Monthly grant update
There are a number of funding opportunities this month –
Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund
The Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund has re-opened for applications for its main grants scheme.
The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:
- improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness
- positive impact on the local environment that contributes to net zero
- support for the local rural economy
- promotion of community cohesion
Grants can be between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of your capital project costs including the VAT. The balance of funding for the works proposed must be in place, or at least confirmed within 6 months of receiving a grant offer.
You will need to submit invoices from your contractors before the grant can be drawn down – this will need to be before 31 March 2026.
The grants are for capital improvements only such as refurbishing toilets and kitchens, extending buildings and modernising facilities. The grants cannot be used for maintenance, repair or renewal work.
To be eligible, the village hall must:
- be charity owned and managed by the community
- be located in a rural area with a population of less than 10,000 people
- have a freehold or leasehold in place. If leasehold, there must be at least 21 years left to run on the lease
There is a two-stage application process.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for capital works to improve or extend existing village halls
Application deadline:
You will need to provide invoices as evidence of the work in order for the grant to be paid by 31 March 2026
Fund description:
Great British Energy Community Fund: South West
The Great British Energy Community Fund has an allocation of £1m in 2025/26 for community energy projects in the South West.
The aim of the funding is to:
- increase the level of community and locally-owned renewable and low-carbon energy assets
- support communities to reduce energy costs or generate income through community-owned energy assets
- promote growth through the creation of jobs and volunteering opportunities in the areas where projects are located
You can apply for up £40,000 for a feasibility study (Stage 1 grant) or up to £100,000 for project development (Stage 2 grant). Projects can be either:
- Type A: Community energy asset project
- Type B: Community energy efficiency or advice project
Applications based on single buildings will only be eligible if they create an asset that benefits the community beyond meeting the building’s own energy need.
Applications will be accepted from a range of not-for-profit organisations including CIOs, CBSs, CICs, co-operative societies, development trusts, registered charities, social housing providers and town or parish councils.
Funds must be allocated by March 2026.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Funding to support the development of community energy projects in the South West
Application deadline:
7 July 2025
Fund description:
The Gibbons Trusts
Charities and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for grants from the David Gibbons Foundation and the Gibbons Family Trust. Both Charities have a preference for helping East Devon residents, however applications from any area of Devon will be considered. Small and local Devon organisations are given priority over large, national charities applying for Devon beneficiaries.
The Gibbons Family Trust awards grants to support children and young people under the age of 25.
Charities, not-for-profit organisations such as schools, and individuals (via a not-for-profit organisation) can apply to the Gibbons Family Trust.
The David Gibbons Foundation helps those who are:
- living in financial hardship
- elderly
- physically or mentally unwell, disabled or affected by learning disabilities.
Charities, not-for-profit organisations such as community clubs, or individuals (when a not-for-profit organisation applies on their behalf) can apply to the David Gibbons Foundation. Grants are not made retrospectively or for overseas projects of trips of any nature.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Devon charitable trusts with funding for charities, not-for-profit organisations and individuals in need
Application deadline:
The Trustees meet at the end of the following months: January, March, May, July, August, November. The deadline for each meeting is the last day of the previous month.
Fund description:
Health Lottery Foundation: Young People
The Health Lottery Foundation is now open for applications from voluntary organisations that work with young people aged 0-25. Your work should focus on actively improving the health or welfare of young people.
There is a total of £500,000 in this round and it is anticipated that between 20 and 30 grants will be awarded. The funding is for revenue costs only.
Applications can be made by voluntary organisations including charities or Community Interest Companies (CICs), community groups, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), social enterprises, businesses with a social or environmental purpose and faith-based organisations.
The HLF has six project themes: chronic disease; disability inequity; health disparity; healthcare IT; preventative care; and young people. This is the first open application round: later rounds will fund activities covered by the other themes.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for voluntary organisations with projects to support young people
Application deadline:
27 June 2025
Fund description:
Awards for All: Environment
The National Lottery Awards for All programme is inviting applications for funding to support community projects that protect nature and help the environment. The new ‘Environment’ programme is for projects that:
- help people connect with and care for nature in their area
and/or - make a positive difference to the environment
The funding can be used for a wide range of projects including creating community gardens, improving parks or playgrounds to support nature and wildlife, outdoor learning activities, repair and re-use sessions, installing solar panels or other energy-saving features in well-used community buildings, food growing, tree planting and activities to help people save energy and reduce waste.
Note that projects in schools, such as outdoor classrooms, would not be eligible for funding if there are limited benefits to the wider community.
Charities, voluntary and community organisations, not-for-profit companies, CIOs, CICs, CBSs and statutory bodies (including local authorities) can apply. Schools may apply if the project helps the local community, not just the school.
You can apply for between £300 and £20,000 for projects lasting up to two years.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for community-led projects that improve the environment and help people connect with and enjoy nature in their local area
Application deadline:
17 December 2025 (Opens 25 June 2025)
Fund description:
The Tree Council
The Tree Council provides funding for tree-planting projects through several grant schemes, including a new Trees Outside Woodland Fund which is now open for applications from local authorities and registered charities.
The Tree Council schemes for projects in England are:
Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund – grants of £2,500 to £10,000 for community tree-planting projects in publicly accessible, publicly visible, or community-used spaces. Local authorities, charities, community groups, schools and colleges and individual landowners can apply.
Apply by 31 July 2025*
National Highways 3 Million Trees Project – you can apply for free trees to be used in well-planned tree-planting projects that will directly benefit people, communities and wildlife. A range of tree species are available. Local authorities, charities, community groups, schools and colleges, individual landowners, farmers and private-sector organisations can apply.
Apply by 31 July 2025*
Trees Outside Woodland Fund – grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 establish trees outside woodland to create or enhance green spaces. Registered charities, combined authorities, County, Unitary, District and City Councils can apply.
Apply by 31 October 2025
Branching Out Fund – small grants of £250 to £2,500 to help community groups to plant trees, hedges and orchards. Small charities, CICs, schools, community groups, parish and town councils and other community and voluntary organisations can apply.
Apply by 14 November 2025
*A second application window may open if funds allow but this is not guaranteed.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for community tree-planting initiatives
Application deadline:
Refer to individual schemes
Fund description:
Awards for All: Environment
The National Lottery Awards for All programme is inviting applications for funding to support community projects that protect nature and help the environment. The new ‘Environment’ programme is for projects that:
- help people connect with and care for nature in their area
and/or - make a positive difference to the environment
The funding can be used for a wide range of projects including creating community gardens, improving parks or playgrounds to support nature and wildlife, outdoor learning activities, repair and re-use sessions, installing solar panels or other energy-saving features in well-used community buildings, food growing, tree planting and activities to help people save energy and reduce waste.
Note that projects in schools, such as outdoor classrooms, would not be eligible for funding if there are limited benefits to the wider community.
Charities, voluntary and community organisations, not-for-profit companies, CIOs, CICs, CBSs and statutory bodies (including local authorities) can apply. Schools may apply if the project helps the local community, not just the school.
You can apply for between £300 and £20,000 for projects lasting up to two years.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for community-led projects that improve the environment and help people connect with and enjoy nature in their local area
Application deadline:
17 December 2025 (Opens 25 June 2025)
Fund description:
