Funding

The Better Breaks programme is now open for applications, with around £1.7 million available for 12 month grants (April 2027 – March 2028) for short breaks projects for disabled children and young people (aged 20 years old and under) and their carers (adult carers and/or young carers). The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

The Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Energise Programme provides unrestricted funding to small Scottish charities which place vulnerable people at the heart of their work. The programme aims to help grassroots organisations grow, strengthen their services and respond effectively to the challenges facing the communities they support. The next application round opens on Monday 28 September 2026, with a closing date of Wednesday 7 October 2026.

The Plugged-In Communities Grant Fund, delivered by Energy Saving Trust, provides funding to help community transport organisations in Scotland transition to zero emission vehicles. The fund supports the replacement of existing community transport vehicles with fully electric alternatives, helping organisations reduce emissions while continuing to deliver transport services.

The guidance for the Vacant Premises Improvement Grant for Third Sector has recently been updated, to reflect that support can be considered for projects which bring vacant floors within premises already owned, or leased by an applicant, back into active use.

Applications are now open for the Arnold Clark Community Fund, with this round focusing on education, youth groups and clubs, community enhancement and sustainability initiatives. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Local people living in Falkirk and Polmont can now nominate third sector groups and organisations based in the area for small grants from the Taylor Wimpey Community Chest initiative. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 15 September 2026.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation’s Christmas Connections programme will reopen in September 2026, offering small grants to support organisations bringing older people together during the festive season. Priority will be given to organisations working in areas of deprivation, and to activities taking place during the Christmas holiday period. The deadline for applications is yet to be announced.

From Tuesday 1 September 2026, the Scops Arts Trust is inviting Stage 1 applications from organisations delivering instrumental music education for children and young people across the UK. The Trust supports projects which increase access to, participation in, and enjoyment of the arts, with a particular focus on the performing arts. Funding is available as revenue or core cost grants. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 15 September 2026.

The Green Hall Foundation provides grants to support projects which sustainably improve the lives of people who are sick, elderly, disabled or disadvantaged, primarily within the UK. Grants typically range from £1,000 – £10,000, and can support both capital and revenue costs, although the trustees do not fund general running costs or salaries. The next funding round opens at 9am on Tuesday 1 September 2026, and is restricted to charities with an annual income of £250,000 or less.