cardfactory Foundation's Community Fund Reopens with New Criteria on 10 June

This year, the cardfactory Foundation is offering fixed grants of £10,000 to UK registered charities, working nationally or regionally within the UK, for projects that meet one or more of the Foundation's priority areas.

Applications will be accepted from UK registered charities with an income of less than £3 million per annum (particularly smaller, local charities where a £10,000 grant will deliver real impact), who have been actively operating for at least 18 months and who are working within one or more of the Foundation's priority areas:

• Families experiencing financial disadvantage - support families facing long-term, sustained economic hardship, rather than short-term or one-off events, that restricts their ability to meet essential needs like food, housing, or heating. The focus is on addressing immediate pressures while also supporting longer-term stability and resilience.

• Hardship and Crisis Support (Acute) - provide time-bound support to individuals and families experiencing a recent triggering event or escalation in risk (e.g. fleeing domestic abuse, imminent homelessness, or sudden bereavement). There is particular interest in how organisations deliver sustained improvement and longer-term stability beyond the initial crisis response.

• Vulnerable children and young people (0–25) - support young people facing circumstances that threaten their safety, wellbeing, or development. The goal is to protect these individuals, build their resilience, and help them achieve stability. This includes support for those with care experience, at risk of exploitation, young carers, or those with complex needs (SEND).

The criteria and sample application form are available now on the Foundation's website.

The two-week application window is expected to open 22 June 2026 and close 3 July 2026. For more information, please visit The Local Community Fund - Card Factory

Henry Smith Foundation's New Equity in Justice Fund to Open 10th June

The new Equity in Justice Fund aims to support organisations working with racially minoritised young men aged 18 to 25 who are in contact with the UK's criminal justice system. The objective is to increase access to specialist services designed to meet participants' specific needs, with a focus on culturally appropriate support and lived experience.

A total of £2.6 million is available. The foundation anticipates making 13 grants of £200,000 each over three to five years, with applicants able to choose whether they receive support over three, four or five years. Awards are designed for direct service delivery and the grant is flexible, including use for general running costs.

Eligible applicants must be charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK. This includes registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest Companies that are not-for-profit with an asset lock and other not for profit charitable organisations aligned with the foundation's strategy.

Applicants must provide specialist services for racially minoritised young men in contact with the justice system, demonstrate at least 18 months' relevant delivery, offer person centred, holistic and long-term support, include lived experience across services, the organisation and governance and have a first set of published annual accounts.

Priority will be given to smaller organisations and to groups described as 'led by and for' the communities they serve, defined as having 50% of trustees or directors and 50% of staff from the represented community. The foundation also intends to support work across prisons, through the gate and in the community, with a geographical spread and representation including Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Jewish and Muslim communities. Further rounds are expected to open in January 2027, June 2027 and January 2028.

A live webinar will be held on 23 June 2026 (14:00 to 15:00). Registration is required. 

The guidelines, faqs, a short eligibility quiz, and a sample EOI are now available on the Henry Smith Foundation website.

Applications open 10 June (9:00) and close 5 August 2026 (17:00). For more information pleas visit The gap we should have seen sooner - Henry Smith

Community groups invited to apply to Co-op's Local Community Fund for share of £3.5m fund

Applications now open for Co-op’s Local Community Fund, local charities and community groups invited to apply for share of £3.5 Million fund.

• Co-op has a presence in every UK postal area, and its Local Community Fund has helped 40,000 causes make a difference locally since the fund began

• Applications are open until 24 June 2026

Applications are now open for Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with local charities and community groups invited to apply for a share of the £3.5 Million fund to make a difference in communities in towns, villages and cities across the UK.

With a presence in every postal area, Co-op is looking to support local projects in communities with a focus on enabling communities to access food; improving mental wellbeing; creating opportunities for young people; promoting community cohesion and, building sustainable futures.

Thanks to Co-op Members, Co-op’s Local Community Fund has helped 40,000 causes across the UK since 2016.

David Luckin, Head of Social Value and Community Engagement, Co-op, said: “Beginning the search for new local causes to take part in a fresh round of funding is always exciting, our members have told us that they want Co-op to focus on the real issues affecting people’s lives. Co-operation and, people working together can be very powerful, and our funding enables local causes to deliver projects that focus on issues that matter most locally. We know that things can be increasingly challenging for communities and through this funding we can help to make a real difference – helping people and communities thrive.’’

Applications are open until 24 June 2026. 

For more information, and to apply, visit  coop.co.uk/causes  

The Social Enterprise Awards for Northern Ireland 2026 are now open

The awards, organised by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, celebrate the amazing work and impact of social enterprises across the region. They are a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector, highlighting the active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and making a positive impact on our environment and wellbeing.

If you are new to the process, we are hosting a 'How to Enter' session on Zoom on 10th June at 10am.
Register for How to Apply Zoom

Closing date is Sunday 12th July

Further information available here

Good Relations Funding Opportunity: Interfaces and Contested Spaces

As part of our 2026-27 programme, DCSDC Good Relations can offer funding up to £1,000 per project in the following interface areas: Tullally, Currynierin, Fountain, Bogside, Irish Street, Top of the Hill and two contested rural areas (Castlederg and Donemana) for specific types of year-round preventative and diversionary initiatives.  ‘Contested area’ is defined as an area which has a recent history in the last 1-2 years of significant cross-community political tension at key times e.g. marches, commemorations etc.

A maximum of 8 proposals will be funded – 6 x 1 in each designated interface area and 1 each in Castlederg and Donemana.
 
Completed applications must be received no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 10th June 2026. 

Further details
Application Form

The Rural Action Awards for 2026/2027 are open for applications.

Our established Awards offer rural community-based organisations, in Northern Ireland or the border counties of Sligo, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth, the opportunity to apply for and secure £1000 or €1000 towards their volunteer led community action project.

CURRENT CLOSING DATE

20th June 2026

What is a Rural Action Award?

Our Rural Action Awards scheme for this year will again support 12 volunteer led community action projects up to March 2027.

As before, the scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises.

The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks.

This years Awards will operate 3 calls for applications in the financial year to end March 2027.  After each call a random selection will identify 4 recipients.  Upon successful completion of verification, each will receive £1000/€1000 towards their chosen community project.

Rural Action Awards Terms & Conditions.

• A bonafide rural community organisation

• Evidence of governing document can be supplied if successful

• Based in rural Northern Ireland or the 6 border counties as named

• Must be able to use the Award within 12 weeks of receipt

• Registered bank account in name of applicant organisation

• VIEW FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For more information please visit Rural Action Awards - Rural Action

Make a BIG difference with a Small Grant🌱

The Live Here Love Here Small Grants scheme is OPEN for applications until Tuesday 30th June.

This programme supports community-led projects that enhance the local environment, build civic pride, and make communities across Northern Ireland greener, healthier, and more connected.

Grants are available from £500 to £3000, to support community projects that clean-up and green-up shared spaces.

Open to community groups, sports' clubs,  churches, schools, not-for-profit organisations and unconstituted groups. 

Find out more on our website - Live Here Love Here | Small Grants

Have a question you can't find the answer to? Join the Small Grants Webinar, Wednesday 24th June at 5pm: REGISTER HERE.

Henry Smith Foundation Announces New Early Years Parenting Fund

This new fund is part of the Henry Smith Foundation's Getting Started funding priority, which supports families to give young children a strong start in life.

This is the first year of a five-year programme where the focus is on improving children's outcomes via parenting support. It is expected that the fund will be adapted during the next five years, for example, the next round in 2027 will focus on organisations with the same strong community connections but with developing evidence bases. Future rounds might focus on different parent groups.

The funding aims to improve the development of children most at risk of poor Early Childhood Development (ECD) outcomes, by investing in effective parenting support. The first round is focused on communities where outcome gaps are largest.

Charitable organisations should be working closely with and understand parents with children aged newborn to five years from:

• Black (Caribbean or African, Any Other Black), Pakistani, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and/or

• Growing up in the most deprived 20% areas nationally (using the official deprivation index for that nation).

The funding aims to support organisations that are trusted by the communities they serve and that can evidence the difference their work makes.

Charitable organisations with an annual income between £100,000 and £5 million can apply for a total grant of £225,000 (£56,250 per year for four years). The fund also provides support and relationship-building.

The funding is flexible – grants can be used towards general running costs - and is to be used for work that helps achieve the following objectives:

• Improve children's outcomes across physical development, cognitive development and social and emotional development through support for effective parenting

• More families accessing support that feels culturally relevant, safe and responsive

• Learn what works best for groups most at risk of poor early childhood outcomes to influence public sector service and other support

In this fund, 'parents' refers to anyone with a primary caregiving role for a young child. Applications are welcome from organisations supporting a wide range of caregivers of children aged newborn to five.

A live launch webinar will be held on 2 June 2026 (11am to 12pm) with a recording and transcript available for those who are unable to attend the live event.

Expressions of Interest will be accepted from 3 June (9am) to 1 July 2026 (17:00). For more information please visit Early Years Parenting Fund - Henry Smith

Addressing poverty and Social Exclusion Fund

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has launched a new grant scheme to help local community organisations support people who are experiencing hardship or social exclusion.

The Addressing Poverty and Social Exclusion Fund is part of the Council’s DEA Local Investment Plan 2026–27 and has a total budget of £80,000. It will support community-led projects that respond to need, reduce hardship and help residents feel included and connected.

Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Many people and families continue to feel real pressure from the rising cost of living and the impact this can have on wellbeing and social connection. This new fund is designed to support community organisations that are closest to local need, helping them deliver practical projects that reduce hardship and promote inclusion. We would encourage eligible groups to apply.”

What the funding can support:

• strengthen community resilience

• help ease financial pressures

• promote resource sharing within communities

Funding can be used for eligible costs such as:

• delivery of programmes and activities

• volunteer costs

• training

• equipment

• transport costs

Grants available

• Up to a maximum of £3,000 per organisation.

Who can apply

• be based within the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area

• have a constitution or other accountable governing document

• have independently examined financial accounts

• hold public liability insurance

Projects should complement existing services and must not duplicate work already being provided.

Closing date

Applications close on Monday 8 June 2026 at 12 noon.

How to apply

Full information, application forms and guidelines are available at: Addressing Poverty & Social Exclusion Fund

For further information, please contact Community Services:
Email: community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Tel: 028 9244 7713

Funding for UK Homelessness Organisations to Become Safer, More Inclusive for Young People

The Henry Smith Foundation's Proud Homes Fund offers long-term development grants to generalist homelessness organisations across the UK to embed safe, culturally competent and affirming practice for LGBT+ young people. In this context, generalist refers to services that are not exclusively specialist LGBT+ provision but support a broader group of young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The Foundation anticipates awarding eight grants of £50,000 per year for four years, totalling £200,000 per organisation.

Grants are restricted to improving the experiences of LGBT+ young people, while allowing organisations to strengthen the infrastructure needed to deliver sustainable work. Eligible costs can include core running expenses such as rent, utilities and staff salaries, as well as staff wellbeing. The first year of support may also cover research and scoping activity to develop understanding of the issues LGBT+ young people face, alongside planning and set-up costs.

Applications are open to charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK, including registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations, Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are not-for-profit with an asset lock and other not-for-profit charitable bodies aligned with the Foundation's objectives. Applicants must have a year's worth of audited or independently examined accounts and an annual income between £250,000 and £3 million, based on their most recent published accounts.

Organisations must deliver generalist homelessness support such as housing advice, hostels, supported accommodation, outreach or prevention services. They should show a track record of working with young people, primarily aged 16 to 25, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice and involvement of lived experience and youth voice in decision-making.

There is a two-stage application process.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 3 June 2026. For more information, please visit Proud Homes - Henry Smith

Branching Out Fund Accepting Applications for 2026/27 Planting Season

The Tree Council is offering grants of between £250 and £2,500 for schools, constituted community groups and charities, community interest companies, Tree Warden networks, and other organisations across the UK to deliver tree-planting projects during the 2026/27 Winter planting season.

The Branching Out Fund will support groups to purchase:

• Bare root, UK-sourced and grown, native trees of an appropriate size (priority will be given to younger trees that will establish better).

• UK-sourced and grown, bare-root whips (saplings) and cell-grown (root trainer) stock for hedging projects (between 40-120cm height).

• Hedgerow trees.

• Orchards, such as fruit trees on semi-vigorous, vigorous, and very vigorous rootstocks.

• Cardboard/bioplastic tree/hedge guards.

• Non-plastic ties.

• Stakes (coppiced material such as chestnut or hazel is preferred, although machined softwood will also be considered).

• Mulch.

• Non-peat-based soil improvers if needed.

The following may also be considered:

• Non-native tree varieties if appropriate to the setting.

• Non-native varieties and species that are chosen with climate change adaptation and resilience in mind.

• Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstock if the setting is appropriate.

• Trees in containers/raised beds, if the reason is adequately explained and supported by a robust and comprehensive irrigation and aftercare plan.

• More robust and costly guards if the setting justifies it.

Funded projects must have been planted and groups must have submitted a claim form before 14 March 2027.

The deadline for applications is 19 July 2026. For more information, please visit Grant funding to support tree, hedgerow and orchard establishment

New £3m Fund to Help UK's Communities Shape the Future of AI

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), in partnership with UK Community Foundations (UKCF) and Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology (CAST), has this week announced a new £3 million funding programme to help communities across the UK shape how artificial intelligence (AI) develops and impacts on their lives.

The funding investment was announced at an 'AI For Funders' conference in London led by NLCF on 14 May.

The funding is intended to support the development of a new UK-wide 'AI Pulse network' pilot of 50 community organisations, alongside community-led development of alternative AI tools and models rooted in local needs and lived experience.   

Projects under the pilot could include, for example, a local charity that supports people with benefit claims, funded to spot when decisions made by an algorithm are going wrong, and to share those warning signs with the wider network of 50 community organisations so that early action can be taken. 

The first grants are expected to be awarded in autumn 2026. 

Further details about the funding programme will be provided on the UK Community Foundations' website once the opening and closing dates and locations where the pilot projects will operate are confirmed.

Commenting at the conference, NLCF CEO David Knotts said:

"AI is advancing at extraordinary speed, but society's ability to understand, interpret and shape that change is not keeping pace. That is the wisdom gap we now have to confront. Today's funding announcement is about helping communities see change earlier, make sense of it together, and shape a parallel path in which AI is guided not only by technical possibility, but by social wisdom. If communities are to help society learn and adapt in this moment, they cannot sit at the edge of these systems - they have to help shape them."

The press releases have been published on the NLCF website, and the UKCF website.

IOP Public Engagement Grant Scheme Accepting Applications for Round 2

The funding is for individuals and organisations across the UK and Ireland to deliver physics-based projects that meaningfully engage whole family groups and aim to improve people's relationship with physics.

Grants of between £500 and £4,000 are available for projects that:

• Demonstrate how they will improve people's relationship with physics

• Demonstrate how they will meaningfully engage with whole family groups

• Demonstrate how they will reach at least one of the IOP target audiences (see below)

• Are free for participants to access

• Have physics at their heart (ie, relating to physics/physicists/the application of physics for the benefit of society).

• Outline project costs, including additional funding being used to support the project.

• Include an evaluation plan

• Provide details of how the project will succeed.

Priority be given to projects which link with physicists and physics institutions; show the impacts of physics on society; have the potential for lasting impact; combat stereotypes about, and/or include positive and inclusive messaging about physics, physicists and physics careers; and show that the activity is dependent on IOP funding, or that IOP funding adds a significant and distinct element.

IOP is specifically trying to reach families with young people under the age of 16 years that identify with one or more of the following groups:

• Girls and young women.

• Disabled young people.

• LGBT+ young people.

• Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Black Caribbean young people.

There are two funding rounds per year. Applications for round two are currently open for projects which start in 2026 and are completed by 30 June 2027.

The application deadline for round two is 7 September 2026. For more information, please visit Public Engagement Grant Scheme | Institute of Physics

Cellnex Accepting Applications for Community Fund

Cellnex UK is offering grants of up to £5,000 for charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver community projects that empower people, enhance local environments, and promote digital and technological inclusion.

The Cellnex Community Fund will support projects that fall within one or more of the following themes:

• Digital Inclusion and Skills – Helping people to get online, build digital skills, or use technology with confidence.

• Circular Economy – Reducing waste, encouraging repair and reuse, or supporting sustainable use of materials.

• Biodiversity and Conservation – Improving local nature, protecting wildlife habitats, or supporting community environmental action.

• AI and Education – Building awareness of artificial intelligence, responsible use of technology, and STEM learning. 

Organisations must have a governing body of at least three unrelated individuals and a UK bank account with two unrelated signatories to apply. Groups must provide a copy of their safeguarding policy for projects involving children or vulnerable adults.

Applications can be submitted at any time. For more information, please visit Cellnex Community Fund - Cellnex

Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme

Grants are available for rural community-led, voluntary organisations to support projects that address issues of local poverty and social isolation, and to implement energy efficiency measures or environmental improvements.

Fund Information

Funding body: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

Maximum value: £ 2,500

Application deadline: 22/06/2026

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to support projects designed to:

• Help rural community-led, voluntary groups to address local issues of access poverty, financial poverty and social isolation.

• Improve the lives of rural communities, and in particular the wellbeing of isolated individuals.

• In line with the draft Green Growth Strategy for Northern Ireland, provide opportunity to community-led, voluntary groups to implement energy efficiency measures and environmental improvements.

Value Notes

Grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available, to fund up to 85% of total project costs.

The total project cost should not exceed £5,000.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants must provide match funding of at least 15%, in the form of a cash contribution.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from rural community or voluntary organisations or social economy enterprises located in Northern Ireland.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a formal constitution or governing documents.

• Have a minimum of three people on their management committee.

• Have a bank or building society account in the name of the group, which requires at least two signatures for each withdrawal.

• Enclose a copy of their most recent accounts or a signed financial statement.

• Be the sole applicant and owner or lessee of the building for which the application is being made.

• Be appropriately insured or prepared to obtain appropriate insurance if awarded a grant (building or contents insurance as appropriate).

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Organisations based in urban areas.

• Individuals, sole traders and/or commercial trading companies.

• Companies that exist to distribute a profit.

• Statutory Authorities or organisations governed by Statutory Authorities.

• Appeals or charities set up to support statutory bodies.

• Organisations with an income in excess of £80,000 (not including in-year restricted funds, eg non-business/grant income).

• More than one application to modernise a building.

• Costs already incurred.

• Grants to be used to match another funder's project.

• Projects where the value of match funding is greater than the value of grant.

• Second-hand equipment.

• Training.

• Hospitality, food, drink.

• Clothing, uniforms

• Motorised vehicles.

• Running costs.

• Consumables eg ink cartridges, paper.

• Staff/volunteer expenses.

• Labour costs not directly associated with purchased capital works/items.

• Feasibility studies/reports.

Eligible Expenditure

Projects must focus on one of the following themes:

• Modernisation (of premises/assets).

• Information Communication Technology.

• Health and Wellbeing.

• Energy Efficiency/Environmental Improvements.

Grants can be used to purchase capital equipment, improve an asset, or extend the usable life of a capital asset.

Funding can also be used by organisations to implement energy efficiency measures and/or environmental improvements to their premises.

All projects must be completed and claims for grants submitted by 26 November 2026.

How To Apply

The deadline for applications is 22 June 2026 (noon).

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the DAERA website.

Applicants must contact their local Rural Support Network for further details of the scheme and support to apply.

DAERA - Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27
Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Expressions of Interest Open – Maximising Community Space Programme

Rural community organisations across Northern Ireland and the border counties are invited to apply for the new Maximising Community Space (MCS) programme.

The programme will support 40 organisations to make better use of existing community spaces, helping them expand activities, increase participation, and strengthen local connections.

Successful groups will receive:

• Accredited training and mentoring support

• Networking and study visit opportunities

• Up to £10,000/€10,000 activity support

Maximising Community Space is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The programme is being delivered by Rural Action in partnership with Irish Rural Link and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN).

📅 Closing date for Expressions of Interest: Friday 19th June 2026.

For further information and application details visit Maximising Community Space - Rural Action

 📧 MCS@ruralaction.co
📞 +44 (0)28 8648 0900

True Colours Trust Invites Applications for Small Grants Programme

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for registered charitable organisations with an annual income of less than £350,000 across the United Kingdom to deliver projects that work to improve the lives of disabled children and young people up to the age of 25, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

The True Colours Trust Small Grants Programme will support projects such as:  

• Activities for disabled children, children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

• Activities that support siblings of disabled children or siblings of children with life-limiting conditions.

• Bereavement support for children and young people and families bereaved of a child.

• Family and parent-led peer support for parents of disabled children.

• Respite, which supports the whole family.

Priority will be given to organisations that operate in areas of high deprivation.

Eligible costs include renovation work, upgrading, and additional equipment for hydrotherapy pools and multi-sensory rooms, minibuses, and specialised play equipment or access to play for disabled children, children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Applications can be submitted at any time. For moreinformation, please visit The True Colours Trust | UK small grants

Tesco Launches Fruit and Veg Grants

Tesco has launched a new Fruit and Veg Grants programme to support organisations working with children and young people to improve access to healthy food across the UK.

The funding is intended to help deliver activities that increase the availability of fruit and vegetables and support physical and mental wellbeing.

Grants are awarded through a customer voting process in Tesco stores. Three local projects are shortlisted at a time, with awards of up to £1,500 for the project receiving the most votes, up to £1,000 for second place and up to £500 for third place. Shortlisting takes place every four months.

The initiative is open to schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, including voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, parish and town councils, local authorities and housing organisations. Community Interest Companies must be limited by guarantee and have been operating for at least two years.

Funding can be used for a range of activities focused on healthy eating. This includes breakfast and after-school clubs providing fruit and vegetables, holiday clubs offering healthy meals and snacks, growing projects, cooking sessions, youth clubs, sports clubs and initiatives addressing holiday hunger. Support may also be provided for foodbanks assisting families.

There are no deadlines. This is a rolling programme and applications can be made at any time during the year. For more information please visit Fruit and Veg Grants

Funding for Small UK Charities to Improve their Digital Presence

Fat Beehive Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for small UK charities to deliver a wide range of digital projects to help organisations develop a strong, user-friendly digital presence.

Funding can be used to support specific digital projects, such as building a new website, developing online resources, or improving digital accessibility, that help an organisation reach more people, raise more funding, and deliver greater impact.

The trustees are particularly keen to support traditionally hard-to-fund organisations, such as those supporting prisoners, refugees, or disadvantaged youth.

Charities must have an annual income of less than £1 million to apply. Applications are reviewed at trustee meetings twice per year, in April and October.

The next deadline for applications is 30 September 2026. For more information please visit How to apply - The Fat Beehive Foundation - The Fat Beehive Foundation

Grants Available for Recreational Trips for Disadvantaged Children in UK

The Henry Smith Foundation offers grants for recreational trips in the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands for children up to and including 13 years old who face financial hardship, systemic inequity or disability.

Youth groups and UK-based, non-profit groups (with an organisational income below £2 million) and schools in the UK are eligible to apply.

Priority will be given to projects that will benefit disadvantaged and disabled children in the most deprived areas in the UK, based on the National Indices of Deprivation. For groups of children with disabilities, more flexibility will be given regarding the level of deprivation.

Grants between £500 and £3,000 are available for either a day trip or holidays up to seven days in length. This could be to a countryside or city location, but must be outside the children's immediate locality. Day trips should not involve a disproportionate amount of time spent travelling. 

Applications should be received at least six weeks before the date of the trip to allow for administrative processing and decision making.

For excursions taking place up to 30 September 2026, applications will close 19 August 2026. For more information visit Holiday grants - Henry Smith