UK charities, voluntary organisations and schools can apply for grants to help both children and adults suffering severe learning difficulties, together with autism. The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme, and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works as well as covering project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools; employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play schemes and play therapy schemes; day and social activities centres; support for families, including respite schemes; independent living schemes; support in the community schemes; and Snoezelen rooms. The next deadline for applications seeking funding in excess of £9,000 is the 1st March 2024. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time. Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities (UK)

Funding is available to support vulnerable families during the cost-of-living crisis. The Cash for Kids Cost of Living Fund 2024 will support families in the South of England who have a genuine need for help and are suffering from disadvantage due to the crisis, allowing them to apply for grants of £50 per child which can be used for basic essentials such as food, heating, clothing, and school uniform. Service providers who support vulnerable children, including schools, social services, health professionals and charities, can apply on behalf of the families they work with. Applications will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Funding to Support Vulnerable Families During the Cost-of-Living Crisis (South of England)

Individuals and families will be able to apply for grants of up to £2,000 to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. The Individual and Families Fund, administered by the British Gas Energy Trust, will provide eligible customers with a grant to clear outstanding arrears with their energy supplier. Any British Gas and non-British Gas customer in England, Wales and Scotland who has sought money or debt advice, and not received a grant from the Trust in the past 2 years, is eligible to apply for the support. However, customers of Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Ovo, Octopus, SSE and Utilita should apply to their own respective funds. The fund will be open to applications from the 4th December 2023 until the end of March 2024. British Gas Energy Trust Re-opens its Individuals and Families Fund (England, Wales & Scotland)

The DPO Centre is inviting applications to their Charity and Community Fund which provides charities and not-for-profit organisations with access to their data protection consultancy services at an 80% reduced rate. Applicants will receive support from subject matter experts and data protection professionals to help decrease the potential for compliance failure across their organisation, leading to fewer data breaches. Organisations can apply for funding of up to £10,000 towards a range of consultancy services including data protection training, policy drafting and reviews, data sharing, impact assessments and gap analysis. The DPO Centre has set aside a £150,000 funding pot, split into 3 application periods throughout the year. The first closing date for applications is the 31st March 2024. Funding Towards Data Protection Consultancy Services (UK)

Registered charities and exempt bodies in London planning building refurbishment projects of less than £200,000 can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £10,000. The building work can include general refurbishments or a specific scheme; repairs; creating disabled access; or fulfilling of Health and Safety requirements or fire protection. The funding is being provided through the Rose Foundation and applications can be submitted until the 31st March 2024. Funding for Charity Building Projects (London)