Small-to-mid-size registered charities helping to improve the quality of life of people in the UK, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable can apply for grants of up to £5,000. The funding is being made available through the Hedley Foundation. Each year the Foundation makes around 250 grants for initiatives that benefit the lives of young people, disabled people, elderly people, the terminally ill, and otherwise disadvantaged people and their carers. Occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved. Applications should be received at least 6 weeks before the next review meeting on the 24th April 2024. Grants to Improve the Quality of Life for Disadvantaged & Vulnerable People (UK)

Funding is available for grassroots, neighbourhood-based community projects that build happy, strong, resilient communities across the UK. Small, not-for-profit businesses can apply for funding to set up new groups and activities that improve mental health and wellbeing, inclusion, and learning and skills development in local communities. To be successful, applicants will need to indicate how the activity/group can become self-sustainable or be able to attract funding from other sources for the longer term. The funding is made available through Laughology’s Happiness Fund, which will make one award of £5,000 twice a year, allowing up to two different projects per year to be supported. The next funding round will open on the 29th January 2024 and close on the 29th February 2024. Funding for Community Health & Wellbeing Projects (UK)

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)

Non profit cultural organisations in the US and UK can apply for grants of up to £150,000 to improve their digital infrastructure. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme offers two years of funding, technical support, and leadership development to help organisations to strengthen their operations, generate revenue, fundraise, engage audiences, and expand programming opportunities. The programme supports projects in content creation, CRM/ticketing, digital archives/asset management, and websites, covering costs such as hardware, software, vendors/suppliers, staff time, and training. Grants over £150,000 will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Organisations with an annual turnover of over £500,000 that have been in operation for at least three years have until the 13th March 2024 to submit their applications. Digital Infrastructure Grants for Cultural Organisations (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)

British Heart Foundation is supporting a new funded defibrillator programme, which gives community groups an opportunity to apply for a free defibrillator.

Applications close on 15th March 2024. Please check eligibility requirements on the website

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)

Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) throughout the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to the Peter Harrison Foundation Opportunities Through Sport grant scheme. The aim of the grant scheme is to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity at a grassroots level that enable people who are physically, mentally, socially or economically disadvantaged to develop personal and life skills to fulfil their potential. The grants can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding new sports programmes, improving existing sports facilities, or providing training and support for sports coaches. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of up to £500,000. The next closing date for applications is 1 April 2024.Peter Harrison Foundation Opportunities Through Sport Grant Scheme (UK)

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)

Small grants of up to £400 are available to support vulnerable older people living on low incomes in England and Wales. Friends of the Elderly currently have four grant streams open for older people who are of/over state pension age, have savings of less than £4,000, and who do not fit the criteria for other funders. Whilst priority will be given to funding essential items including clothing, food, medicines, and books, the funding can also be used to help with the cost of replacing everyday items, small home repairs and mobility adaptations; help older people get online; and to help with unexpected bills. Applications must be made via a third-party Referral Agent such as a charity, local authority, housing association, Information, Advice and Guidance provider or social services representative. Applications can be made at any time. Grants for Older People on Low Incomes (England & Wales)