Funding News

UK-registered charities and community groups that provide services that are widely accessible to their local community and are located within a 50-mile radius of an Arnold Clark branch can apply now for a Community Support grant of up to £1,000. There is particular interest in applications from smaller voluntary and community organisations who are working within Arnold Clark local communities. The August 2026 round is focused on two specific areas: Arts and culture – music, books, art and theatre groups looking for money for transport, resources, venue hire, and special licences. Animal welfare – pet welfare. This could be, for example, helping cover costs for pet bills, animal shelters, and therapy animals (case by case). Groups are encouraged to apply as early as they can, as applications could be paused due to high demand. Applications are open during the month of August. Our Communities Support | Arnold Clark Community Fund

Woodroffe Benton Foundation – Funding to Improve Quality of Life for People with Physical or Learning Disabilities (UK) UK registered charities with an annual income of less than £750,000, who have been operating for at least two years, can apply for a one-off grant of between £500 and £2,500 for projects that improve the quality of life and social engagement for people with severe physical and/or learning disabilities within the UK. This round is focused on projects that support people, particularly those with physical or learning disabilities, to access the natural world and spend time outdoors. The funding is primarily for core operating costs rather than for a specific project; however, the latter will not be excluded. The funding does not support organisations that operate primarily outside the UK or for the benefit of non-UK residents. There are usually two funding rounds per year. Applications for round two will be

The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority has announced the Mayor’s Small Venues Fund, delivered as part of the Mayor’s wider investment work for culture, creative industries and sport. The fund is intended to support grassroots creative venues across the North East. Its aims include improving venue sustainability, enhancing facilities, developing audiences and strengthening contributions to the local cultural economy. The support is also designed to protect and develop small venues as cultural infrastructure for artists, performers and communities. Grants will be available from £3,000 to £100,000. Support will be offered through both revenue and capital awards, depending on the purpose of the request. Applications are open to permanent venues in the North East whose primary activity is delivering live creative events and performances. This includes independent theatres, concert halls and specialist performance venues hosting live music, dance, theatre, immersive art and similar activity, as well as multi-use creative venues that

The Hilden Charitable Fund aims to address disadvantage by supporting causes which are less likely to raise funds from public subscription or statutory services. It is keen to support small organisations with a preference to fund those already established rather than new ones. This year, a total of £400,000 is being made available with grants of between £5,000 and £7,000 per year for up to two years. The funding is for projects taking place in the UK that address one of the following: Asylum Seekers and Refugees – for organisations working to provide essential services which help meet the needs of asylum seekers and refugees and support their integration/participation in the wider community. Penal Affairs – for work “through the door” where charitable organisations go into prisons with projects and support to help prisoners (especially women) cope and/or maintain family bonds and to be better able to resettle positively when released. Post-release