Monthly Funding Bulletin, read this months latest funding opportunities locally, regionally and/or nationally – Click here to view
Below are some external funding opportunities that may be appropriate for your group.
If you need help or guidance, please see our Funding support page for ways we can help you. Get help and support around funding or a funding application
If you are looking for a funding search engine to help you find funds which may be suitable for your project ideas, we recommend My Funding Central which is a free service for organisations with an income of less than £30,000. For organisations with a higher income, annual subscription starts from only £50
This fund aims to support flexible, unrestricted grants for small grassroots organisations that are working to make a positive difference in local communities, particularly those working to support marginalised or vulnerable groups.
Small, local, constituted voluntary and community organisations, including registered charities, with an annual income of less than £25,000 in the last financial year can apply.
Community interest companies (CICs) can apply if they have been in operating for two years with an asset lock (schedule one and two only).
Priority will be given to organisations that meet the following criteria:
Grants of up to £2,000
Click here for more information.
The Common Ground Award aims to:
Application deadline 21st of November.
Click here for more details of grant
In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been found and reported that the level of investment and support for freelancers, independent creatives, artists, musicians, and performers across the arts could be improved, with many freelance artists leaving the sector.
Following extensive consultation, the need for a focused, small investment into the creative sector was highlighted. This led to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) establishing the Culture Fund to support the regrowth and strengthening of the creative sector in Greater Manchester.
You may be a musician who would benefit from a new instrument, a small group who needs funds to expand your wardrobe or replace costumes, or a freelance artist who wishes to upskill via a training course.
The GMCA Inspire Fund is managed by Salford CVS, on behalf of 10GM.
The GMCA Inspire Fund is providing grants of £500 – £2,000 for freelance and independent artists, and small organisations across Greater Manchester.
Application deadline 12:00PM, Friday 31 October 2025.
Click here for more details.
The funding is for gardening projects carried out within local communities in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The scheme is committed to:
Grants of between £1,500 and £5,000 are available.
Application deadline 20/10/2025
Click here for more details.
The Onward Community Fund aims to support local groups and projects. Local organisations and community groups in the North West are invited to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 in the next round of funding which focuses on the theme of Winter resilience. We’re keen to support initiatives that will help our communities stay warm, connected, and supported during the colder months. So, whether you’re tackling food poverty, reducing isolation, or boosting wellbeing, we want to hear from you!
Application closes on the 15th of October.
Click here for more information
The principle aim of this funding is to focus on supporting families that need help the most, in a way which adheres to their principles of transparency, trust and transformation.
The aim of these small community grants is to support projects, activities and organisations that will be of real direct benefit to families and have a direct and tangible social impact on people’s lives.
Community grants of up to and including £400 are available.
Application closes 4th of November 2025.
Click here for more information
This is an annual award made by the Trustees in memory of the Trust’s benefactor. The bursary is intended to fund the costs of a youth leader, though other forms of youth work will be considered. Trustees favour applications from charities whose income is less than £1,000,000.
Organisations with charitable status in Greater Manchester are invited to apply for the bursary, which will be awarded on the basis of up to £30,000 for year 1, £20,000 for year 2 and £15,000 for year 3.
Priority will be given to organisations that can show a firm shared element of funding beyond year 1 and where the appointment creates new opportunities.
Applications will be considered by the Trustees in November and the first payment to the successful applicant will be made the following April.
Application Deadline 31st of October 2025.
Click here for more
A small number of grants are available each year to small not-for-profit groups with projects that address a community issue or support a local community initiative; and provide benefits to the local community.
The following types of organisation may apply:
To be eligible, all organisations and community interest groups must:
If selected for a grant award, applicants will also need to provide their organisation’s articles of association or constitution, demonstrating clear objectives related to community interest and improvements.
Grants of up to £3,000
Click here to learn more
The Trust was established in 1909 and is a registered charity. Its beneficial area includes the Borough of Bolton in recognition of the Scott family’s previous residence in Bolton, and their strong interest in the philanthropic work in the town.
The aim of this Trust is to support projects which help disadvantaged people or communities in Bolton, or provide for the relief of poverty.
Who can apply?
Only registered charities, or not-for-profit organisations who are in the process of becoming a charity, will be considered. Organisations must be operating in Bolton and beneficiaries of grants must be within the Borough of Bolton.
Grant size
Grants of between £250 and £3,000 are available. The Trust usually makes up to 20 charitable donations a year.
Closing date
Applications are considered at Trustee meetings held in early April, August and December. The deadline for applications is four weeks before each meeting.
Applications welcome from children and young people’s groups, elderly peoples groups, health and care related, education and training etc, focus on target groups and areas in need. Organisations must be operating in Bolton Borough and beneficiaries of grants must be within the Borough of Bolton.
Who can apply?
The grants are open to all individuals, community groups and non-profit organisations within Bolton.
Grant size
Up to £1,500
Closing date
Rolling application
The programme offers both an unrestricted grant and tailored support aimed at helping to strengthen charities and build the knowledge, skills and capabilities of staff and trustees.
The programme is intended for registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations operating mainly in England and/or Wales who are helping people living in England and/or Wales
Applicants must be providing in-depth services in one of the following eight themes: Addiction, Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Care Leavers, Domestic Abuse, Homelessness, Offending, Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Trafficking and Modern Slavery.
Who can apply?
Registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations operating mainly in England and/or Wales who are helping people living in England and/or Wales may apply. (Have an annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 in their last published accounts within the last 12 months)
Grant size
Unrestricted grants of £75,000 for three years are provided alongside a range of tailored development support.
In addition, grants of up to £500 are available for groups who need accessibility support to apply for this programme. The grant will help fund the cost of support, such as a scribe or BSL interpreter.
Closing date
N/A
A brand-new UK-wide digital service for organisations applying for government grants could save up to £270 million through efficiencies and fraud prevention. The first of its kind Find a Grant service offers a free central place on GOV.UK for business, individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants. Each year government awards over £50 billion in general grant funding. Government grants can be awarded from anything from improving local housing, to funding innovative new research into advanced fuels and digital technologies, or providing better sports facilities and youth centres for communities. For further information, click here
Using money raised by National Lottery players, we distribute grants from £10,000 to £10million to support projects across the UK that connect people and communities to their heritage.
We also distribute heritage funding on behalf of the UK and devolved governments.
Heritage can be anything from the past that you value and want to pass on to future generations. Understanding, valuing and sharing our heritage brings people together, inspires pride in place and supports local economies.
