Funding News

The Festive Connections programme is all about helping people aged 65 and over feel connected, included and part of their community during the festive period. Grants of up to £750 are available to organisations running activities between 1 December 2026 and 2 January 2027 that create opportunities for people aged 65 and over to come together, socialise and enjoy some festive cheer. Funding could help with things such as festive meals, community activities, transport, venue hire, befriending or other costs directly related to bringing people together. Funding is open to organisations with an annual income of less than £250,000, including: Registered charities Exempt charities Constituted community groups Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 15 October 2026. Apply for a Christmas Connections Grant – McCarthy Stone Foundation

The LGBT+ Get Active Fund is open for applications from community-based LGBT+ sports and physical activity organisations and projects across the UK. A total of £400,000 is available through the Fund, a collaboration between the LGBT+ Fund and the London Marathon Foundation. How Much Funding Is Available? Grants of £5,000 to £25,000 per year are available for projects lasting one or two years: One-year projects can apply for £5,000 to £25,000. Two-year projects can apply for £10,000 to £50,000 in total. The Fund aims to increase resources for groups that are under-recognised by funding initiatives and improve access to physical activity for LGBT+ communities. Physical activity can include a wide range of activities that intentionally support increased movement and wellbeing, such as hiking, skateboarding, football, ballroom and vogue, gardening, frisbee, dance and circus skills. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be UK-based, LGBT+-led non-profit groups or organisations that: Are led by

Grants of £1,500 – £5,000 are available for community gardening projects that increase access to green spaces and the health and well-being benefits of gardening. Deadline for applications: 30 October 2026. Community Garden Grants – National Garden Scheme  

Funded through money seized from convicted loan sharks, this programme offers up to £5,000 for community projects across England that raise awareness of the dangers of illegal money lending, prevent crime and disorder, promote the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team, and encourage reporting. Eligible applicants include local residents, charities, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies, with funding available for any community‑based initiative that meets the criteria. The fund prioritises innovation, community engagement, impact and legacy. Deadline: 16 October 26. Apply to POCA Funding Grants | Stop Loan Sharks

Supports the sustainability and growth of Ofcom-licensed community radio stations across the UK. For 2026/27, £904,644 is available. Two funding streams are offered: an Equipment Stream providing grants of up to £2,000 for studio, transmission and accessibility equipment (including items such as mixing desks, recording equipment and antenna equipment) for analogue community radio stations that have been on air for at least 10 years; and a Sustainability Stream providing grants of up to £100,000 for job roles or projects that strengthen the long-term viability of eligible analogue and digital community radio stations. A limited number of multi-year awards are available through the Sustainability Stream. Applications close 5pm on 14 October 26, with decisions expected in January 27. Apply to the Community Radio Fund

Supporting small, local initiatives that strengthen neighbourhoods in England and Scotland (must be in an area Miller Homes operates), this fund offers £250–£2,000 for community projects linked to education, wellbeing, environmental improvement or participation in sport. Applications are reviewed twice a year by Miller Homes’ Community Fund Ambassadors, with awards made to groups enhancing the lives of people in their area. The 2026 round is open 16 Sep–28 Oct 2026, and only applications submitted within these dates will be considered. Apply to the Miller Homes Community Fund | Improve Your Community