Community groups on Arran and Cumbrae can now apply for funding through the Wee Grants for Islands programme. Grants of up to £1,500 are available to support locally led projects that strengthen island communities and contribute to social, economic and environmental improvements. The programme supports initiatives that:
The fund is administered through the North Ayrshire Island Programme, with successful projects required to spend the funding by 31st December 2026. Applications are now open and will be considered on a rolling basis.
For more information and to apply, visit the North Ayrshire Council Islands Recovery and Renewal webpage here.
Canva is inviting applications to its Small Business Pitch Challenge, a competition designed to support and showcase small businesses and entrepreneurs in the UK and Ireland. Competition offers grants and mentoring to early-stage and growing enterprises
The challenge aims to help early-stage and growing organisations communicate their ideas through visual storytelling using Canva's design platform. It also offers the possibility of grant support for business development. Up to five winners will each receive a £4,000 business grant. The award package also includes mentorship opportunities, featured promotion across Canva channels and the option to host an event at Canva's London headquarters.
Eligibility is open to residents of the UK and Ireland aged 18 and over who are starting, running or co-running a small business, side hustle, freelance business or creative venture. Applicants must be associated with an organisation employing fewer than 50 people.
The deadline for applications is 12th July 2026. For further information visit The Small Business Pitch Challenge ‘26
The Fore is inviting small charities and social enterprises with an annual turnover of under £500,000 to register for its Autumn 2026 funding round. The programme offers unrestricted funding to help organisations grow, strengthen their resilience, increase capacity or become more sustainable. Funding is open to organisations across the UK, with a particular interest in grassroots groups working with underserved communities. Grants can be used flexibly, including for core costs and capital expenditure, and can be spread over one to three years.
Organisations must first register their interest during the one-week registration window before being invited to submit a full application. Registration for the Autumn 2026 round opens at 12 noon on 8th July and closes at 12 noon on 13th July 2026.
Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on The Fore website.
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 13th July 2026. Applicants should review the specific guidance for their chosen programme before applying here.
The AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize, delivered by the EY Foundation and Social Tech Trust, supports early-stage innovation using AI and emerging technologies to improve social mobility for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds in the UK.
The prize aims to back projects that strengthen pathways into education, training and employment, with a focus on areas such as digital skills and AI literacy, access to learning, employability and workforce inclusion, career guidance and mentoring, inclusive recruitment, and wellbeing and financial capability. Applications are open to early-stage startups and organisations including social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and UK companies limited by shares. Applicants should have an early-stage product or working prototype demonstrating how their solution uses technology to improve outcomes for young people.
A range of awards are available, including a top prize of £10,000, a runner-up award of £5,000, and additional funding of £3,125 for shortlisted ventures. Successful applicants will also receive mentoring, workshops and investor readiness support. The closing date for applications is 20th July 2026.
Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available via the Social Tech Trust website.
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 28th August 2026
More information and application details can be found here.
The Henry Duncan Grants Programme 2026 is now open, offering funding to charities and registered not-for-profit organisations providing mental health support in very remote rural areas of Scotland. Organisations with an annual income of under £500,000 can apply for up to £50,000 over five years (maximum £10,000 per year) to support core costs, existing services or new projects that help people experiencing mental ill health or a mental health crisis.
This year's programme will award around £500,000 in total, with approximately 10 organisations expected to receive funding.
The programme uses a two-stage application process.
Stage One application deadline: Thursday 23rd July 2026 at 12 noon
An online information session will be held on Tuesday 7th July at 11.00am for organisations interested in applying. For more information and to apply, visit the Corra Foundation website or contact henryduncan@corra.scot or call 0131 444 4020.
Amazon has launched its Regional Creatives Fund for a second year, offering grants to support small and medium-sized organisations helping people from underserved communities across the UK access careers in the creative industries. The fund is aimed at charities, CIOs, CICs and regional consortiums that already deliver creative upskilling activity and want to strengthen, expand or adapt existing provision. Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear impact to date and show how funding will enhance or extend current work rather than develop entirely new projects.
A range of grant levels are available, from £1,000 to £30,000 for individual organisations, with consortium grants of up to £100,000. In addition to funding, successful applicants may also receive non-financial support such as mentoring, placements and pro bono expertise from Amazon professionals.
Eligible organisations must be UK-registered and have an annual income of under £5 million, or under £5 million per organisation in the case of consortiums. The fund supports a wide range of creative sectors, including music, screen and audio, performing arts, digital and interactive media, publishing, fashion, craft, visual arts and more.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 2nd August 2026. Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Amazon UK website.
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 2nd 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 Gambling Harm and Mental Health Fund is now open for applications from eligible third sector organisations. Managed by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) through its Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm (ScotRGH) team, the fund aims to support community-based projects that improve understanding of the impact of gambling harms on disadvantaged, marginalised and minoritised communities, with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention.
Applications close: Friday 14th August 2026, 5.00pm
Applicants can also attend one of two online Q&A sessions with the ScotRGH team:
For more information, application guidance and to apply click here. For enquiries, email gamblingharm@alliance-scotland.org.uk or call 0141 404 0231.
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 British Council is inviting applications for its Connections Through Culture Grants, supporting new collaborative creative projects between UK partners and organisations or individuals in eligible countries. Grants of £5,000 to £15,000 are available for projects that promote international collaboration, cultural exchange and the sharing of skills and knowledge. Funding can support a wide range of activities, including residencies, exhibitions, performances, festivals, workshops, research and development, and digital or hybrid projects across a variety of artforms.
Applications are open to both organisations and individuals, with projects requiring at least one UK partner and one partner based in an eligible participating country. The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on 12th August 2026.
Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the British Council website.
The Scottish Government has launched a new £36.9 million Alcohol and Drugs Fund, delivered by the Corra Foundation, to support third sector and public sector organisations working with people affected by substance use across Scotland between 2026 and 2029.
The fund offers four funding streams designed to support organisations of different sizes. These include grants for grassroots community groups, funding for small and medium-sized voluntary organisations to strengthen frontline services, partnership funding to improve access to treatment and recovery services, and dedicated funding for projects supporting children, young people and families affected by substance use.
Applications for the Local Support Micro Grants and Local Support Grants are open on a rolling basis. Applications for the Partnership and Delivery Grants and Children, Young People and Families Grants close at 1.00pm on 18th August 2026.
Further information on the available funding streams, eligibility and how to apply is available on the Corra Foundation website.
Craft Scotland is inviting applications for the 2026 Inches Carr Craft Bursaries, offering financial support to emerging and established makers working in Scotland. Emerging Makers who have been practising professionally for one to five years can apply for bursaries of £2,000, while Established Makers with five or more years in business can apply for bursaries of £5,000. The funding can be used to develop professional practice through activities such as research, skills development, mentoring, training and creative projects.
The application deadline is 5.00pm on 31st August 2026. Further information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available on the Craft Scotland website.
Rewilding Britain is inviting applications to its Rewilding Innovation Fund, offering grants of up to £15,000 to support rewilding projects of more than 40 hectares across Scotland, England and Wales. The fund aims to help remove barriers to rewilding by supporting activities such as feasibility studies, business planning, community engagement, co-design and technological innovation. Funding is available for both early-stage projects and those looking to scale up, with most awards expected to be under £10,000.
Applicants must be members of the Rewilding Network and projects must align with Rewilding Britain's rewilding principles. The closing date for applications is 5th September 2026.
Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Rewilding Britain website.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has opened a new round of its Partnership Fund, supporting collaborative heritage projects delivered by third sector organisations across Scotland. The fund supports projects that deliver national impact and align with HES priorities, including increasing understanding and engagement with the historic environment, strengthening sector skills and resilience, supporting place-making in communities, using heritage to support climate action, and increasing sustainable economic benefits.
Funding can support a range of activity such as training programmes addressing skills gaps, capacity-building or sector development work, and outreach or learning programmes with wide public impact. Grants may cover up to three activity streams over a period of up to three financial years, including staff costs, materials, equipment and appropriate overheads.
Applications follow a two-stage process, with the deadline for Expressions of Interest set for 14th August 2026. Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
The James Tudor Foundation is inviting eligible charities to apply for funding through its Mental Health Programme. The programme supports evidence-based, trauma-informed services that help children and young people recover from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), as well as specialist support for parents affected by ACEs, mental illness or addiction. Flexible funding is available to support core costs, existing services or project delivery. Further information can be found here: James Tudor Foundation)
Eligible organisations must be UK-registered charities with:
Applications are made through a two-stage process, beginning with an Expression of Interest.
Current Expression of Interest deadline: 31st August 2026 (5.00pm) for the February 2027 funding round.
For full eligibility criteria and application guidance, visit the James Tudor Foundation website.
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 30th 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.
The Learning Through Making Fund is now open, offering grants of up to £25,000 for visual arts education projects that engage people in making, material exploration and creative experimentation.
The fund supports organisations to test new ideas, develop workshops or events, improve access to materials and facilities, or add a making-focused element to existing work. Projects are encouraged to embrace curiosity, collaboration and open-ended exploration rather than predefined outcomes.
Applications are open to eligible UK-based visual arts organisations with a charitable purpose. Funded activity must take place between January and December 2027.
Deadline: 12pm, Friday 11th September 2026
For full eligibility guidance and application information can be found here, or contact grants@freelandsfoundation.co.uk
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.
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 runs from 10.00am on 1st July 2026 until midday 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 16 October 2026. More information and application details can be found here.
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
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 is inviting island businesses and community organisations to take part in an online engagement session to share how ferry disruption is affecting their communities and businesses. The feedback gathered will help inform the development of the new £10 million Islands Resilience Fund, announced by the First Minister.
Session dates:
To book a place, click here to access the Eventbrite booking page for the Islands Resilience Fund online engagement sessions.
The Scottish Parliament's Participation and Communities Team (PACT) is inviting community members to register their interest in attending a Communities Open Day at the Scottish Parliament on Friday 25th September 2026.
This year's theme is "Newbies", with a focus on welcoming people who are new to the Scottish Parliament and encouraging first-time visitors to learn more about how Parliament works. The day will be informal, friendly and fun, with tours, activities and opportunities to meet others. It is particularly aimed at community members rather than professionals and welcomes children and young people.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who have never visited the Scottish Parliament before.
To receive an invitation to register, you must sign up to the PACT contact database by 31st July 2026. Invitations to register will be sent out on 10th August, with registration closing on 4th September. The registration process will include details of accessibility, dietary requirements and support available, including travel and accommodation where appropriate.
PACT has also published a summary of the key community themes gathered during visits across Scotland. This feedback has been shared with MSPs to help inform the new parliamentary session.
For more information or to join the PACT contact database, please use the link here.
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 Scottish Government is seeking your views on how best to maximise take-up of social security entitlements in Scotland.
Your input will help shape the next Benefit Take-Up Strategy, due for publication in October and the Island Community Impact Assessment.
Join us on Wednesday 15th July for an opportunity to share insights and expertise directly with the Scottish Government and help inform a robust, evidence-based approach to maximising take-up of social security entitlements for everyone who is eligible in Scotland over the next 5 years.
The session will focus on four key areas:
1. Data sharing, signposting and referrals
2. Pre-application support
3. Awareness raising, outreach and engagement
4. Accessible processes and automation
15th July 2026 | 2pm | Online
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../island-engagement-session...
The #StateOfCaring 2026 survey is live. This will help build the most comprehensive picture of unpaid carers' lives in the UK.
Every year thousands of carers and former carers share their experiences via our State of Caring Survey. Their insights shape our campaigns and policy work and provide vital evidence for everyone striving to make life better for carers. At a time when decisions are being made about the future of health, social care and support for carers, it has never been more important that carers have their say.
Click here to take part today and help build a powerful case for change. Survey is open until 9th August.
The annual Women's Priorities Survey is now open, giving women across Scotland the opportunity to share what matters most to them for 2026/27.
Open to all women aged 16 and over living in Scotland, the survey asks for views on key priorities and how these could be improved. Responses will directly inform the Women's Priorities Report, which assesses whether the Scottish Government's Programme for Government reflects the needs and priorities of women across Scotland.The more people who take part, the more representative the report will be, so please consider completing the survey and sharing it with your family, friends and networks.
Survey closes: Monday 10th August 2026. Access the survey here.
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.
Disability Equality Scotland are inviting disabled people living in rural areas of Scotland to take part in a series of online consultations on different topics. The sessions covering Ferry and Aviation, Access to Healthcare, Community Transport and Networks are part of their engagement work with Transport Scotland to gather views for the Accessible Travel Framework successor.
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
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