GrantMatch

Charities & Non-Profit grants open this month (April 2026)

April 2026 charity grants now open: Scottish Government's major Third Sector fund plus family & community support funding available this month.

April 2026 brings mixed news for charities and non-profit organisations. While several major government programmes are closing their doors this month, there's still substantial funding available for those working with families, communities, and social issues. The Scottish Government is particularly active with significant support for third sector organisations.

Worth applying to

Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund

The Scottish Government has £20 million available for charities supporting families across Scotland. This fund targets organisations that can provide wraparound support to families facing multiple challenges. You'll need to demonstrate experience in family support services and show how you'll work with other agencies. The deadline is 8 May 2026, so you have time to prepare a strong application. Only Scottish charities should apply.

What Works Centre for Children and Families - Competition Launch

The Department for Education is offering £80-85 million over 10 years to establish a What Works Centre for Children and Families. This is for organisations that can research what interventions actually work for vulnerable children and families, then share that knowledge with practitioners. You'll need serious research credentials and the ability to influence policy and practice nationally. The deadline is 18 May 2026. This isn't for small local charities, but established organisations with research capacity should consider it.

Advancing innovation in drug and alcohol addiction healthcare

The Office for Life Sciences has £20 million (up to £10 million per project) for developing new treatments for drug and alcohol addiction. This could work for charities with healthcare expertise or those partnering with medical institutions. You'll need to show how your innovation addresses gaps in current treatment. Applications close 6 May 2026. Don't apply unless you have genuine healthcare innovation credentials.

Also open

The remaining grants are mostly aimed at research institutions, businesses, or very specific sectors:

Tips for charity applications

Show your track record with numbers. Don't just say you "support vulnerable families." Say you "supported 247 families last year, with 78% reporting improved wellbeing after six months." Funders want evidence you can deliver results, not just good intentions.

Partner strategically. Many of these larger grants expect collaboration. If you're a small charity applying for the Children and Families What Works Centre, partner with universities or larger organisations that have the research capacity. If you're applying for family support funding, show how you'll work with local authorities and health services.

Address the funder's specific priorities. The Scottish Government's family fund prioritises early intervention and prevention. The Department for Education wants evidence-based practice. Don't submit generic applications. Read the guidance carefully and show exactly how your work matches their goals.

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