Grant Directories

The Conservation Area Regeneration scheme (CARS) is a funding programme from Historic Environment Scotland that provides financial help for Conservation Area based regeneration and conservation initiatives. Funding is available to local authorities, national park authorities and community groups over a five year period to support the various elements of setting up a Conservation Area Regeneration scheme including: a repairs programme for priority projects; community engagement through training opportunities in traditional skills and through education programmes; training opportunities for traditional craftspeople; administration costs, including for the appointment of a dedicated project officer and support staff as required.

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.

As part of BT's Community Fibre Partnerships programme eligible communities in the final 5% of the UK not covered by fibre broadband rollout plans can apply for a match-funded grant of up to £30,000 toward the cost of their new fibre infrastructure where that new infrastructure could also serve their local school. Community Partnerships must first register to find out if they are eligible to apply.

The RW Mann Trust is a grant making organisation that supports organisations in the North Tyneside, South East Northumberland and in the East Newcastle areas who are locally run and led, help people with the greatest need, involve disadvantaged and minority groups, improve the quality of life in their community and are in the public interest. Grants made have varied between regular annual contributions, small one-off donations and grants for capital projects. . Most of the beneficiaries in recent years have been youth groups (both uniformed and non-uniformed), children, people with disabilities, older people, schools, colleges, councils for voluntary service and other advice agencies. The Trust has made grants of between £500 and £5,000 but the average size of grant awarded is £1000.

The objectives of the WHSmith Trust is to support the local communities in which WHSmith staff and customers live and work and; to support education and lifelong learning, helping people of any age to achieve their educational potential. Grants can be made under the following headings: Grants to local charities in which members of staff are directly involved, Grants to support education and lifelong learning, Supporting employee volunteering - Volunteers in Schools, Supporting employee volunteering - Community challenges and Supporting employee volunteering.

Grants are available to support projects that increase the understanding and appreciation, particularly among young people, of the environmental, social, and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests and of the link between the tree and everyday wood products. Eligible project costs include hire of people, for example, supply teachers, advice, training hire or purchase of materials, machinery or services and paying for printing and publicity for projects. There is also a special grant for development work. Only Forest Education Initiative Cluster Groups are eligible to apply.

UnLtd is the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK and supports individuals who have their social ventures firmly rooted in delivering positive social change. It operates a unique model by investing directly in individuals and offering a complete package of resources; from awards of funding to ongoing advice, networking and practical support. UnLtd resource community entrepreneurs to start-up; support those with more established social ventures to scale up; and are committed to developing an eco-system of support to make it easier for those who need help to find it. UnLtd offers a number of programmes with varying levels of funding and support. Please refer to the funder's website for details.

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; 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.