Grant Directories

The British Cycling Places to Ride funding programme supports the development of new or the improvement of existing cycling facilities in communities across England.  Through the programme, up to £15,000 in match funding is available for Crowdfunder projects that provide community-based, accessible cycling facilities and equipment to encourage people to cycle more regularly, regardless of gender, age, ability or ethnicity. British Cycling want to invest in projects that perhaps would not traditionally see British Cycling as a source of funding or indeed consider sport to be their main area of work. Campaigns typically run for 28 days but take a few weeks to create.

The Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation funds sustainable community projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales by making grants to support charities and community interest companies. The Foundation, has teamed up with Crowdfunder to make £100,000 in funding available. Organisations can apply for up to 50% of their crowdfunding target, up to a maximum of £5,000, to support projects that match one or more of the following themes: the environment and conservation; health and wellbeing; and the prevention or relief of poverty. Projects could include rewilding projects, community gardens, social inclusion and mental health projects, sports projects, community food banks, money management and budgeting skills, and educational projects for communities to reduce their carbon footprint. No deadline given.

The Hargreaves Foundation is a grant-making charitable foundation set up in 2020 by Peter Hargreaves and his family.  Applications are open for charities and educational institutions seeking funding to support those under the age of 18, and living with a mental health problem, physical disability or growing up in poverty through the mediums of sport and education.

The Community Asset Fund is a programme dedicated to enhancing the spaces in local communities within England that give people the opportunity to be active.  This can include non traditional spaces such as canal towpaths, woodlands and open spaces – all with potential to be used and enjoyed as part of an active lifestyle.

Foundation Derbyshire is one of 48 community foundations across the UK. The Foundation's aim is to support the most vulnerable in society and help enrich the lives of people living in communities across Derbyshire by funding a wide range of groups, including those involved in supporting carers, survivors of domestic abuse, children, young people and isolated elderly residents. Support generally falls under the broad heading of social welfare. Applications must demonstrate a strong case for support, have clear aims and objectives, and, wherever possible, the applicant organisation or project will be user led and make a real difference to people within the community. Most of the programmes will cover equipment (capital) and general running costs such as rent and transport (revenue).

Schools, charities and community organisations can apply for grants for projects that improve the quality and prospect of life for children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially including those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). The grants available include capital projects such as medical treatment and recovery centres, sports and activity areas, sensory rooms and gardens, playgrounds and hydrotherapy pools as well as revenue grants to support outreach programmes for children in their communities.

Charitable organisations, schools and youth groups that offer outdoor recreation opportunities can apply for funding for projects that allow young people to experience outdoor recreation. The Trust is likely to support groups representing those who are disadvantaged or who face particular challenges. The grant aims to support specific projects that encourage young people to further their existing skills and gain new experiences. Eligible expenditure includes equipment, course fees and trips. Expeditions abroad are not supported. Applications can be submitted at any time.

The Dickie Bird Foundation was founded by former Test Cricket umpire Harold "Dickie" Bird MBE in March 2004, and provides grants, to assist financially disadvantaged young people under 16 years of age to participate in the sport of their choice irrespective of their social circumstances, culture or ethnicity. The aim of the grant is to help young people, who, through no fault of their own, are disadvantaged or underprivileged due to the financial situation of their family/guardians or carers and therefore are unable to follow or continue in the sport of their choice. The grants are to help with the cost of essential sports equipment.

The Sport England Small Grants Programme has been set up to support local community sport projects which seek to increase participation, sustain participation or develop opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport. For example, Sport England might provide a grant to a sports club to expand its age range by helping it to buy extra team kit or pay additional coaching fees. Or Sport England may help youth clubs work together with local sports clubs to get more young people playing sport. Not-for-profit clubs or associations, statutory bodies or educational establishments can apply for grants of between £300 and £15,000. 

Reaching Communities provide grants to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need, including hard to reach communities. There is a small revenue and a capital scheme and a larger buildings only fund. All projects must address one or more of the following outcomes. People have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills;  Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems;  Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy; and Healthier and more active people and communities.