Latest Funding Opportunities
Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2026
Bedford Borough Council is seeking to commission a number of local organisations capable of delivering high-quality Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme services across the Bedford Borough during the Easter, summer and December school holidays (there may also be opportunities to deliver provision during selected half-term holidays, subject to review). A bespoke multi-Supplier Framework Agreement will be set up to that effect. The Framework Agreement will be structured across three Lots, reflecting different types of provision, including open access holiday clubs, bespoke targeted provision, and specialist SEND provision. They are as follows:
- Lot 1: Open Access Holiday Clubs
- Lot 2: Bespoke, Targeted and Non-Standard Provision
- Lot 3: SEND Specialist Provision
It is anticipated that the Framework Agreement shall commence on 1 July 2026 for a period of two (2) years from the Commencement Date with an option to extend for an additional 24 months (in two 12-month-installments).
Deadline 22 May, 12pm. Details here.
LandAid Young Futures Fund
One-year grants of £5,000–£40,000 to not-for-profit organisations supporting young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The fund focuses on projects that increase access to safe, secure and affordable housing, alongside the support young people need to keep their homes and move towards independent living.
Deadline for Stage 1 Expressions of Interest is 5pm, Friday 22 May. Details here.
Barclays Community Sport Fund
This fund (Access Grant) provides £1,000 to not‑for‑profit groups delivering football, tennis, or cricket activities for women and girls. Eligible organisations must operate in areas of high deprivation, though projects supporting women and girls with disabilities or rural isolation may also be considered.
Deadline 5pm, 27 May. Details here.
The Pink Ribbon Foundation
The Pink Ribbon Foundation provides grants of up to £6,000 for UK charities and social enterprises delivering practical support for people affected by breast cancer.
Deadline 31 May. (Applications must be submitted in hard copy). Details here.
The Panacea Charitable Trust 2026
The Panacea Charitable Trust's social-related grants fund seeks to award 15-20 grants of £5,000 - £10,000 from a total funding pot of between £150,000 and £200,000. The grants fund is designated to support Bedford and its surrounding local community across a broad range of initiatives and recipients, to provide a range of valuable work and support in the area.
The aim of this grants programme is to provide financial support for projects run by charities and community groups based in, or working for, the benefit of people in the Bedford Borough.
The 2026 funding window opens on 1 May and closes at 11:59pm on 31 May.
Applications submitted prior to 1 May will not be accepted.
The Frank Branston Fund
There are two grant levels available for this fund.
Micro grants between the value of £500-£3,000 are available for smaller interventions and shorter projects or activities.
Main grants between the value of £3,001-£15,000 for more substantial activity lasting up to one year of delivery (until August 2027).
The work and projects the fund will support must align to the Charitable Aims of the Frank Branston Charitable Trust, improving the lives of residents of Bedfordshire through:
- The advancement of health, saving lives, and supporting care needs in the community.
- Supporting arts, culture and heritage within the community.
- The alleviation of poverty.
- Access to education and training.
Applications for Micro grants will open on Monday 25 May. The deadline for Micro grant applications is 12pm midday Monday 8 June 2026. Details here.
A meet the funder session is being held on Tuesday 12 May at 2pm with representatives of Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation to learn about The Frank Branston Fund, and receive advice & support with your application.
Details here.
The Henry Smith Foundation Holiday Grants Programme
‘offers one-off grants for schools, youth groups and non-profit organisations to take children aged 13 and under on recreational day trips or short residential trips.’ Priority is given to disabled children and those in deprived areas. Grants range between £500 and £3,000.
- Applications for trips between 1 May and 30 September 2026 are open from 20 March and 19 August 2026.
- Applications for trips between 1 October and 31 December 2026 are open from 20 August and 19 November 2026.
The Big Bike Revival
The Summer 2026 programme offers grants of up to £3,500 for cycling events for adults who cycle little or not at all. Activities must follow the fix–learn–ride model and run between 3 April and 30 October. The programme aims to build cycling confidence, encourage new and returning cyclists, and reach underrepresented groups.
Deadline 1 June. Details here.
The National Churches Trust’s Large Grants Programme
Up to £50,000 for urgent structural repairs (projects over £80,000) and for installing essential facilities such as kitchens and accessible toilets (projects over £30,000). Grants cover up to 50% of total costs and are open to listed and unlisted Christian places of worship across the UK.
Stage 1 application deadline 7 July. Details here.
Children’s Alliance – Water Activities Grants
Grants of up to £15,000 to deliver water‑based activities to children under 18 years old who do not have access to swimming lessons or water activities due to a lack of funding.
Details here.
The Veterans’ Foundation provides grants to eligible organisations that provide assistance to serving and former members of the armed forces community, operational qualified seafarers and their immediate families.
Four funding programmes are available:
- Small Grants - £500 - £5,000
- Standard Grants - £5,001 - £30,000
- Salary Grants - Up to £25,000 per year for up to three years (Max £75,000)
- Major Grants - £200,000 - £500,000 (spread over one to two years)
easyfundraising – Impact Fund
The easyfundraising Impact Fund is offering 20 unrestricted grants of £500 to UK not-for-profit organisations. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work.
Details here.
easyfundraising is a simple way for your organisation to raise extra funds from everyday online shopping. When your community shops with over 8,000 retailers through easyfundraising, the retailer makes a donation to your organisation at no extra cost to anyone. From a weekly grocery shop to booking a holiday, it all helps generate free donations.
Sign up here.
