerator is looking for scale-up impact organisations that have a proven model, so it can help deliver their next big leap of growth.

Upcoming Deadlines

Rank Foundation Hospice Grants

Eligible organisations are independent adult hospices that are members of Hospice UK and based in the UK, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. This application’s theme is Environmental Improvements. The programme aims to help hospices to implement measures that will reduce their impact on the environment and to deliver sustainable healthcare. Deadline 5pm on 20 January 2023.

Foras na Gaeilge: Project Fund 2023

Foras na Gaeilge welcomes organisations wishing to apply for the Project Fund. This fund is aimed at areas of work and projects not covered by Foras na Gaeilge schemes  promoting the Irish language; between €1,000/£900 and €12,000/£10,800 is available as a grant. Deadline 20 January 2023

The Elephant Trust supports new work in the fine arts

Grants have usually been limited to £2,000, but with the addition of the Shelagh Wakely Bequest some larger grants of up to £5,000 may be awarded. Priority is given to artists in the fine arts and small organisations and galleries who should submit well argued, imaginative proposals for making or producing new work or exhibitions. Deadline midnight 22 January 2023.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council: Grand Choice

Local residents or groups within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council have the opportunity to take part in their ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative which offers £1000. The scheme operates throughout the year with varying District Electoral Areas chosen to participate. This round is for Lisburn South DEA. Deadline 22 January 2023. 

UK Shared Prosperity Fund NI Programme - OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The Department for Levelling Up (DLUHC) has now opened the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland programme for applications under the programme's 'People and Skills' priority.  Read how to apply here.  Closes 4pm, 27 January 2023.

Fundraising Clinics & Training

Free Fundraising Clinics for NICVA Members - next available session, March 2023

These popular, free fundraising advice clinics will return February 2023 to provide members with an hour-long chance to discuss and address specific fundraising needs.  These monthly events occur on the last Tuesday of each month from 10am until 4pm. The Clinics are extremely popular and tend to book up quick.

February fully booked – click link to book for March!

Success in Fundraising Applications | NICVA

This session is suitable for fundraisers from the community, voluntary, and faith sectors who are new to grant applications or interested in refreshing their skills. We will explore funder expectations, what’s involved in completing funding applications and useful tips to articulating your needs.    

Fundraising Articles & Resources

NEW 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.

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: 

Get ahead with GrantTracker and access over 1000 funding schemes in NI's leading database.  Just £100 a year for NICVA members and £145 for non-members here.