Grants for schools: what is open now

London Community Energy Fund 2026-27: Development Fund

Greater London Authority

Stream three opened on 1 October 2026, offering up to £3,000 for external community-energy development costs. The first assessment deadline is 29 October 2026. The guidance conflicts about later dates: its header says 31 January 2027, while the application instructions and main page say 30 September 2027; completion dates also differ. Confirm later dates with the GLA. Streams one and two have closed. This programme is separate from Green Roots.

Reading Small Grants Fund 2026/27

Reading Borough Council

Reading Borough Council has set aside £150,000 for small grants to the voluntary and community sector in 2026/27. Grants of up to £7,500 are available to smaller local groups that want to help make Reading a more equal place to live. The fund can pay for one-off local events, running events, minor start-up costs to get a new idea off the ground, equipment and sessional costs. Your project should show how it builds the financial resilience of individuals or communities. It should also support the council's aims to tackle inequality and to be actively anti-racist. The fund suits charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, faith groups, sports groups, arts groups, cultural organisations, uniformed groups, schools and not-for-profit social enterprises based in Reading borough. Your annual income must be below £100,000. A share of the money is set aside for bids under £2,500, to support smaller local activities. If you only need £250 to £500, the council says you should apply for a micro grant instead. The deadline is 13 November 2026. The council says it will tell you whether you were successful before Christmas. One practical point to plan for: your project must meet an unmet need of Reading residents and must not already be available in your local area. You will also need to show it is not funded, or able to be funded, through other sources. You can only submit one bid per organisation, and you cannot ask for money to continue a project funded in a previous round. Funding must be spent within 12 months of the award. You will need to send an interim report after 6 months and a full report at the end of the project. Official source: https://www.reading.gov.uk/about-reading/voluntary-and-community-support/funding/small-grants-fund/guidance-small-grants-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.

International Tree Foundation - UK Community Tree Planting Programme

The International Tree Foundation's UK Community Tree Planting Programme pays for community projects that plant and care for native trees. It suits community groups and voluntary organisations that want to involve local people in planting woodlands or hedging. The programme aims to conserve, restore and protect native trees, woodlands, forests, habitats and the wildlife that depend on them. It also backs projects that get communities involved in planting, help people understand why trees matter for the environment and for human well-being, and encourage social cohesion and inclusion. Funding is based on the number of trees you plant. Community woodland and hedging projects can plant from 100 to 10,000 trees per year. The maximum price is equivalent to £2.15 per tree, and that includes tree protection and mulch. Projects also receive two maintenance grants, each equivalent to £0.10 per tree. These are paid in the first and second summers after planting. Schools, community groups, social enterprises, non-governmental organisations and parish councils can apply. You need to be based in the UK and have a bank account in the organisation's name. The deadline is 11 December 2026. One practical point to plan for: you must have signed permission from the owner or manager of the land, confirming that the project meets all legal requirements. It is worth sorting this out early, as it depends on someone else. Guidance notes and an online application portal are on the International Tree Foundation's website. You can also email the team at programmes@internationaltreefoundation.org. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/international-tree-foundation-uk-community-tree-planting-programme-4. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Sizewell C Community Fund

Suffolk Community Foundation

The Sizewell C Community Fund, run by Suffolk Community Foundation, will provide up to £23 million over the next decade. It backs projects that benefit local communities in East Suffolk, help reduce the impact of building Sizewell C nuclear power station and leave a lasting legacy. You can apply for revenue costs, such as staffing, rent, volunteer expenses and core costs (up to 15% of the award). You can also apply for capital costs, such as buildings, vehicles, IT and other equipment. You can ask for up to 100% of your project costs. There are two programmes. Small Grants offer up to £10,000 a year, with a maximum of £30,000 over three years. Large Grants are for more than £10,000 a year for up to three years. There is no set maximum, but the team advises you to ask for an amount that is realistic and proportionate to the benefit. The fund is open all year, but it works in rounds with closing dates. The current round closes on 4 January 2027 at 23:59, with decisions in early April 2027. The next round closes on 4 April 2027 at 23:59. If you miss a date, you can aim for the next one. Priority goes to projects close to development sites (within 5km) that show a clear need linked to Sizewell C construction. Projects with wider community support, inclusive activities and a sustainable legacy also score well. One practical caveat: you must speak to the team before you apply. An application form is only released once they have talked through your idea with you. The fund cannot pay for anything bought or delivered before a grant is awarded. Official source: https://suffolkcf.org.uk/sizewell-c/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Free Trees for Schools and Communities

Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is giving away free tree packs to schools, councils, clubs and community groups in England, Scotland and Wales. You receive saplings rather than money, so this suits you if you have land to plant and the time to look after young trees. There are eight pack types, with species mixes for hedges, copses, fruit and nuts, wildlife, urban streets and more. Packs hold 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings. You can request up to four packs, as long as the total does not go over 420 trees. Each tree is 20-60cm tall and grown in the UK and Ireland. Applications are open now for trees delivered in March 2027. The Trust expects applications to close in January. It makes two deliveries a year, in March and November, and says it will tell you within eight weeks whether you have been successful. Before you apply, you will need the six digit grid reference for your planting site and permission from the legal landowner. The Trust also suggests reading its FAQs and contacting your local council's tree enquiries team. One thing to plan for: the packs do not include tree protection. You will also need to prepare the site and care for your saplings until they are established. Each pack comes with planting instructions and care tips. If your group is in Northern Ireland, a separate scheme applies. Official source: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Wandsworth Grant Fund - Innovation and Growth

Wandsworth Borough Council

This grant supports voluntary and community organisations in Wandsworth. You can apply for between £500 and £10,000 for a single project running up to 12 months. Your project must test a new idea, use new technology, respond to new local trends, or scale up something that already works. Applications are currently paused while the Spending Review is completed.

Football Foundation 3G Pitches Funding

Football Foundation

The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government's charity. Its 3G Pitches funding is available up to £25,000. It is for projects where grassroots football is an integral part of what you offer. You do not have to be a football club to apply. The page lists not-for-profit football clubs and voluntary groups, local authorities, County FAs, Professional Club Community Organisations, registered charities, not-for-profit companies, community interest companies and other social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee, and educational establishments that provide facilities for the community. Some applicants are excluded. These include individuals, sole traders, national governing bodies and commercial or for-profit entities. Clubs in the Premier League, Football League, National League System (Steps 1 to 6), Women's Football Pyramid (Tiers 1 to 4) and the Welsh Premier League cannot apply. Schools and colleges that provide facilities only for their own students are also out. If you are a football club, the Chair, Secretary or Treasurer must submit the application. You apply online through a Football Foundation account. One practical point: Pitch Replacement Fund contributions and updated Terms and Conditions apply to 3G installation projects. Read the Foundation's before-you-apply guidance for 3G pitches and its Pitch Replacement Fund advice before you start, so you know what to expect. Official source: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/grant/3g-pitch. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.

Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants

Tesco

Tesco is offering grants of up to £1,500 for projects that improve children's access to healthy food. Schools, registered charities, and not-for-profit organisations can apply. Your project must support children and young people. The programme is currently open and based in England.

Champion Grants Scheme

Lancashire County Council

The Champion Grants Scheme from Lancashire County Council lets not-for-profit organisations apply for money from one of the council's Champions. Each Champion has £10,000 a year to use at their discretion, and the councillor decides how to award it from their budget. Grants support projects that benefit the community and fit a Champion's area of work. You can ask for help with equipment, such as sports equipment, play equipment and computer hardware. You can also cover the costs of community events and activities, including advertising, materials and transport. Repairs or refurbishment that benefit the community are covered, as are activities that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable or isolated people, such as outings, clubs, health and fitness. Projects must fit the council's priorities, particularly 'better lives for all' and 'stronger communities'. The minimum award is £100. There is no set maximum, but each Champion can spend no more than £12,500 in a year. The final decision rests with the Champion and the Director of Law and Governance, so meeting the criteria does not guarantee a grant. Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively, and you must spend the money within 12 months of approval. The council suggests applying at least one month before your project date. The grant cannot pay for core costs such as staff salaries or office rent, political or religious activity, or research. One practical caveat. The page says Cabinet approved changes to the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion Grant Scheme on 2 July 2026. It also says the council is currently unable to accept or process new applications while the updated arrangements are finalised. Official source: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/community/grants-and-funding/champion-grants-scheme/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Travel Award for Bands

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Travel Award for Bands and Choirs from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland helps established bands and choirs based in Northern Ireland to travel outside Northern Ireland to perform. The aim is to develop your performance skills, networks and audiences by showcasing your music elsewhere. It also supports fairer access to the arts for groups in the bands and choral sectors. The award pays for travel costs, including flight, boat, train and bus tickets, vehicle hire and fuel. It does not cover accommodation, subsistence, insurance, travel within Northern Ireland, or travel unrelated to performances or showcasing. You must show evidence that a relevant organisation, event, festival, promoter or tour operator in your destination has invited you to perform or showcase. Priority goes to applications that show high quality musicianship, a commitment to training and musical education (particularly of young people), and a commitment to developing your repertoire and technique. Bands must be formally constituted. Accordion, brass, concert, flute, pipe and wind bands can apply. Choirs need at least 10 members and must have been formally constituted for at least two years. Professional, amateur and school choirs are included. Individuals cannot apply. Timing matters. Do not book your travel before you submit your application, because if any part is already booked, none of that trip is eligible. You must apply at least four weeks before you plan to leave. The Arts Council only contributes to travel costs paid directly by the band or choir from its own bank account, not costs paid by individual members. The Arts Council is moving to a new application portal, so you may need to create a new account the first time you apply. Official source: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/travel-awards-for-bands-choirs. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Lionesses HERe to Play Fund: HERe for Facilities

Football Foundation

Grants from £1,500 to £25,000 help make community football facilities safer, more inclusive and welcoming for women and girls. Funding covers up to 75% of eligible costs. This is the facilities route; the separate HERe for Teams kit and equipment route is closed and is expected to reopen in May 2027. No facilities application deadline is published.

Northumberland S106 Housing Developer Fund for Sport, Play and Recreation

Northumberland County Council

This fund from Northumberland County Council pays for children's play areas and outdoor sports and recreation facilities. The money comes from section 106 contributions made by housing developers. It can cover new facilities or improvements to existing ones. Examples include new children's play areas, new sports pitches or areas, new equipment in an existing play area, upgraded changing rooms for outdoor sport and specialist equipment such as a cricket roller. In some areas of the north, certain indoor sports and recreation facilities can also be funded. It suits not-for-profit organisations such as community groups, residents' associations, sports clubs and schools. Your project must be in one of the specific geographical areas the fund covers, and it must be open to the general public. If a sports club or school applies, you need to include appropriate arrangements for wider community use. Individuals and businesses cannot apply. The page does not give a set award size. How much is available depends on the amounts collected at the time and on requests from other projects in the same area. Funding can be limited, and sometimes there is none available. The council publishes a table of available balances and lists of past awards, which can help you see what has been funded in your area. To apply, you complete the S106 Housing Developer Fund application form. Read the evaluation criteria and guidance notes first. A panel of council officers assesses applications and makes recommendations. Applications for more than £100,000 take longer to assess and approve. Official source: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/business/grants-funding-0#funding-for-sport-and-play. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Football Foundation Goalposts Grant

Football Foundation

The Football Foundation Goalposts Grant helps grassroots football clubs and leagues buy new goalposts. Applications for 3v3 goalposts are open now. This strand suits clubs or leagues taking part in a Central Venue League or a Home & Away competition. For 3v3, the goalposts must be 4ft x 2.5ft. Other sizes, including 5ft x 3ft, are not eligible. Each application needs a minimum grant of £400, and the total project cost must be £533 per application. The page gives no closing date. You can only get Football Foundation funding for goalposts from the approved suppliers, including The Soccer Store, Samba, Live4Soccer, MH Goals, Mark Harrod Ltd, Harrod UK, Hy-Pro, Bazooka Goal, ITSA GOAL and Davies Sports. When you ask for quotes, say they are for a Football Foundation grant application. That lets the supplier include VAT and the other details the funder needs. All goalpost claims include VAT, whatever your own VAT status. You must get quotes yourself. Suppliers should not arrange or review a second quote for you, and you should never share one supplier's quote with another. One practical point to plan for: your supporting quote must be a formal written quote from a registered supplier. Website screenshots will not be accepted and cannot be approved. Goalposts that you have already bought or ordered cannot be funded, and goalposts must be bought in pairs. Official source: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/grant/goalposts. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Benefact Trust – Community Impact Grants

Benefact Trust

Benefact Trust's Community Impact Grants support Christian organisations that want to make a positive and lasting difference to lives and communities. The fund is listed as live, and you can apply at any time. Projects should contribute to at least one of four aims: growing congregations and Christian communities, addressing social challenges facing communities, enabling wider community use of church buildings, and empowering Christian education. The fund suits churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies, Christian charities, schools and theological educational institutions with a clear Christian ethos. Multi-year grants of up to three years are available. The page does not give a minimum or maximum amount. Funding is awarded at the discretion of the trustees. The listing on the Action Together directory shows Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside as locations, and the funding themes include community, education and skills. Timing is worth planning for. Small grants of up to £10,000 take an average of two months to reach a decision. Larger grants of over £10,000 take between four and six months. These are considered at grants committee and board meetings held throughout the year, so build that wait into your project plans. Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Benefact Trust website. Read the guidance before you start so you can see how your project fits the trust's aims. You can email the trust at info@benefacttrust.co.uk. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/benefact-trust-community-impact-grants-0. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Community Impact Grants Programme

Benefact Trust

The Community Impact Grants Programme from Benefact Trust supports Christian organisations to run projects that make a positive and lasting difference to lives and communities. It has four aims: growing congregations and Christian communities, addressing social challenges, enabling wider community use of church buildings, and empowering Christian education. You can use the funding for direct capital or revenue costs. It can pay for a new project or help you expand work you already do. Examples include outreach and church planting, projects tackling food poverty, debt, mental health or homelessness, building work that opens a church to the wider community, and new or refurbished worship spaces in schools with a clear Christian ethos. Awards are made at the trustees' discretion, and multi-year grants of up to three years are available. The programme is open to applicants across the United Kingdom and Ireland. You can apply at any time. Small grants of up to £10,000 take about two months to decide. Larger grants take between four and six months, as they go to grants committee and board meetings held through the year. One practical point to plan for: you are expected to have secured at least 30% of your total project costs before you apply. The programme does not fund existing salary or staff costs, clergy posts, retrospective costs, ongoing business as usual costs, or most repair work. Official source: https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/funding-and-opportunities. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.

Cash For Kids - Impact Grant

Cash For Kids

The Cash for Kids Impact Grant supports community groups, schools and charities working with children and young people who are affected by or living with disadvantage. Grants are usually between £1,000 and £3,000, although you can ask for more or less. Some items have set limits: clothing vouchers up to £100 per child, laptops or tablets for study up to £400 per child, white goods up to £400 per household, and therapy for a maximum of six months of sessions. The fund suits registered charities with an annual turnover under £1 million, schools, community associations, youth groups, sports groups and other grassroots organisations based in the UK. For the current call, applications are accepted from all areas except East Yorkshire, Yorkshire Coast and Lincolnshire. The page lists the fund as live. There is no single closing date, because different regions have different opening and closing dates. Applications are made online. Be ready with your paperwork. You will need safeguarding policies, a governing document, a bank account in your group or school's name, recent bank statements and accounts, and a breakdown of costs or quotes. Holiday hunger projects and before or after school clubs must include food for the children. One practical caveat: the fund may close early if the money runs out, so do not leave your application too late. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/cash-kids-impact-grant. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.