Grants for Small Charities UK

A list of the latest UK grants for small charities and community projects. Niche funders most don't know about & simple to apply to.

Grants for Small Charities UK

The latest local grants for small UK charities and community groups.  Our secret grants for smalls lists focusses on niche UK grant makers most don't know about, simple to apply to and almost all for local small charities.  This partly AI generated grants list is updated on a rolling basis - last update 24 Dec 24.  I've listed our bot search grants for small charities, then some more of the latest funding for small charities from the free Funding Finder grants directory search for Small Charities & Community Groups.  There are now more than 750+ small charity grants within this category in the system.

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Funding Finder - Small Charities & Community Groups

Many small charities and community groups struggle to find charitable grant funding.  As I load new records, I assess each grant funder and if it only funds or prioritises small charities and community groups, or is a good fund for them to apply to, it is allocated to the Small Charities search category.

However, community groups tell me they often struggle because many funders require a group to be a registered charity.  Consequently, there is now a search category for Community Groups.   The Start Ups search category is for grant makers who will support newly formed groups and pilot projects.  The Infrastructure search category is for the 100s of small infrastructure charities who often really struggle to secure funding.

UK Grants for Small Charities

Most wind farms have a community fund to spend on improvements in the local area.  Your project has to be within a few miles of a farm but that means competition is limited, plus the amounts can be substantial for a small charity and we've found 100+ in England, Scotland and Wales so far (including offshore farm funds), so we created a web page for them.

Regional Grants for Small Charities - England & Wales

Grants for Small Charities - England

 

Funding for Copeland, Whitehaven and Howgate & Disington. Nope, I'm Scottish and I've no idea either but Mr Google tells me it's in Cumbria. Open to charities, constituted groups or clubs, social enterprises and public bodies. There are 3 funds.  The next local community fund deadlines are 16 Oct and 22 Jan.
Cockermouth and Papcastle Recreational Trust Grants of up to £500 for arts and sport in the Cockermouth and Papcastle area (Cumbria). Maximum annual spend is £3,000. Application forms can be obtained from Mrs Sheila Brown, email sheila.brown67@hotmail.com. The trustees usually meet twice a year (May and November).
For smaller community groups who are not constituted and cannot access other Health Partnership funding but may need low-cost resources to get groups functioning e.g., room hire, equipment, refreshments. Up to £200. Apply at any time to South Derbyshire CVS.
Grants for Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations and community-led groups in Derbyshire for the creation or improvement of Warm and Welcoming Spaces for local communities. Grants £1000 to £3000 and can be spent on a variety of project costs. Open until 31 Jan, or until funds run out.
Up to £5000 to small community groups whose work addresses local issues, social problems, poverty and disadvantage. There is particular interest in activities supporting older people, and activities supporting people experiencing mental health issues. Groups with annual expenditure over £250,000 will not usually be considered. Deadline Midday, 17 Jan.
A range of grants including UK SPF, capital, tree, culture, youth and even a Dorchester car boot fund. The car boot fund will support setting up a new community activity or event.
The organisation of an annual Essex fun walk and the distribution of corporate donations amongst the charities and community groups attending the fun walk. Spend in year ending Dec 22 was £28k.
Essex community-based funding and grants for projects like activities for young people, community travel, health and wellbeing, the environment, refugees, loneliness, volunteer programmes and development of communal facilities.
The support a wide range of organisations covering social welfare and the local community; the elderly; disadvantaged; disabled; ethnic groups; asylum seekers; refugees and young people and are particularly interested in small, grass root organisations. We provide grants to groups in Southend on Sea, Rochford and Castle Point local authority areas (Essex). The maximum grant is usually £5,000. The Trustees meet three times a year.
The Trust distributes, on average, £400-500,000 annually to between 120-150 organisations principally for projects within Essex. The Trustees meet three times a year in in Feb, May and Sep. Arts, Churches, Community, Medical, Miscellaneous and Youth. They will consider core funding, project-based initiatives, refurbishment of premises and also equipment. Average grant size is around £2,000 – £3,000.
Allows councillors to give up to £1,250 in their ward to organisations and groups running local support projects and initiatives that will benefit the people of Braintree District (Essex). Ward councillors can pool their budgets to joint fund projects within the ward.
Small or medium registered charities in Gloucestershire who may struggle to find funding elsewhere. They are often able and willing to award non-restrictive grants and like to form on-going relationships with charities and regularly award multiple year grants. The Trust is currently focused on helping young people, including in education. Spend in year ending Dec 23 was £311,749.
IT, mental and emotional health, education (young people), small arts organisations and the environment. Charities and CICs within Hampshire and surrounding areas. Smaller charities and projects with a value of less than £100,000 will be prioritised. It says up to £5k but annual spend is only about £4k in total.
To support not-for-profit organisations in making improvements to local communities in Kent. Open to community, cultural and sports sectors. They have strategic grants (up to £10,000), and events costs grants. The only one open as at Nov 24 was the Resettlement Schemes Community Projects Fund 2025/26. For projects and activities that promote the integration of families living in the Canterbury District. Grants up to £10,000.
Grassroots community organising in North Manchester, North Wales and Hampshire and Surrey mobilising excluded communities, and organisations led by women and people of colour. They're recently registered and there's not much else on their grant making, such as how to apply or deadlines. I'd contact them. Charity number 1203784.
A range of grants including councillor, children's services, adults health and care and community.
Organisations with income under £500,000 pa that deliver services via volunteers to support people who are disadvantaged and live in Herefordshire. It's for organisations that are experiencing financial difficulties. Grants up to £1,000. For an application form, or for more information call 01568 616653 or email: contactus@s4il.co.uk.
A range of grants and support, not only for the community but also individuals and businesses.
Local registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and other not for profit organisations for the benefit of Berkhamsted residents (Hertfordshire). Up to £1,000.
Funding for local community groups from the Broxbourne Lottery (Herts). You can also join the Lottery to raise funds for your group. The next funding round will open in Oct 25, probably for 6 weeks. Ethics Note; this is a non profit Lottery but still funded by gambling.
Community activities and wellbeing for community groups and voluntary organisations in Dacorum (Herts). Up to £3,000. They also have a small grants fund for up to £500.
Making grants to small charities based in Kent or Surrey for children in need; helping young artists to develop their careers in musical theatre; protecting animals indigenous to the UK or providing a welfare environment for displaced domestic animals; and, occasionally, supporting major charities at the time of an international emergency. Spend in year ending Mar 23 was £25k.

 

BTAC Small Grant Scheme   Constituted Boston-based community group or organisation working to deliver projects for the benefit of residents within any of the town centre wards of Boston (Lincolnshire). Four rounds annually- 6 Jun, 1 Aug, 3 Oct 24 & 30 Jan 25.

Southway Housing - Beautiful South Fund  Charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and individuals in South Manchester - up to  £2,500 for ideas focussed on community projects, whether they are big or small, that help improve and bring people together within your neighbourhood. The theme is neighbourliness. Deadlines 1 Jul, 30 Sep and 11 Nov 24 and 20 Jan and 17 Mar 25.
Accent Fresh A regional food service business based in West Norfolk, plans to budget £250 a month to help local communities with its Accent Fresh Community Fund created in May 24.  They  also sponsor Festival Too and local sports clubs but this is separate from their Community Fund.
Grants of up to £500. The fund will close when the funding pot is fully spent. For unconstituted or small VCSE groups in Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk.
A range of community grants with varying deadlines and amounts.
A variety of local grants including capital and core funding.
Serving Dudley and Staffordshire, focuses on local causes in Kinver and Stourbridge. Grants to postcode areas (WV4, WV5, DY3, DY6, DY7, DY8, DY9, DY10, DY11) for a variety of charitable purposes. Two grant programmes: one for small, impactful grants (up to £1,000) that can be swiftly disbursed, and another for larger applications which are considered early May, and late November.
Stafford Borough Council - Crematorium Recycling Fund  Yes, they really are but anything we can recycle reduces demand on natural resources a bit and the money they're earning is being donated to charities. The latest grant was £14k to a bereavement charity, bringing the total since 2013 to £121,000. Good on them. I've struggled to load the link but I'm using Star Link, so it might be OK. If not, use this one.
This includes their own community grants programme which provides funding for most non profits of £5,000 or above pa for a period of three years. The 2024 round is 9 Oct to 4 Dec. They also have a Sports Infrastructure Fund, with match funding from £5,000 to £50,000. Deadline 31 Mar 2027. Sussex.
Pearce Foundation Fledgling charities and not-for-profits in Sussex, operating for two years or less, with an income of less than £50,000 pa.  Four organisations each year, with one or two organisations selected each funding round. Up to £2,000 for registered charities and social enterprises. Next deadline 15 Dec.
Over £400,000 to support voluntary sector organisations, grassroots community groups, and established local charities that support people living in Hastings and St Leonards (Sussex). Grants: Micro-grants up to £3,000 for delivery over 12 months and up to £20,000 for both project and organisation running costs for delivery up to three years. Deadlines: 24 Jan, 25 Apr and 27 Jun.
Up to £5,000 for projects across West Sussex in 2025-2026. Projects must: support local community activity to improve waste prevention behaviours through reuse and/or waste prevention projects reducing household waste to make a difference to the wider community.  Opens 13 Jan to 23 Feb 25.
Grants to individuals and non profits to relieve poverty, advance education and to support groups that support the local community of Bexhill on Sea (Sussex). The Trust looks to fund those things that other organisations and grants do not generally cover.
Community cohesion in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Priority to constituted community groups and charitable not for profit organisations with income under £500,000 pa, those working in the most socially and economically disadvantaged areas, or who benefit women and girls, disabled people and/or people from BAME backgrounds. Grants up to £10k. Applications for this round close on Friday 17 Jan.
The only info I have is that the deadlines are 10 May, 9 Aug and 6 Dec. Now you know as much as I do. But they also have a climate change grant for community groups. Warwickshire.
Local community groups within North Warwickshire or Nuneaton and Bedworth Local Authority boundaries can apply for up to £2,000 grant or funding or up to £2,000 in kind. Applications are reviewed every 2 months.
Registered charities mainly based in West Midlands (Birmingham, The Black Country, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall & Wolverhampton), Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Children & Young People, Disabled & Health, Environment & Heritage, Arts, Work in the Community & the Elderly, Social Support and Hospices. Will fund core or a project/capital appeal. Most grants £1,000 - £5,000. Larger grants may be considered. Apply at any time. Three meetings a year.
Grants of up to £5,000 available to support community/voluntary organisations and registered charities working with disadvantaged young people aged 13 to 25 years old, within Birmingham and the Black Country (West Midlands).
£155,000 for West Midlands voluntary organisations and community groups to provide a range of activities for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the community that promote inclusion, community cohesion, education and health. Grants between £1000 and £50,000. Deadline 12 Noon, 17 Jan 25.
They support children and young people and community activities in the Wolverhampton area.  Average £500 - £2000. They will consider repeat requests, and also consider longer term sponsorship arrangements. They are particularly interested in supporting smaller, volunteer-based organisations and will not fund national charities. Applications are considered monthly but those for £3000 or over, or for long term projects are considered quarterly.
Community Fund provides funding, marketing help, free travel or the use of its buses for events. June and December (Wiltshire). This application could be as small as a raffle prize or as large as a £500 donation. They have a total of £500 to give away, in June and December each year. I don't know if you can apply for non financial support outside of these times. Apply via their website.
A range of grants offered by the Council, in Wiltshire.
A local bus company, their Community Fund is open to everyone in the local community; whether it’s a charity, a sports team, a school or an event in the Salisbury and the wider Wiltshire area. There are 2 rounds of applications annually - during in April and October for something as small as a raffle prize or as large as a £500 donation.
A shop in Castle Street, Salisbury (Wiltshire) that gives all profits to dog rescue – particularly groups that are lesser known and lack support.  Opening hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10am – 2pm and Saturday, 10am – 4pm. If you live there and have any spare doggie things to give away or a donation, drop in. It all helps, thank you.
Small voluntary and community groups, small charities, and other non profits in East Yorkshire, Hull, North Yorkshire or York, with turnover under £150,000. Between £200 and £2500 for core costs, direct project costs, pilot projects or development needs. Apply at any time.
Grants for recreational opportunities or the use of public open space in Leeds. The large grants programme is for registered charities. they are interested in Children & Young People, the Elderly, the wider Community, the Arts and Open Space. No grant amounts specified. They also have a small grants programme for small community groups and charities with income under £10,000 pa. Grants up to £300. I think you can apply at any time. Spend in year ending Dec 23 was £282,552.
Yorkshire Building Society Up to £2,500 to UK registered charities, nominated by the Society’s members and colleagues for alleviating poverty and improving health / saving lives. It prioritises work in areas of deprivation, and charities with income under £100,000. Deadlines are 31 Mar, 30 Jun, 30 Sep and 31 Dec annually.

Grants for Small Charities - Scotland

Glasgow Care Foundation -  Support local community groups, charities and organisations with projects, educational grants, transport, food poverty and other needs with grants normally no more than one thousand pounds. Also make grants to schools and individuals.

Merchants House of Glasgow. Various funds and purposes to support charities in Glasgow and the surrounding area.

Grants for Small Charities - Northern Ireland

None at the moment.

Grants for Small Charities - Wales

NewportNet Zero Decarbonisation Programme.  Grants up to £30,000 for local businesses and community groups with buildings in the Newport area. I can't find as deadline.

How To Find Even More Small UK Charity Grants

A registered charity ourselves, the CEF works for any non profit, not just charities.

Plus, 100+downloadable funder lists, 60+ policies, 8 online health checks and the huge resource base.

Quick, simple and very effective.

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To access help and resources on anything to do with running a charity, including funding, click the AI Bunny icon in the bottom right of your screen and ask it short questions, including key words.  Register, then login and the in-system AI Bunny is able to write funding bids and download 40+ charity policy templates as well.

Ethics note - the grant funding in this list was partly found using AI and bots.

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