Grant Directories

The Asda Foundation aims to transform communities and improve lives by providing independent grants and support to locally relevant community projects throughout the UK. Through the Under 18 Better Starts Grant, the Foundation provides funding of between £400 and £2000 to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The funding is available to not-for-profit organisations for projects which give children the best start in life, encourage them to be active, and which tackle poverty, inclusion and wellbeing. Projects could include breakfast clubs, food and clothing banks, arts and crafts groups, brownies, scouts, training for counsellors, U18 sporting/physical activity-based groups, and Easter and Jubilee Celebrations for U18’s. Applications should be made through each local Asda store’s Community Champion. 

The Society for Applied Microbiology is the oldest microbiology society in the UK, serving microbiologists around the world. Through the Outreach and Engagement Grant the society provides grants of up to £4,000 to support activities where aspects of microbiology are promoted to the general public and other relevant stakeholders (or to create resources used for education and training). Proposals eligible for support can be very diverse, from pieces of art and drama to popular music, or funds may be used to aid individuals to attend and exhibit at public science festivals, or in collaborations with schools and community groups.

The European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) is an academic society that brings together more than 2000 evolutionary biologists from Europe and the rest of the world – researchers, academic teachers, students, as well as journalists and other persons interested in evolution. Through the Outreach Initiative Fund the society provides funding for projects that promote evolution-related activities. The goal of this initiative is to improve public knowledge about evolution globally. Applications for funding will be accepted for educational initiatives that promote evolution, translation of evolutionary material (books, films, and websites) intended for a general audience, public outreach seminars, public exhibitions, etc.

Buttle UK provides funding to help children and young people in the UK living in financial hardship and dealing with multiple challenging social issues reach their potential. Through their Chances for Children Grants scheme, grants of up to £2,400 are available to registered charities, housing associations and public sector organisations to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people who have experienced a recent crisis or change in life that has had a significant and enduring impact to their social and emotional wellbeing and their educational engagement. Support might include items and activities to support learning and development such as laptops, books, wi-fi, educational toys, tuition, etc; clothing and school uniforms; and social, sporting and leisure activities; and items for children/young people’s bedrooms. Applications can be made at any time.

Foundation Scotland exists to benefit disadvantaged communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference to their local communities. Through the Stroupster Wind Farm Education and Training Fund the foundation provide grants of up to £1,500 to residents of the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area of Caithness to help them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment in key sectors of the local economy.

Foundation Scotland exists to benefit disadvantaged communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference to their local communities. Through the RWE Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Education & Training Fund the foundation provides grants of up to £1,500 to to improve opportunities and livelihoods of people living in the Halkirk District, Lybster, Latheron and Clyth and Watten Community Councils areas. Awards are made to those seeking to undertake training or education in key sectors relevant to the area, as follows: Health and Social Care; Teaching and Education; Food and Drink; Tourism and Customer Services; Culture, Heritage and the Natural Environment; Communications and Information Technology; Renewables, Energy and Climate Change; Engineering, Science, Maths and Technology; Construction and the Trades; Sea based industries.

The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation is a grant making foundation that give grants to small and medium sized local organisations in the UK with a demonstrable track record of success working to address local issues in communities of extreme urban deprivation and deprived rural districts. Through the small grants programme the foundation provides funding of between £2,000 and £10,000 to charitable organisations with an income of less than £250,000 for projects that focus on Community Support. Examples of the kind of projects that can be funded include: CommunityServices; CommunityCentres; Alternative Education; Training, mentoring, employment and volunteering opportunities; Youth; Counselling; Family Support Services; Substance Misuse.

OneFamily is a customer-owned business, which reinvests profits for the benefit of it's customers. Through the Young Person's Education Grant scheme the foundation provides funding of up to £250 to help those aged 15-19 with the cost of their education or training. A Grant can be used for: Apprenticeship costs - such as travel and equipment; Further education costs - including travel, laptops and books/study materials; Other study or work related costs - such as travel, specialist clothing/uniform and skills training.

The Robertson Trust is an independent Scottish grant-making Trust which exists to improve the lives of people and communities experiencing poverty and trauma. The Trust provide funding for organisations and initiatives that address: Financial wellbeing - tackling the financial and material effects of poverty on people and communities; Emotional wellbeing and relationships - ensuring people have emotional wellbeing, and confidence and strength in their relationships with others; Educational and work pathways - equipping people for the future by supporting learning and skills. Through the Large Grants programme the trust provides funding of between £15,000 and £50,000 per year, for up to five years.

The Robertson Trust is an independent Scottish grant-making Trust which exists to improve the lives of people and communities experiencing poverty and trauma. The Trust provide funding for organisations and initiatives that address: Financial wellbeing - tackling the financial and material effects of poverty on people and communities; Emotional wellbeing and relationships - ensuring people have emotional wellbeing, and confidence and strength in their relationships with others; Educational and work pathways - equipping people for the future by supporting learning and skills.  Through the Small grants programme the trust provides funding for registered charities with an annual income of between £25,000 and £100,000.

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.

Borders Radio Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

MFR Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Clyde 2 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Clyde 1 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Forth 2 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Forth 1 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Tay 2 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Tay FM Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

West FM Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Northsound1 Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

The Newby Trust funds local, regional or national charities registered and operating in the UK within the broad categories of education, health and social welfare.  Through the Education programme the Trust provides grants of up to £10,000 to enable people to benefit from educational opportunities and to support excellence.

The Dulverton Trust is an independent grant-making charity that supports UK charities and Charitable incorporated Organisations tackling a range of social issues, protecting the natural world, and preserving heritage crafts.  Through its Youth Opportunities funding strand, the Trust aims to support charities that help disadvantaged children and young people to adopt a more positive attitude to their lives, raise their aspirations and realise their full potential.

The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities throughout the UK. The Foundation does this by funding the charitable work of organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society.  Through the Children and Young people programme the Foundation will fund organisations that seek to challenge the inequalities faced by young people (age 0–25). The Foundation want to see the views of children and young people at the heart of organisations, and young people empowered to take action.

The Westmister Foundation is a grant making charity that aims to address social welfare issues in certain geographic areas. The Foundation’s funding is focused on creating opportunities for young people and their families to have the resilience, skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Through creating these opportunities, the Foundation aims to tackle the causes of inter-generational inequality and its impact, particularly by reducing the risk of homelessness and mental ill-health.

The Youth Fund supports organisations whose main purpose is to help young people (aged 14-25) who face complex transitions to adulthood. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation concentrate their support on those experiencing the most challenging circumstances: young people who are socially excluded or marginalised, whose experiences are often hidden or less well known, and whose voices are often erased or ignored.

State funded schools that cater for pupils of military service families can apply for to help meet the needs of pupils that are subject to exceptional mobility as a result of the family moving from one location to another resulting in a change of school for the child and/or have service children whose parents are subject to deployment such as on operational tours, long exercises, training courses etc. 

The Ironmongers’ Foundation wishes to support initiatives that encourage talented young people to study science subjects at school and go on to pursue engineering-related further education or vocational training.  Preference will be given to projects engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants must be under the age of 25.  Activities must be within the UK, with a preference for urban areas outside London and particularly areas in the north and midlands with a manufacturing presence.

Hays Travel Foundation was created in 2015. The foundation works with organisations that support people, who for one reason or another need help to achieve their potential. The foundations focus is on the following objectives: Education; Poverty; Health; Art’s and Culture; Sport. Support is provided to registered charities working with young people under the age of 25 in an area where Hays Travel operates.

The Act for Change Fund is a £3.6 million partnership between the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, matched by the #iwill Fund, for organisations supporting young people working for change. The Act for Change Fund promotes the potential of young people with experience of disadvantage to devise and develop activities and programmes to shape the world around them. It aims to create a more diverse group of social, cultural and political leaders for the future. Applications need to cover how young people lead change in organisations or, alternately, show how organisations are taking steps to make sure that young people can lead change in the future, including involvement at all different levels of the organisation. Funding of between £20,000 and £100,000 is available over 2 years.

The Education Endowment Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. The Improving outcomes for pupils with SEND programme aims to support projects which improve attainment and other educational outcomes, such as social and emotional learning, for children with special educational needs or disability (SEND). To be considered for funding, projects should be informed and supported by evidence of impact on learning outcomes; be practical, cost effective and scalable; be clear how they will support children with SEND; and aim to work with pupils between the ages of 3 and 18

The Looked after Children Programme aims to improve the educational attainment of ‘looked after children' and young carers in the UK. The programme offers funding and non- financial support and aims to pilot novel approaches to improving the educational attainment of these children and young carers which can be scaled up so that in time they are able to take advantage of opportunities afforded by tertiary education and employment. Funding of up to  £90,000 is available over a 3-year period and match funding will be required.

The Sutton Trust Summer School Programme is delivered in partnership with the US-UK Fulbright Commission and gives bright, state school students a taste of life at an American University. Applications are open to Students in Year 12 or equivalent who have an interest in US culture and higher education. The programme is centred on a one-week summer school in the US with introductory events and application support in the UK before and after. The programme provides participants with a wide range of activities to help them make the right decisions about American higher education and covers all programme costs, including residential events, accommodation and travel.

Friedrich Froebel was a German educator who devised a set of principles and practices which formed part of an interactive education process. The Froebel Trust promotes the principles developed by Froebel and their vision is a world in which childhood is valued in its own right and each child’s capacity and potential is recognised. The Innovation Grants programme supports the application of Froebelian principles in new areas and environments to support children between the ages of 0 and 8 to play expressively and creatively. Projects funded under the Innovation Grants programme should achieve the following outcomes: Children are supported to play expressively and creatively; New organisations have developed an understanding of Froebelian principles; The Froebel Trust’s profile and awareness has increased.

The Cruach Trust is a small Scottish charity that aims to make a difference with its donations. Although the Trust has a preference for supporting gardeners, retired gardeners and for preserving gardens throughout the United Kingdom, donations can be made to a wide range of organisations with charitable objectives in the UK and abroad. Previous grants have been awarded to support horticultural apprenticeships; gardens, wildlife and the natural environment; music, the arts and cultural charities; medical research and support and to organisations working with children, the elderly and vulnerable.

The Royal College of Pathologists Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme gives financial support for the delivery of a range of pathology-related events throughout the UK. Grants of up to £1000 are available for individuals or organisations wishing to develop pathology-related public engagement activities or events. Eligible proposals must include the involvement of pathologists and/or laboratory scientists as a key part of the activity and be pathology-based, exploring underlying concepts and issues, rather than just providing information.

OWL Scotland Grants specifically support the work of OWL local groups. They provide funding for activities, which achieve the overall objectives of OWL Scotland. Owl Scotland Grants are available to all local OWL groups for administration costs, training courses and networking events. There is also a special grant for development work.

UK-German Connection's special flexible funding scheme aims to bring young people of the UK and Germany together to exchange ideas, promote joint learning and open discussions on special topics and current issues. Grants of £500 to £10,000 are available for projects that ensure that young people actively engage in an educational learning and thinking process, including discussion, debate and reflection. Activities funded must also show strong wider impact, and that the young people take an active role in this.

The Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust supports organisations working with young adults aged 18 to 25 years with a learning disability who are leaving formal education. The Trust aims to give these young people the practical skills needed to prepare them to be able to lead independent lives and will fund projects designed to support young people outside the school environment. For example projects may offer life skills or accredited training, employment experience or opportunities for social interaction to allow self-expression and build self confidence. Applications that demonstrate the involvement of people with learning difficulties and their families, partnership working, a demand for the project and either match funding or active fundraising are more likely to be successful.

The Shackleton Foundation Leadership Award offers early stage venture capital funding for social entrepreneurs with the will to make a difference to young people in challenging circumstances. Grants of up to £10,000 provide seed funding and support to enable aspiring leaders and social entrepreneurs to establish their own ventures to help young people in challenging circumstances. Priority is given to projects that are not solely reliant on grants and donations.

The Mandarin Excellence Programme aims to deliver a minimum of 5000 speakers of Mandarin on their way to a high level of fluency by 2020. Funding of a minimum of £20,000 per year is available to state-funded secondary schools. Schools on the programme should also be able to provide a programme of at least eight hours a week, made up of a combination of class-time teaching, extra-curricular teaching, self-study and intensive language courses in China and the UK. Schools funded through this programme should also act as or work with a hub school, growing the number of schools and pupils in the local area on the programme; and work to ensure that pupils will be on course to complete HSK IV and V exams within 6 years of starting the programme. Pupils should also be on course to complete Chinese GCSE and A Level, IB or Pre-U qualifications during and beyond the programme lifespan

UK-German Connection is offering schools special partnership bursaries of £1,000 (to UK and partner German schools). Grants are available to UK schools to help to sustain their existing partnerships with German schools. Schools that have had joint activities with German schools can apply and to be eligible for funding the school must show evidence of joint plans.

The Royal Society of Chemistry believes that for chemistry and the chemical sciences to prosper; it must attract, develop and retain a diverse community of talented people. The Inclusion and Diversity fund has been created to provide financial support of up to £5,000 to members, professionals, network groups, volunteer groups, institutions and organisations to enable them to develop innovative products, activities and research projects which promote inclusion and diversity. Proposed activities must demonstrate their relevance to the Society's Inclusion and Diversity strategy.

The Royal Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institution offers grants to help those families who have lost a seafaring parent. The Institution supports families by providing awards for the children throughout their education and can in some circumstances offer grants to mothers for the children's monthly maintenance, clothing, holidays etc.

Buttle UK provides packages of support worth up to £2,000 to young people who receive no support from their parents or guardians to help them to further their education or employment. To apply, the young person must have a clear education, training or employment goal that they are pursuing or want to pursue within 3 months of applying. Grants can provide direct financial support; help them to set up home and/or to improve their emotional, mental or physical well-being. Some of the essential items that may be funded are: Equipment to take up a training opportunity; interview clothes; a computer for study; travel costs to college; essential household items; recreational or social activities and counselling.

The Royal Institution and the Clothworkers' Foundation are offering UK schools grants of up to £800 to host a show, talk, workshop, challenge or other maths activity to supplement their students' classroom activities. Grants of up to £800 are being offered to eligible state-funded schools, academies and FE colleges to take part in an Enrichment and Enhancement maths activity from the STEM Directories. This is an exciting opportunity for students to take part in a mathematics activity and help integrate mathematics enrichment in school practice.

The Trust primarily funds projects both in the UK and abroad which support the Trust's interests of education, international friendship and understanding, and the promotion of world peace and development. 

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust supports charities across the UK that focus on agriculture, rural development, and insurance-related initiatives. Key areas of support include education, research, rural poverty relief, and social welfare in rural communities. The trust funds larger projects that have a significant impact on these areas, with an emphasis on advancing public and youth education, agricultural research, and rural community development.

Young Start is a grants programme that distributes money from dormant bank accounts. It aims to create opportunities for children and young people aged between 8 and 24 to help them realise their potential. Funding is available for work that achieves at least one of the following three outcomes: children and young people have better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing; children and young people have better connections with the wider community; children and young people get access to new skills and training opportunities which will help them to get a new job or start a business.Grants of £20,000 to £100,000 are available for projects with a duration of up to three years.

The Leathersellers' Company is one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London. It makes grants in the areas of Education, Disability, Children and young people and the relief of need. The Trust particularly welcome applications supporting the use of leather within the fashion industry, education in leather technology and the leather trade.

The Holywood Trust is a charitable organisation which aims to help young people in Dumfries and Galloway. It gives grants to individuals and organisations, creating opportunities for young people in the region. The Trust is particularly interested in providing opportunities for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in our region; encouraging talented young people in Dumfries and Galloway; and helping improve sports and cultural opportunities across the region. The Trust focuses primarily on young people aged 15 - 25 years.

The Rozelle Trust aims to help charities who activities are primarily based in Scotland, or overseas in developing countries. Priority is given to projects that support the very poorest in their community. Their main priorities are children and young people; people living in poverty (particularly self-sustaining work); and people with disabilities. The Trust will generally support smaller charities, especially those working at grass roots and local community level where the funds will be able to make a significant difference and therefore large national charities are unlikely to be considered.

Hostelling Scotland's Youth and Community Engagement programme provides opportunities for young people and community groups to experience Scotland's landscapes through affordable and accessible stays. They support youth organisations, schools, and community groups with tailored programs that encourage personal development, learning, and outdoor activities. The initiative is designed to inspire and engage young people from diverse backgrounds in educational and social experiences.

The JJ Charitable Trust Grants main areas of interest are: Literacy - to help improve the effectiveness of literacy teaching in primary and secondary education for children with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, and for ex-offenders or those at risk of offending. Social and cultural change towards more sustainable lifestyles - creative approaches that visualise a sustainable future in positive ways and the role of the media in communicating about sustainability; environment projects overseas, especially community-based agriculture initiatives, which aim to help people help themselves in an environmentally sustainable way. The funding amount is discretionary, and applications can be submitted at any time.

BBC Children in Need Small Grants programme distributes grants of up to £10,000 to not for profit organisations such as Registered charities; Voluntary organisations; Special Schools ; Churches; and Community groups, etc  that work with disadvantaged children below the age of 18 living in the UK. . In particular, grants are available for projects that help children and young people of 18 years and under experiencing illness, distress, abuse or neglect; any kind of disability; behavioural or psychological difficulties; and / or living in poverty or situations of deprivation. Applications should demonstrate how your project will change the lives of children for the better.