The Co-op Local Community Fund is inviting applications from local not-for-profit organisations across the UK for its next funding round, beginning in October 2026. The programme supports projects that help people thrive by improving access to food, creating opportunities for young people, enhancing mental wellbeing, strengthening community cohesion, and building sustainable futures.
Eligible groups include charities, schools, social enterprises, community organisations, and other not-for-profit bodies delivering local community projects. Successful organisations will partner with Co-op for 12 months and receive funding determined by support from Co-op members, with every selected cause guaranteed a minimum award of £500.
Application deadline: 24th June 2026. Click here for further information.
The Hydro Community Fund priorities are:
For this fund, the panel are also interested in projects that support education, skills development, and employment opportunities. However, no specific priority will be given, as all project areas will be considered equally.
Closes: 26th June 2026 Click here for more information
Community groups, charities, schools and other eligible organisations are invited to apply for the 2026 Green Community Grant. The programme supports projects that help create healthier communities and a healthier planet through initiatives such as:
Since 2023, the grants programme has invested £1.4 million in 794 organisations across the UK and Ireland, supporting hundreds of schools and community groups to deliver environmental and wellbeing projects. The grants are funded through the Healthy Cities initiative, which encourages people to walk and unlock charitable funding for community projects.
Application closes: 30th June 2026 For more information and to apply, visit Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants
A range of grant programmes are available to support charities working with children and young people affected by abuse, homelessness, caring responsibilities, addiction, and poverty. Funding streams include project grants, unrestricted two-year awards, child poverty funding, social impact grants, apprenticeship support, and individual grants for children facing urgent challenges. Eligible applicants are generally UK charities with an annual turnover below £1.5 million, although criteria vary by programme.
The current Child Poverty Fund is open until 13 July 2026. Applicants should review the specific guidance for their chosen programme before applying here.
Applications are now open for funding through The Grocers' Charity's Open Grants Programme. The Grocers' Charity awards around £1 million each year to UK-registered charities, with one-off grants of up to £5,000 available through its open grants programme.
Applications must be submitted online. Organisations unable to apply online due to an impairment should contact The Grocers' Charity before sending information by post.
Initial application deadline: 15th August 2026
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the deadline if their application has been selected to proceed to the second stage. For full eligibility criteria, funding categories and application details, visit The Grocers' Charity website.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is inviting applications for projects that engage the public with STFC-supported science and technology. Grants of £5,000–£20,000 are available, with STFC funding 100% of the full economic cost. Applications are open to UK-based organisations with certified annual accounts. Proposals must demonstrate clear links to the STFC remit and include a subject-matter expert in an STFC-funded research area. Projects can run for between 12 and 36 months.
Eligible applicants include charities, museums, science centres, community organisations, learned societies, and other not-for-profit or public-facing organisations based in the UK. For more information click here.
Deadline: 25th August 2026
The Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) offers funding and tailored support for innovative social enterprise ideas tackling some of Scotland’s biggest social and environmental challenges. Open to social enterprises, community groups, associations, and individuals with a new project idea, the programme will award:
Projects must address one of the following themes:
Funding can support start-up costs, research and development, salaries, equipment, rent, and other essential project expenses.
Expression of Interest deadline: Monday 20th July 2026
Full application deadline: Friday 28 August 2026
More information and application details can be found here.
Community sports clubs across Scotland are invited to apply for funding through the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, which is celebrating its 10th year by increasing the top award to £3,000. The fund supports registered community sports organisations with essential costs such as equipment, kits and training, helping to increase participation for people of all ages and abilities.
Applications for our area open on Monday 6th July and close Sunday 2 August.
If your group is based in North Ayrshire or the wider West of Scotland, this is a key opportunity to secure funding—make sure to plan ahead and submit your application before the deadline. For full details and to apply, visit the fund webpage.
The Fidelio Charitable Trust offers grants to support exceptional individuals and groups in the arts, particularly in music, opera, lieder, composition, and theatre. Applications must be submitted by UK-based institutions, colleges, arts festivals, or similar arts organisations with relevant expertise, preferably registered charities. Individuals cannot apply directly. The Trust generally supports applicants over the age of 21 and does not fund capital costs, retrospective expenses, or school-age activities.
Funding may support:
Application deadline: 12 noon Friday 25th September 2026
For further information and application details click here.
Warburtons Community Grants are offering up to £400 to support charitable organisations and community groups. Eligible organisations include charities and community groups that support families and local communities through projects focused on health, place, or skills development.
The next application round closes on 17th August 2026, with decisions expected by 30 September 2026.
For eligibility details and how to apply, visit the Warburtons Foundation website here.
Funding is available for capital projects that create or improve places for sport and physical activity across Scotland.
What can be funded?
Priority is given to projects that:
Who can apply?
Non-profit distributing, constituted organisations, including community groups, sports clubs, schools and local authorities.
Deadline is 1st September 2026 (5pm). Apply online via the sportscotland website.
Heritage Crafts is offering small grants to support projects that help safeguard endangered and critically endangered UK heritage crafts. Applicants will also receive tailored support from the Heritage Crafts team, including mentoring and business guidance. Organisations from across the UK are eligible, with some funding ringfenced to specific areas. Applicants will also receive tailored support from the Heritage Crafts team, including mentoring and business guidance.
Funding can support:
Application deadline: 5pm Friday 16 October 2026. More information and application details can be found here.
Grants are available up to £2,000, but if your proposed project will cost more than this, please get in touch as we may be able to help you find additional funding.
Apply here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6910929/islands-emergency-cost-crisis-fund-2025
The Arnold Clark Community Fund is providing Cost-of-Living Support grants to organisations helping people and communities facing financial hardship due to rising living costs. Funding is available for organisations delivering services such as:
Eligible organisations must:
Applications are welcomed from:
There is no published closing date for applications; however, eligible organisations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as funding is limited and demand may be high.For full eligibility details, terms and conditions, and application guidance, visit the Arnold Clark Community Fund website.
Funding for Victims of Crime Experiencing Financial Hardship in Scotland
Victim Support Scotland offers grants to groups and organisations in Scotland to support people affected by crime who are experiencing financial hardship due to their experience and who typically lack access to other means of support.
Through the Emergency Assistance Fund, groups can apply for the direct purchase or reimbursement of goods and services on behalf of the victim in the aftermath of a crime, such as:
Funding is available for people who live in Scotland, as well as victims of crimes that happened in Scotland.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
https://victimsupport.scot/vss-eaf/
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) is funded by the Scottish Government through Disclosure Scotland to support the voluntary sector with their disclosure checks.
If your organisation has volunteers or members of staff in roles that are covered by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) legislation, then you will need to be registered with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services to get your PVG checks for volunteers done for free. The member of your organisation tasked with organising your PVG checks is called a signatory.VSDS provide a range of online sessions with multiple dates available to help you in this role. For details of their programme, please see:
VSDS Training or PVG - Your Signatory Role
The 'Your Signatory Role' session is designed for those who are new to the role, about to step into the role or are interested in finding out more about what the role of being a signatory involves.
From 1 April 2026, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme moves to a five-year membership model, helping ensure records remain accurate, up to date and secure.
Key points:
Disclosure Scotland will contact members in advance of any changes.
Action required:
Members who have not applied since 2021 should update their email address with Disclosure Scotland to ensure they receive important updates.
Further guidance, including support on assessing regulated roles, is available on the Disclosure Scotland website, along with training and resources to help organisations meet requirements.
The Scottish Government Islands Team is inviting islanders, community groups and stakeholders to take part in the next round of Island Conversations. These online sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the new National Islands Plan, see how feedback from previous conversations has influenced its development, and continue the discussion on the future of Scotland’s islands.What to expect
An overview of the new National Islands Plan
Information on projects and investments confirmed for 2026–27
Discussion of key priorities and the long-term vision for island communities
Opportunities to share views and contribute to ongoing islands policy discussions
The Plan outlines the actions and investments the Scottish Government will pursue, working with communities, local authorities and partners to support the long-term resilience and prosperity of Scotland’s islands.Online sessions will be held on:
18th June, 19:00–20:00 – Register here
22nd June, 14:00–15:00 – Register here
Everyone with an interest in Scotland’s island communities is welcome to attend.
Work faster and smarter every single day Impress your employer with skills most people don't have yet Stand out from the crowd when going for that promotion Open doors to higher-paying roles Walk away with a Google AI Professional CertificateUpcoming ‘Developing Sustainability Residentials’ are due to take place in the Highlands & Cumbernauld in June 2026. See link for more information: https://your.socialenterprise.academy/course/view.php?id=2669
Please note that this is only open to National Lottery Community Fund grant holders. They also ask that all participants are connected to an organisation with an environmental purpose or project, or that delivers environmental benefits.
This training can help you feel confident in spotting the signs and knowing how to support someone who’s struggling. For more information, March dates and booking information please click here.
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk of harm as an who is aged 16 years or over who:
This is known as the 3 point criteria. Please remember that the capacity of the adult to be aware of/or understand the harm, is not part of the criteria and does NOT prevent referral. Evidence is NOT necessary for referral; belief that the criteria is met is enough for an adult to be referred. Consent from the adult for referral is desirable, but NOT a necessity because of the lawful basis to share information under this legislation. Where possible, the adult should be made aware that a referral will be completed.
How to make an Adult Support and Protection Referral:
If you know or believe that an adult may be at risk of harm a referral to social work should be made within 24 hours. Referrals can be made online via ‘ASP Referral’ North Ayrshire ASP Referral Or by completing a multi-agency AP1 referral form and sending to adultprotection@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Complete the form to the best of your knowledge. The referral form will take you through the three-point criteria for Adult Support and Protection. You should provide information to explain why you think each of the criteria is met. If you believe each of the criteria is met, select yes for each and the referral is made under Adult Support and Protection. If you answer no to any of the criterion, you can still submit a referral as an adult concern, using the same form. Consent should be sought to make an adult concern referral. Social Work can upgrade adult concern referrals to ASP, if during their analysis they have reason to believe that the ASP criteria is met.
Advice and Support:
Due to complexity and nature of some types of harm, such as coercive control and undue pressure, as well as becoming a more trauma informed workforce, it is sometimes necessary or beneficial to discuss concerns. Therefore, if you are unsure about any aspects of Adult Support and Protection consult with your line manager or the ASP representative in your organisation. You are also welcome to discuss your referral with Social Work prior to submitting your written referral. Our multi-agency Adult Support and Protection Policies and training can be accessed via:
Adult support and protection (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
Adult Support and Protection Training Calendar (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
For Further Information:
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 - an intro to part one
Adult Support and Protection: Updated Code of Practice 2022
Facebook: North Ayrshire Protecting People Together People
Evaluating your organisation as well as the projects you run is important:
ESS have loads of great resources which can be found here: https://evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk/resources/
Looking for a helping hand? We are here to promote your volunteer opportunities. We frequently get people through our door looking for ways to volunteer, so now is the time to let us know who you need! Whether it's a charity event, community project, or something in between, we're here to spread the word and connect you with passionate individuals ready to make a difference.
We are looking for volunteer drivers to support our Community Transport Project from all areas of the island, but we are especially on the lookout for drivers in the undernoted areas:
Community Transport is aimed at assisting individuals getting to and from medical and social projects here on the Island, where public transport may not always be easily accessible. If you would like more information or have a chat about becoming a volunteer driver, please do not hesitate to contact Jeanette, Transport Co-Ordinator here at the office. Call on 01770 600611 or email her at jeanette.farrell@arrancvs.org.uk
Stay Connected: Join Our Mailing List and Share Your News
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If you wish to share anything from your group/organisation contact me at info@arrancvs.org.uk by the Thursday before the date you wish for it to be shared.
For more than 60 years, ACVS has been supporting people across Arran through practical help, community activities, transport services, and projects that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue this work and reach those who need support most. If you would like to make a difference in your community, please consider making a donation or leaving a gift in your will.
Thank you for helping us keep Arran connected, supported, and cared for. To make a donation click the link: Arran Community and Voluntary Service - JustGiving
Scottish Charity No: SC004057
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