Are you a small community organisation, group or project, based in Chesterfield, which would dearly like to do something special for local people but don’t have the money to support it?

Then take a look at Chesterfield Rotary's Community Awards Fund. This makes small donations of up to £500 where it would make a difference to a project being able to happen. Contact Paul Davies: 07753 605272, prdsmail@gmail.com or visit their website.

https://chesterfieldrotary.org.uk/community-fund/

Deadline: 13th March 2025

Grants are available for food redistribution charities and other not-for-profit organisations in England for projects that take surplus food off farms and into the redistribution system with the aim of helping to fight hunger in communities in England.

The funding aims to strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms with the objective of helping  organisations fight hunger in communities.  

Proposals need to:

• Build stronger collaborations with farmers to access surplus food.
• Expand logistical capacity to transport and distribute rescued produce efficiently.
• Invest in critical infrastructure such as refrigeration, storage facilities, and transport vehicles to keep food fresh and safe for redistribution.
• Procure packaging and labelling equipment to streamline the handling of surplus goods.

Deadline: 20th March 2025

Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme’s Just Transition Fund was first launched in October 2024. The fund, now running a second round in the same application window as the scheme's other programmes, is making a total of £2 million available to charities and community energy groups across England, Scotland and Wales to develop renewable energy projects that benefit those most in need.

The scheme aims to build the capacity of the community energy sector and deliver impactful renewable energy projects. It seeks to demonstrate how a just transition to net zero can benefit everyone.

Grants of between £20,000 and £250,000 are available for individual projects.

Applications are accepted from registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Community Benefit Societies and Cooperative Societies in England, Scotland and Wales that are registered with the Energy Redress Scheme and have passed the due diligence process.

Organisations that have not yet registered with the scheme must do so 10 working days before the relevant fund closes to allow time for eligibility checks to take place.

Deadline: 3rd April 2025

Constituted, not-for-profit organisations, local authorities, and environmental bodies enrolled with ENTRUST can apply for funding to support projects that make improvements to community facilities and the natural environment in communities located near qualifying Veolia sites across England.

The Veolia Environmental Trust is currently offering the following:

• Community Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 for capital improvement/construction projects at a single site, such as community buildings and spaces, outdoor spaces, play and recreational spaces, or installing fixed items such as kitchen cupboards and work surfaces.
• Habitat and Biodiversity Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 for projects resulting in structural improvements for a single habitat that will conserve, restore, and enhance threatened habitats and protect/increase biodiversity.

Limited funding is available each round and grants are awarded to the projects that most closely match the Trust’s funding priorities:

• Protect and enhance biodiversity and natural habitats.
• Inspire the creation of a sustainable carbon-neutral space.
• Promote community action and well-being.
• Are inclusive and accessible to everyone and anyone to use.

Grants are available for schools, community groups and associations to help pay for the cost of a trip to visit the Peak District National Park. The grant can help with the cost of a trip to the Peak District National Park. This could include:

• Transport costs
• Learning provider fees
• Any equipment needed for the activity
• The cost of providing food to participants if this is a major barrier to their involvement.

Organisations/groups looking to deliver an event or project that is entirely focused on under-represented groups can apply. Priorities for the Connect Fund are ethnically diverse groups, groups from low-income areas, and those with disabilities.

The Health Lottery Foundation recently announced it will launch a grants programme later this year that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of people across Britain.

Non-profit-making voluntary sector organisations who are working to improve the health and wellbeing of people in their community will be able to apply for a grant to support  work that addresses one of the following six themes:

• Chronic disease
• Disability inequity
• Healthcare IT
• Health disparity
• Preventative care
• Young people

The funding can be used for diverse initiatives such as emotional support services, fitness programmes for disabled people, rural healthcare access, AI health solutions, nutrition programmes and youth mentoring services. Projects addressing health inequalities and improving access to care in underserved communities will be considered.

Groups who are interested in applying can sign up to the Foundation's mailing list. Applications are expected to open later this year.