The Volant Charitable Trust’s Large Grants programme supports charities working to address poverty and deprivation, with a particular focus on women, children and young people. Charities working in this area are encouraged to consider whether their organisation and project meet the programme’s criteria and could benefit from this funding opportunity.
Charities can apply for:
Stage 1 Enquiry forms must be submitted by 28th September. Further information can be found here.
The Matrix Causes Fund offers a small number of grants to UK charities and non-profit organisations working to promote access to justice, equality of opportunity, and a sustainable environment. Priority will be given to organisations based in London and those supporting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, women in refuges, refugees and asylum seekers, people experiencing mental health difficulties, and prisoners. Funding is also available for international applicants and UK-based non-registered charities through a one-off grant option.
Two types of funding are available. One-off grants of up to £8,000 can support specific time-limited projects, while multi-year grants of up to £5,000 per year for up to three years are also available. Eligible organisations must have an income and available financial resources of less than £500,000 per year. The fund supports costs linked to targeted projects that fall outside core activity, including specialist project delivery, IT, training and other clearly justified expenses. The application window closes on 30th September 2026. Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Matrix Chambers 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 16th October 2026. More information and application details can be found here.
We fully encourage local groups and organisations to consider how they might benefit from this funding and support mental health and wellbeing in their communities and only apply for what you need.
Please click on the link for further details and fund guidance: https://www.arrancvs.org.uk/funding/
The National Lottery Community Fund has launched its Small Eco Awards, offering grants of £300 to £20,000 to support community-led projects across Scotland that take practical action to protect the environment.
The programme is open to community groups with ideas that will improve local places, protect nature, reduce waste, build climate resilience, connect people with the environment, and create greener, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Projects could include making community spaces greener and more accessible, growing food locally, reusing and upcycling clothing and textiles, delivering climate education, protecting wildlife, or introducing sustainable transport initiatives.
You do not need to be an environmental organisation to apply. If your group has a practical idea that will make a positive difference in your local area, this funding could help bring it to life.
To find out more about the Small Eco Awards, check your eligibility, or discuss your project ideas, visit the National Lottery Community Fund website or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
Islands Emergency Cost of Living Fund
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 Community Enterprise Fund supports community organisations across Scotland to start trading or set up a social enterprise. Constituted third sector and community groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards start-up costs, including equipment, marketing, websites, insurance and professional fees. The fund can help organisations develop new income streams and build a more sustainable future.
Applications are now open with no current closing date. Further information and application details can be found here.
Large Grants are available to registered charities working in Scotland that support people experiencing, or at high risk of experiencing, poverty and associated complex trauma. Charities with an annual income of over £200,000 and up to £2 million can apply. Returning applicants under the 2020–2030 strategy with income between £2 million and £3 million may also be eligible and should contact their Funding Officer.
Grants of £20,000–£50,000 per year are available for unrestricted or restricted revenue funding, typically for three years. The application process has two stages: an initial enquiry followed by a full application. Initial enquiries are accepted on a rolling basis, with no closing date.
Applicants must meet a number of organisational requirements, including having at least three unconnected trustees and appropriate policies, accounts and safeguarding arrangements where relevant. Further information can be found here.
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 Community Asset Register (CAR) is a Scotland-wide database of volunteers, community groups and organisations who are willing to offer their skills, equipment or other resources to help during an emergency incident or event. Managed and hosted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), CAR plots registered assets on a map, allowing emergency responders to identify and contact people who may be able to provide assistance when it is needed.
CAR may also be accessed by:
The register provides members of the public and voluntary organisations with an opportunity to support their communities and emergency services as part of the wider Scottish Resilience arrangements.
What assets can be registered?
A wide range of skills, equipment and resources can be included, such as:
If an emergency occurs, registered assets may be contacted to confirm their availability. Where assistance is available, volunteers or organisations will be provided with appropriate mobilisation and deployment instructions. If you, your community group or organisation has suitable skills, equipment or other assets that could support the emergency response, you can contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to find out more about joining the Community Asset Register.
Email: SFRS.CommunityAssetRegister@firescotland.gov.uk
Alternative contact: edward.ritchie@firescotland.gov.uk
By registering, you could help provide valuable support to your community and emergency responders when it matters most.
A new academic year often feels like a fresh start. As teams return from summer holidays and organisations look ahead, many leaders are asking the same question: What skills will help our people thrive in a changing workplace? Alongside technical and professional development, Cruse Scotland is seeing a growing demand for training that helps people navigate the human side of work:
The reality is that every workplace experiences loss and transition. Bereavement, caring responsibilities, serious illness, retirement, and organisational change all impact our people and our workplaces. If grief, bereavement, or significant loss affected someone in your organisation tomorrow – whether a colleague, customer, or service user – would your people feel confident supporting them?
If not, Cruse Scotland is here to help. Email us at training@crusescotland.org.uk or visit www.crusescotland.org.uk/training for more information.
Protect UK-ACT Awareness E-Learning
The Ayrshire Community Trust is offering a free training session for voluntary groups and organisations across North and East Ayrshire as part of its 2026 training programme.The session will help participants understand how to measure the impact of their group or organisation's work and is suitable for anyone involved in the voluntary and community sector. More than one person from each group or organisation is welcome to attend.
To find out more and register for the session, visit: https://buytickets.at/theayrshirecommunitytrust/2331475
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/
The Plan sets out our priorities for keeping people safe, reducing risk and working with partners to improve outcomes for communities across North Ayrshire. As an important local partner, your views are invaluable. Your feedback will help ensure the final Plan:
You can view the draft Plan and complete a short consultation survey using the link: Consultations | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The consultation is open until midnight on Thursday 15th October 2026. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are committed to listening to the views of our communities and partners. Following the close of the consultation, feedback will be carefully analysed and a summary of the findings will be published, setting out how responses have informed the development of the final Plan.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, in partnership with The Diffley Partnership, is currently running a consultation with carers to better understand the support needed by people caring for someone following a stroke or heart attack, or living with a respiratory condition or long Covid. The consultation aims to ensure carers’ voices directly inform the development of future services and support. Carers are invited to take part in focus groups to share their experiences and perspectives.
Participants will receive £40 as a thank you for their time.
Further information and sign-up details are available via Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s carers focus group webpage.
The Scottish Government Consultation Portal is the official website where people can find and respond to consultations on new policies and laws in Scotland. You can access the consultation portal here.
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
If you have received this bulletin via another source and would like to be added to our mailing list, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@arrancvs.org.uk
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
Copyright © 2024 Arran CVS. All rights reserved. Site by i3MEDIA
