Funding can come from many different sources. We have highlighted some external funding opportunities.
C3SC
This organisation provides support and advice for third sector organisations with accessing funding opportunities.
Visit the C3SC website for more information.
WCVA
This organisation manages several different funding schemes that benefit the voluntary sector in Wales.
Visit the WCVA website for more information.
Community Foundation Wales
Community Foundation Wales also has a number of funding opportunities available.
You can find a range of opportunities on the Community Foundation Wales website .
Children and young people
Find out about the different external funding opportunities available.
The Clothworkers Foundation
The Clothworkers Foundation is the charitable arm of the Clothworkers Company, providing grants towards capital projects since 1977.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, community interest companies (CICs), charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and special schools.
Aims of the fund
The foundation will provide capital funding towards:
- buildings (fitting, fixtures and equipment), and
- vehicles (with the exception of leasing).
Amount of funding per project
Small and large grants are available.
Closing date
There is no closing date for this funding.
Visit theClothworkers' Foundation website for more information.
National Lottery Awards for All - Wales
This scheme is intended to support projects that deliver positive outcomes for local communities and meet at least one of the National Lottery Community Fund's priorities, which are:
- bringing people together to build strong relationships in and across communities,
- improving the places and spaces that matter to communities,
- helping more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage, and
- supporting people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost of living crisis.
Projects supported by Awards for All may include delivering new or existing activity or supporting an organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges.
Who can apply?
Voluntary and community organisations, schools and statutory bodies.
Aims of the fund
To support projects that improve the lives of local communities, and to help community organisations change and adapt to new and future challenges.
Amount of funding per project
You can claim £300 to £10,000 in grants.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the National Lottery Community Fund website for more information.
Tesco Stronger Starts
Grants are available to non-profit making, constituted groups and organisations for local good causes that focus on supporting children and families in the UK.
Who can apply?
Although the current focus is on schools and organisations working with schools, not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply if they are constituted and have a governing document.
This includes:
- voluntary and community organisations,
- registered charities,
- community interest companies (CICs) limited by guarantee and running for a minimum of 2 years,
- 'friends of' groups,
- social enterprises,
- industrial and provident societies (IPSs),
- schools,
- health bodies such as NHS hospital trusts and foundation trusts,
- parish, town, or community councils,
- local authorities,
- hospices,
- day care centres, and
- housing associations.
Aims of the fund
Getting schools who lack funds and resources to apply for extra financial help, to provide healthy food and activities that boost young people's mental and physical wellbeing.
Amount of funding per project
You can claim up to £1,500 in grants.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the Tesco Community Grants website for more information.
LoveReading4Kids - Funding for Schools
The LoveReading4Kids scheme provides funding to state-funded schools in the UK to support access to books, and to let children experience reading for pleasure.
Who can apply?
State-funded primary and secondary schools and early years settings.
Aims of the fund
LoveReading4Kids will provide grants to schools via a credit to be spent on their online bookstore to purchase non-curriculum books.
Amount of funding per project
You can claim between £1,000 and £5,000 in grants, awarded as a credit.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the LoveReading4Kids website for more information.
British and Foreign School Society
The British and Foreign School Society (BFSS) supports charitable organisations working to improve access to education or the quality of education for children and young people under the age of 25, both in the UK and internationally. It awards approximately £900,000 in new grants every year.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from UK registered charities with an annual income of between £25,000 and £2.5 million, and at least 3 years of continuous accounts. Eligible organisations must be UK-based.
For UK projects, state funded schools, academies, colleges and other educational establishments (regardless of their income) are eligible, providing they can demonstrate a network effect beyond one individual school.
Aims of the fund
To advance educational opportunity in the UK and developing countries.
Through UK projects, the Society supports work to improve the educational outcomes and life chances of:
- displaced young people,
- young carers, and
- care-experienced young people.
Amount of funding per project
You can claim grants between £30,000 and £90,000 for UK projects of 1 to 3 years, or up to £30,000 a year for multi-year UK projects.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the British and Foreign School Society website for more information.
Cash for Kids - Children's Mental Health Grants
Cash for Kids is the official charity of Bauer Media. Bauer Media is an international media company that runs market-leading radio stations and magazines.
Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity that supports children from birth up to 18 years old across the UK. The Children's Mental Health grant is part of the General Grant programme.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from registered charities, schools, and formally constituted voluntary and community organisations based across the UK. Individuals may also apply.
Charities should have an annual income below £1 million.
Groups should check the Cash for Kids locations page to help make sure that they are eligible.
Aims of the fund
The programme aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children and young people (up to 18 years old) in the UK.
Amount of funding per project
Grants are usually between £1,000 and £3,000. Larger requests may also be funded.
Grants should be spent within 6 months.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the Cash for Kids website for more information on the grant.
Alpkit Foundation
Grants are available to community groups, schools and other not-for-profit organisations for projects that champion education, participation, environment, diversity and health in the UK.
Who can apply?
Applications will be considered from community groups, schools and organisations based and working within the UK.
Aims of the fund
To power grassroots direct action projects that tackle issues such as diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, participation, education, conservation and protection of the natural environment and health and wellbeing.
Amount of funding per project
You can claim between £50 and £500 in grants.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the Alpkit website for more information.
Welsh Government Energy Service
The Energy Service was launched in October 2018 and is funded by the Welsh Government. The scheme is delivered by a consortium, led by Energy Saving Trust and Carbon Trust and supported by Local Partnerships. The consortium is made up of Ricardo Energy and Environment, Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Regen, GEP Environmental, Awel Aman Tawe and Ecodyfi.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from public sector organisations and community groups in Wales. Eligible organisations include:
- local authorities,
- health boards and trusts,
- universities, colleges and schools,
- national parks,
- fire and rescue services,
- national museums and libraries,
- arts and sports councils,
- community councils, and
- community enterprises.
Aims of the fund
To offer public sector and community groups in Wales financial planning, technical support and funding, such as interest-free loans and grants. This is to support the development of their renewable energy schemes.
Amount of funding per project
There is no minimum or maximum levels of funding specified.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Visit the Energy Service section of the Welsh Government website for more information.
BBC Children in Need Grants
BBC Children in Need's focus is on children and young people experiencing disadvantage. It funds organisations working to combat this disadvantage.
Who can apply for core or project grants?
Registered not-for-profit organisations who work with disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under living in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands can apply.
Organisations that fit these criteria are:
- community interest companies (CICs),
- companies limited by guarantee (CLGs) including social enterprises,
- housing associations,
- industrial and provident community benefit societies,
- registered charities,
- religious institutions,
- special schools, and
- hospices.
Aims of the fund
To distribute funds raised each year as grants to organisations that work with disadvantaged children and young people, making a real difference to their lives.
Amount of funding per project
The maximum grant is £120,000 (or £40,000 over 3 years), though most grants made are for much less than this. The core grants stream can support organisations for up to 3 years.
Closing date
There is no closing date specified.
Find out more about BBC Children in Need's core grants and project grants.
Gibbs Charitable Trust
Grants are available for UK registered charities in South Wales to support general charitable activities.
Who can apply?
UK registered charities in South Wales can apply.
There is a tendency to support projects that trustees know and can visit.
Aims of the fund
Funding is available for work in the following areas:
- General charitable purposes.
- Education or training.
- The advancement of health or saving of lives.
- The prevention or relief of poverty.
- Overseas aid or famine relief.
- Religious activities.
- Arts, culture, heritage or science.
Amount of funding per project
Grants are made at the discretion of the Trust. There is no maximum or minimum set.
Closing date
There is no closing date for this grant.
For more information, visit The Gibbs Trust website .
Sasha Foundation
Grants are available to UK charities that help young people who are experiencing difficulties with mental health or substance use.
Who can apply?
Registered UK charities can apply. Priority will be given to:
- grassroots community groups, and
- small to medium-sized voluntary organisations.
Aims of the fund
This funding is designed to support organisations working with young people, especially those experiencing:
- depression,
- other mental health difficulties, or
- issues related to drug or alcohol use.
Amount of funding per project
Grants of up to £10,000 are available.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 1 April 2026.
Find out more information and how to apply on the Sasha Foundation website.
Youth Music NextGen Fund
Grants are available to young creatives in the UK to help them access various opportunities in music industries.
Who can apply?
Funding is available to young people that do not have the finances to develop their creative projects or ideas.
You can apply if you are:
- 18 to 25 years old, or
- under 30 and identify as d/Deaf, neurodivergent or disabled.
Aims of the fund
The fund aims to help early-stage musicians and other music creatives invest in their projects and make their ideas happen. Funding is particularly aimed at young people whose lack of finance holds them back from pursuing their goals.
Amount of funding per project
Grants of up to £3,000 are available.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 6 February 2026.
You can find out more information on the Youth Music website.
