Show Me The Money Grants and Funding - April 2025
Apr 02, 2025 8:04 pm
Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support
Revised: April 2025
Hello wonderful people,
Tom Adeyoola has been named as the preferred candidate for the role of Executive Chair of Innovate UK. Tom co-founded Extend Ventures, he serves on the steering board of The Startup Coalition, advocating for high-growth tech businesses across the UK and a board member at Channel 4. I am honoured to say Tom is also an advisor to hibretOne.
Companies House confirms new business registrations have dropped. In what could be a warning for things to come, the Government has confirmed that the companies register has shrunk for the first time since quarterly reporting began. Not only are less businesses being created, but increasing numbers are also shutting down.
Social Partnership Portal for suppliers, is a free, easy way of showcasing social enterprises skills to potential buyers. SEUK a fabulous organisation of which hibretOne is a member, have taken over the verification process for Social Enterprises. With the Procurement Act which came into affect this year, private sector organisations are mandated to ensure their supply chain includes social impact purchases. This online platform should make that easier in the construction industry.
Featured grant is the Leathersellers' Foundation giving to help prevent and tackle the consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
On the subject of delivering social value, checkout the event New Supply Chain Special: Meet Fortem Birmingham on 9th April. Fortem is a social housing property services company, part of Willmott Dixon Group Company, and will discussing potential opportunities.
UK Research and Innovation publishes gender pay gap report. We already know what it’s going to say unfortunately. An interesting article on Seed-Strapping vs Boot-Scaling in the AI Native Era.
Rounded off by the Chancellor’s Spring Statement Summary Of New Measures to Support Economic Growth.
If you’ve recommended someone to this newsletter & they’re not receiving it, nudge them to check their junk folder, it may have snuck in there.
Stay amazing, stay courageous
Drew
Drew Currie
Founder, hibretOne CIC
Interim CEO, initiative for Social Entrepreneurs (iSE)
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● If a grant or programme is not in your region, google search the keywords within the grant, as the programme may be running in your area, under a different name.
● Speed read till you find something of interest. Some of the grants have a short window for applications.
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LATEST:
Tom Adeyoola (gonna say it again with feeling) Tommmm Adeyoolaaaa!
I want to say SO MUCH about this brilliant guy! But I don’t want him to be deluged with requests for support in his new role, which may make him less effective. What I can say is I am fortunate to have Tom’s brilliance advising me whenever I needed it for hibretOne.
Tom has been named as the preferred candidate for the role of Executive Chair of Innovate UK.
As co-founder of Extend Ventures, he has worked with Innovate UK to improve diversity in grant funding and support underrepresented entrepreneurs. Tom serves on the steering board of The Startup Coalition, advocating for high-growth tech businesses across the UK.
Whilst on the board at Channel 4, he focuses on digital transformation and championed innovation funding in the creative industries. He has also been a driving force in exploring the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy, from education to public services.
https://www.ukri.org/news/preferred-candidate-for-innovate-uk-executive-chair-is-announced/
Leathersellers' Foundation
Fourth year of strategic giving to help prevent and tackle the consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The ACEs Main Grants Programme provides unrestricted grants (core costs) of between £20,000 and £25,000 for up to four years. It is expected that 15 to 20 multi-year grants will be awarded this year.
Eligibility:
· Charities and CIOs operating in an area of deprivation in the UK
· An income of between £200,000 and £2 million can apply.
· Working to prevent the occurrence of and/or support recovery from adverse childhood experiences by providing services to children and young people and/or adult survivors in recovery.
The term ACEs is used to recognise traumatic events that occur during childhood that can have a significant impact on a person's physical, emotional and mental health throughout their life. Examples include:
· Abuse – physical, sexual or psychological/emotional.
· Neglect – physical or psychological/emotional.
· Domestic abuse.
· Substance misuse by a close family member.
· Mental illness of a close family member.
· Having a close family member serve time in prison.
· Parental or caregiver separation or divorce on account of relationship breakdown.
Charities should use a trauma-informed approach and evidence-based interventions. The foundation recognises that some communities suffer from a greater likelihood of ACEs due to systemic barriers. It welcomes applications from charities who support under-represented groups.
There is a two stage application process.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://leathersellers.co.uk/foundation/
Niyo 12-week mentorship programme
Are you a woman looking to develop a career in Data Analytics? Looking for guidance, support, and career growth? 12-week mentorship programme to unlock new career opportunities, build meaningful industry connections & enhance your skills and confidence.
Sign up for this Niyo Community exclusive programme delivered in collaboration with the Department of Work and Pensions. Only 10 spaces available. Programme start: 14th April.
Deadline: Monday 7th April, 2025
https://www.niyo.co/
10 Highest-Paying Side Hustles In 2025, Some Requiring No Experience
The NetCredit researchers found that if you’re a freelancer, you can make quick cash with a side hustle, even if you have no experience. They conducted manual research on common no-experience-required side hustles to identify the highest-paying casual side hustle jobs based on the freelance rates gathered from Fiverr.
Although this for the US, UK data is also available.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2025/03/07/10-highest-paying-side-hustles-in-2025-some-requiring-no-experience/
New Supply Chain Special: Meet Fortem Birmingham
Booking is open for local suppliers and SMEs within a 30-mile radius of Birmingham, to meet with the teams from Fortem Solutions Ltd – The social housing property experts, who deliver planned, preventative, and responsive care services, including repairs, maintenance, void works and energy efficiency solutions.
Part of Willmott Dixon Group Company, they will discuss the potential opportunities relating to its repairs and maintenance partnership with Birmingham City Council – A contract which offers a comprehensive range of internal and external repairs, 24/7 responsive services and compliance work including gas servicing, electrical testing and fire safety. Open to these local trades:
* Electrical Testing & Re-wires * Plumbing & Heating * Gas * General Building * Flooring * Wall Tiling * Fencing * Scaffolders * Roofers * Retro-fit Insulation Installers (cavity, loft & EWI) Renewable Heating System Installers * Fire Protection *
These specific trades are invited to book a FREE place for:
· Estimating Repairs & Maintenance
· Voids
· Planned Works
· Commercial
· Supply Chain Management
· Health & Safety
· Social Value
· Constructionline
Where: The Studio – Birmingham
When: 9th April 2025
https://www.finditinbirmingham.com/events/new-supply-chain-special-meet-fortem-birmingham01
Talent Pipeline and Succession Planning Masterclass
How Employee Ownership can safeguard the future of your business. Ever wondered what will happen to your business when it’s time for you to step away? When do you need to start succession planning? How do you build a talent pipeline? Could you build one that extends to preparing your employees for owning the business after you? Business owners, HR professionals and those working in the creative industries are invited to this interactive Masterclass on future-proofing your business.
Bring your questions. Hear from experts and businesses who are employee-owned, have strong talent pipelines or succession plans. Learn how to be prepared.
Well done for organising Fiona Latter. You know you’re my WMCA (s)hero!
When: 0 8 April, 5.30-7.30pm
Where:1 Mill St, Leamington Spa, CV31 1ES
https://assets-gbr.mkt.dynamics.com/a3b85b0d-c453-4680-af2a-330420e03125/digitalassets/standaloneforms/6c32cf9c-caf5-ef11-be20-6045bd0e1d21?readableEventId=Talent_Pipeline_and_Succession_Planning_Masterclass480906604
DWP NextGen Women in Data: Breaking Barriers – Mentoring & Career Insights
Are you an aspiring or current woman in data looking for mentorship, career insights, and inspiration? The DWP Women in Data Mentoring Launch – a virtual event designed to connect, empower, and guide the next generation of women in data.
When: 16 April 2025
Where: Online
Cost: Free
https://lu.ma/pjrg7mei
Great British Entrepreneur Awards
AKA ‘The Grammys of Entrepreneurship’ acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of British entrepreneurs and businesses. It’s more than an awards ceremony; it’s a thriving community that champions entrepreneurship all year round.
Entrepreneurs from all industries and 10 regions of the United Kingdom that fulfil the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply. From early start-up business, to more established companies; any entrepreneur can apply!
https://gbea.awardsplatform.com/
Enterprise Accelerators Festival 2025
13 events, online, over a week with the sessions recorded for those who can't come live.
Are you passionate about fostering entrepreneurship? Join us at The Enterprise Accelerators Festival — a dynamic online conference uniting the brightest minds and strongest advocates from government, business, the non-profit sector, and education to empower and accelerate entrepreneurship. It's for people who support entrepreneurs of all types, and from different sectors and roles.
When: 12th - 17th May 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-enterprise-accelerators-festival-2025-tickets-1217798691669
Seed-Strapping vs Boot-Scaling in the AI Native Era
A great piece on how they compare to the traditional funding models: VC Funding & Bootstrapping.
https://henrythe9th.substack.com/p/seed-strapping-vs-boot-scaling-in
WYSE Global Change Makers Programme 2025/2026 Cohort 4
WYSE is a charity that supports emerging leaders for positive change all around the globe. For the 4th year they are offering a FREE, bespoke, 9 month coaching programme for people working on projects that link to one of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
You need to be aged 18-35. Lots of information available online.
Deadline: 30th April 2025
https://www.wyse-ngo.org/wyseglobalchangemakers
WYSE International Leadership Programme
Thirty Emerging Leaders aged 18-35 from across the world and a diverse range of professions and socio economic backgrounds will take part in an intensive, challenging and rewarding 12 day residential leadership programme to work together for global change.
Applications now open for the 2025 in Italy, 27th July – 7th August 2025.
https://www.wyse-ngo.org/programmes/international-leadership-programme
BADU The Level Up Programme
Designed to provide a supportive space where participants can grow their confidence, gain hands-on experience, and build a real understanding of how the sports world works — from coaching and leadership to strategy and innovation. For Black and global majority women and girls aged 16–25 who are curious about building a future in the sports industry.
It’s about creating access to: - industry knowledge, inspiring role models, opportunities that spark long-term career journeys. If you know a young woman who’s open to exploring possibilities in sport — encourage her to fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9tteNyJ81a7CueMVcoEYq5pJdvjZDYhLL8MRn2qs8hZzUDA/viewform
Free Legal Advice for Social Enterprises
Hogan Lovells are keen to hear from any social enterprises in need of pro bono legal advice. HL BaSE is running a pro bono legal workshop at Hogan Lovells’ and is keen to hear from any social enterprises or other impact organisations looking for legal support in the UK. At the workshop social entrepreneurs receive individual support from volunteer advisors.
Typical legal issues that can be covered include advice on the best structure for an organisation to adopt either at the point of start-up or when they’re looking to scale, intellectual property queries, data privacy concerns, employment law questions, advice on contracting with others and advice on funding documents.
When: 05 June 2025
Where: London office
https://www.hoganlovellsbase.com/form/pro-bono
Women in Leadership Network
Female Leadership Roundtable Lunch Event, hosted by my fellow board member at iSE, the wonderful Denise Morris. This stimulating working group will foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and problem-solving designed to create tangible solutions for advancing female leadership.
When: 30 April 2025
Where: Bank, Birmingham
https://www.tagnetworkmidlands.com/events-1/women-in-leadership-network-present-female-leadership-roundtable-lunch-event
Midlands Leaders Network
Championing Transformational Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth Networking Lunch & Panel Discussion Event. Guest speakers Prof. Inez Brown (Hon. Causa), Mark Taylor, former Partner at RSM UK, Prof Monder Ram OBE Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston Business School.
When: 10th April 2025
Where: Chaophraya, Birmingham
https://www.tagnetworkmidlands.com/events-1/midlands-leaders-network-transformational-leadership-entrepreneurship-economic-growth-networking-lunch-panel-event
BEO and Sky’s F100 Growth Fund
£1 million partnership continues for 2025, backing Black entrepreneurs to grow and develop their own businesses in the UK.
To apply, your business must be Black-Led, UK-registered and seeking to scale with an existing MVP. As part of the application process, you’ll need to provide a video and presentation outlining your business so please make sure you have these to hand.
Looking for innovative Black led businesses that are disrupting their industry.
Deadline: 14th April 2025
https://blackequityorg.com/future-100-growth-fund/
Community Builders Fund
Designed to provide vital investment for communities to adapt, grow their services or invest in the assets to diversify their income. The fund provides loans from £100k to £1.5m for charities and social enterprises improving people’s lives or the environment they live in.
There is also an additional £1m of grant funding through Flexible Finance for Black or racially minoritised-led charities and social enterprises which can be up to 100% of the loan value.
https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/funds/community-builders-fund/
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards program
Every year, Cartier awards three grants to women-owned businesses in nine different regions around the world. The programme is designed to support early-stage businesses that are focused on a range of social, economic and environmental development issues.
First-place business is awarded a $100,000 grant, second place receives $60,000 and third place gets $30,000. Winners also receive executive coaching and the opportunity to participate in a variety of training workshops.
Applications open: 18 April 2025
https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/regional-awards
Clear Channel Compass
The 3rd year of the Clear Channel UK x Jamii partnership to make Black businesses more visible.
Supporting Black-owned businesses with free outdoor advertising. Run in collaboration with Jamii, a discovery platform for Black British brands, Compass is Clear Channel’s long-term initiative that offers free outdoor advertising space to help independent Black-owned businesses to grow.
This year, the initiative is expanding its impact with a £250,000 prize pot and will provide five winners with national digital Out of Home advertising campaigns worth £50,000 each to help scale their businesses and increase their brand visibility.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://www.clearchannel.co.uk/clear-channel-compass
Public Finance Awards 2025
Entry deadline is just over six weeks away, so the countdown is on to be rewarded for your achievements within the public finance and governance sector. 15 categories still open for entry this year, to help recognise the people, products and services that demonstrate excellence and originality within public finance.
Categories include:
· Finance Team of the Year – Councils and Local Services
· Outstanding Contribution to Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
· Excellence in Public Sector Audit
· Outstanding Fraud Prevention, Detection and Recovery
· Public Finance Future Leader of the Year
· Digital Finance Project of the Year
https://publicfinanceawards.co.uk
The National Lottery Community Fund | Climate Action Fund
The Climate Action Fund is a commitment to help communities tackle climate change. Supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable. Want to involve more people in climate action. And want to inspire bold and exciting change.
£500k-£1.5M for orgs to form partnerships increasing climate action on a national level
Deadline: Spring 2025.
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-our-shared-future
The Huo Family Foundation
Up to £10M for research on the effects of digital technology on children & young people. HFF is a grant-giving foundation based in London. Its mission is to support education, communities and the pursuit of knowledge. The Foundation’s current focus is in three main areas: education; the arts; and science.
Deadline: 23 May 2025
https://huofamilyfoundation.org/our-grants/funding-opportunities/
The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs (EASI):
£10k for early-stage UK-orgs developing innovative social or environmental products or services.
Deadline: Closed, but wanted you to be aware for next time the initiative opens.
https://www.entrepreneurscompany.org/easi
Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program:
Programme is a two-month, cost-covered training program that gives a small cohort of talented people from all over the world everything they need to launch a field-leading charity, with up to $200k in funding.
https://www.charityentrepreneurship.com/incubation-program
Syncplex Lab SocialTech Incubator
Unlock an unstoppable future in the Social-Tech. Syncplex Lab are dedicated to empowering underserved communities by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the digital economy of the future. Focused on bridging the divide between potential and opportunity through our engaging and impactful social-tech programmes.
Syncplex Lab is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, social entrepreneurs, and tech innovators. UK-wide & lot of their work is done in Scotland.
https://www.syncplexlab.com/
Plan for Change
Milestones for Mission-Led Government. This plan sets out the ambitious milestones Government aim to reach by the end of this Parliament.
https://www.gov.uk/missions
Free Brand Development Workshop for Common Good Organisations
Half-day workshop on brand development and design for voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors across the UK.
When: Friday 25 April
Where: Online
Cost: Free
https://adampiggot.com/bybc-25-apr-25
Social Partnership Portal
The Social Partnership Portal is an online portal to bring social suppliers and contractors together and maximise social value within construction projects across the industry.
The portal was procured by SCAPE, who remain actively present in the portal’s future direction. It is powered and developed by Local Supply Chain and backed by over twenty-five founding members.
· Free to register and use
· Removing barriers to entry
· Boosting visibility
· Showcasing your skills
· FREE LSC upgrade and Constructionline Gold membership for platinum suppliers.
https://socialpartnershipportal.co.uk/
Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative
£1.5 billion to restore pride in Britain’s neighbourhoods
The government has announced £1.5 billion funding for 75 selected communities through the.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/15-billion-to-restore-pride-in-britains-neighbourhoods
Government withdraws LEP funding
The Government has confirmed that central government funding for LEP functions and the Business Board Network (formerly the LEP Network) will be withdrawn. This follows the defunding of core LEP functions which have already been passed over to local authorities and combined authorities. Funding for Growth Hubs and Career Hubs will still be provided by the Government.
https://consult.communities.gov.uk/ristol-devolution-institutions/consultation-on-ending-funding-for-lep-functions/
Scottish Bill to boost economic growth
The Scottish Government has published a new Bill to help drive economic growth across Scotland by promoting investment in communities. The Community Wealth Building Bill includes several measures to enhance community wealth. Examples include supporting employee-owned businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises and encouraging public bodies to buy more from local companies.
https://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/articles/bill-boost-local-communities
Action needed to help universities support start ups
Analysis by Universities UK has revealed that by 2028, around 27,000 new start ups could be created with the help of accelerators and incubation hubs in universities across the UK. Universities UK has warned that the UK risks becoming an ‘incubator economy’ and is urging the Government to act so universities can continue to support start ups.
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/new-analysis-reveals-rapid-rise-uni
Stephen Lloyd Awards
Support early-stage projects aiming to achieve social or environmental change in the UK. The awards were established in memory of charity and social enterprise lawyer Stephen Lloyd, reflecting his commitment to innovation in these sectors.
Successful applicants will receive at least £25,000 in funding, alongside pro bono support from experts in social enterprise. Shortlisted candidates will be awarded up to £2,500 to develop their ideas and may also access expert guidance. The funding aims to help ideas progress from concept to implementation.
Individuals who are resident in the UK, as well as UK-registered organisations and charities, are eligible to apply. Proposals should address a problem systemically and can take various forms, including new enterprises, expansions of existing initiatives, lobbying efforts or policy change campaigns.
Deadline: 14 May 2025
https://www.stephenlloydawards.org/
UK Research and Innovation publishes gender pay gap report
The sixth annual gender pay gap report highlights the percentage difference between the average hourly earnings for males and females across the organisation. The gender pay gap is a measure across all jobs in UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), not of the difference in pay between males and females for doing the same job.
UKRI’s mean gender pay gap (GPG) has narrowed by 0.6 percentage points since 2022.The figures show that in 2024, UKRI’s mean gender pay gap was 9.0%, 1.3 percentage points higher than the UK national GPG, which stood at 7.7% in 2023.
In other words, for every £1 that males earned, on average females earned 91p. However, the most recent data has shown a widening by 0.7 percentage points in the last year, and the median GPG has increased by 2.5 percentage points.
https://www.ukri.org/news/uk-research-and-innovation-publishes-gender-pay-gap-report/
Bristol Impact Fund 3
To grow the power of communities experiencing the greatest inequity’
Medium grants between £11,000 and £55,000 per year
Large grants between £56,000 and £110,000 per year
Average grant expected to be around £55,000
Upper limit of £110,000 per year per organisation or £220,000 per year per partnership
Deadline: 10 June 2025
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/voluntary-and-community-organisations/grants-for-voluntary-and-community-organisations/the-bristol-impact-fund
Developmental pathway funding scheme
Apply for funding to develop and test novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other interventions.
Deadline: 16 July 2025
https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/browse-our-areas-of-investment-and-support/developmental-pathway-funding-scheme-dpfs/
Persimmon Charitable Foundation,
Supports charities and community groups that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people.
These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training. Up to £50,000.
Deadline: 13 April 2025.
https://www.persimmonhomes.com/corporate/foundation
BridgeAI Innovation Exchange: Empowering AI Innovation
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £350,000 for five month projects. Grants from £25,000 to £50,000. This funding is from Innovate UK’s BridgeAI programme.
Deadline: 23 April 2025
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/bridgeai-innovation-exchange-empowering-ai-innovation/
Supporting Black-owned businesses with free outdoor advertising
Run in collaboration with Jamii, a discovery platform for Black British brands, Compass is Clear Channel’s long-term initiative that offers free outdoor advertising space to help independent Black-owned businesses to grow.
This year, the initiative is expanding its impact with a £250,000 prize pot and will provide five winners with national digital Out of Home advertising campaigns worth £50,000 each to help scale their businesses and increase their brand visibility.
Deadline: 30th April 2025
https://www.clearchannel.co.uk/clear-channel-compass
Community Builders Fund
Provides loans of between £100k and £1.5m to charities and social enterprises based in England, Wales and Scotland who are improving people’s lives, or the environment they live in. you must have been operating for at least two years with minimum turnover of £400k in the last financial year (or £200k if the organisation is based in Scotland or Wales).
Deadline: Always open.
https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/funds/community-builders-fund/
Funding for Retrofit-Related Projects in the UK
The MCS Foundation grants programme for 2025 is offering six grants of up to £50,000 to support retrofit-related projects as defined as energy efficiency or renewable generation measures to a domestic building. Projects need to be:
· Retrofit in action, and/ or Retrofit research.
Applications need to address specific questions, such as effective financial mechanisms for deploying measures and strategies for increasing citizen engagement in retrofit initiatives.
Organisations eligible to apply include any incorporated entities, which encompass private, public, not-for-profit organisations and charities.
The funding will support direct project costs, such as staffing, venue hire for an event, focus group expenses, grants to homeowners, or project specific equipment. Projects must start within six months of the grant agreement, but no earlier than July 2025.
Deadline: 01 May 2025
https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/
UKRI Creating Opportunities: Rethinking Economic (In)Activity
Funding supports projects focused on promoting sustainable economic activity in areas with high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding. We welcome proposals that include team members and project partners from outside academia. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,200,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is for a single award.
The project must begin by 12 January 2026 and run for 24 months.
Award: Up to to £1.2 million
Deadline: 6th May 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-creating-opportunities-rethinking-economic-inactivity/
Libraries Improvement Fund confirmed
The Government has announced that the Libraries Improvement Fund will open for expressions of interest on 6 May 2025. Public libraries across England will be able to apply for a share of £5.5 million to upgrade their physical and digital infrastructure to help adapt to changing user needs.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/museums-and-libraries-set-to-receive-a-share-of-over-30-million-of-funding-to-improve-access-to-arts-and-culture
Reduce Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People
Barchester Healthcare Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for small community groups and local charities across England, Scotland, and Wales for projects that help reduce isolation and loneliness, promote group activities, and generally improve mobility and quality of life for older people and adults with physical, learning, or mental disabilities.
Funding is intended to help with:
· Activities.
· Equipment and materials for use by members.
· Member transport.
· Day trips, outings, and group holidays in the UK.
Priority will be given to innovative projects that help older people and those with a disability to get active, meet people, and reduce isolation.
Funding is for small and local groups, and groups with financial reserves of over £150,000 are unlikely to receive support.
Deadline: Applications submitted at any time.
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/
Companies House register shrinks: is UK entrepreneurism at risk?
Companies House confirms new business registrations have dropped for the first time since quarterly reporting began. In what could be a warning for things to come, the Government has confirmed that the companies register has shrunk for the first time since quarterly reporting began.
More than this, the figures reveal that not only are less businesses being created, but increasing numbers are also shutting down.
Between October and December 2024, there were 181,261 incorporations in the UK, which is a decrease of 15.47% compared with the same period in 2023.
The statistics also reveal that there were 203,584 dissolutions in the UK between October and December 2024. This is an increase of 40,132 – or 24.55% – compared with the same period in 2023. The register does not include businesses in the process of dissolution and liquidation.
https://startups.co.uk/news/is-uk-entrepreneurism-at-risk
UK company size thresholds are changing
This could make your company smaller and reduce your regulatory requirements
UK company size thresholds are set to change from April 06, 2025, rising by around 50 per cent.
This most likely means that your company could be changing from a medium-sized to small or a small to microbusiness. The government hopes that the changes will result in 113,000 small businesses and LLPs becoming microbusinesses; 14,000 shifting from medium-sized business to small and 6,000 moving from large to medium-sized.
https://smallbusiness.co.uk/uk-company-size-thresholds-to-change-is-your-business-about-to-get-smaller-2596095/
Cancer Tech Accelerator
If you are a researcher or startup founder working on the detection, diagnosis or treatment of cancer, then you should apply. Thanks for sharing Kaitlin Fritz.
Among the many benefits, you will get access to:
· Hands-on workshops, lectures, and events with cancer tech leaders;
· Access to expert mentorship in all areas of cancer tech venture creation;
· Perks like web and server credits, legal support, and discounted lab space;
· Grant funding opportunities to support your venture;
· Investor readiness support from our team;
· A community of global innovators and peers building alongside you.
Deadline: 10th April 2025
https://www.cancertechaccelerator.co.uk
Wolverhampton Business Support Roadshow
This event aims to provide valuable information on local business support opportunities, enabling Wolverhampton businesses like yours to grow and succeed.
Who Should Attend:
· Wolverhampton business owners aiming to expand and scale their operations.
· Entrepreneurs from Wolverhampton seeking insights into available business support resources.
· FREE to attend for businesses in the Wolverhampton area. It is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and hosted by Business Growth West Midlands.
When: 08 April 2025
Where: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wolverhampton-business-support-roadshow-tickets-1277571303159
Innovation Awards Open for Nominations
Nominations are open for the Technology Supply Chain Innovation Awards 2025 until 16th May.
· Innovative Companies
· Individual Innovators
· Innovation Champions
· Innovation Thought Leaders
https://innovation-awards.co.uk/
AXA Startup Angel competition
Runs in partnership with The Standard and offers two aspiring startups a chance to make their business dreams a reality with a £25,000 prize, a year of business insurance, and first-class mentoring from four business experts – aka 'Angels'.
Four additional startups will win runners up prizes, each worth more than £18,000, including a profile article on their business in The London Standard, and mentoring with a member of The Standard team.
Deadline: 6th July 2025
https://www.axa.co.uk/startup-angel/
Amazon launch West Midlands’ first Multibank
A new charity initiative launched in Birmingham today to donate more than 750,000 surplus goods to 75,000 families in need over the next 12 months. The region’s first Multibank is led by BVSC with support from former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon, and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker.
The West Midlands Multibank takes surplus products donated by businesses and gives them to families in need across the region. From clothing, crockery, and cleaning products, to toiletries, towels and toys, Multibanks put business surplus in the hands of those who need it most.
This is the sixth Multibank, an initiative which launched in 2022 and has donated more than 7 million goods to help over 600,000 families from Multibanks in Scotland, Greater Manchester, Wales, London, Tees Valley, and now the West Midlands. This year, families will receive more than a million orders from the Multibanks across the UK.
https://www.bvsc.org/News/gordon-brown-and-amazon-launch-west-midlands-first-multibank
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation
Creating a new future for 100+ talented, disadvantaged Black British students through university scholarships.
Provides full scholarships for talented, disadvantaged, Black British undergraduate students at our UK partner universities.
https://cowriescholarshipfoundation.org
Cyber Local 2025-2026
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £1.8 million to target the growth of the cyber security sector and the development of cyber security skills. This funding is from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Eligibility:
· This competition is open to single applicants and collaborations.
· To lead a project or work alone your organisation must:
· be a UK registered business of any size
· be an academic institution
· be a research and technology organisation
· be a charity
· be a not for profit
· be a public sector organisation
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/cyber-local-2025-2026/
Enterprise education must be taught in schools
FSB has called for enterprise education to be embedded into the National Curriculum. This follows research carried out by the FSB, which found that just 35% of young people in England have enterprise education at secondary school.
The research also revealed that while nearly 60% of young people express an interest in owning a business, only 16% manage to start one up.
https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/entrepreneurial-goldmine-enterprise-education-must-beacome-a-national-priority-to-unleash-the-potential-of-young-talent-in-the-uk.html
UKRI publishes annual report on investment by region and nation
Half of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) investment in research projects last year was made to organisations outside London and the south-east. This is the highest proportion of our funding ever provided to projects outside the greater south-east. It represents a cumulative additional £1.4 billion invested outside the greater south-east since 2021 to 2022.
All regions and nations received an increase in UKRI investment between 2021 to 2022 and 2023 to 2024. The greatest absolute increases in investment were in the north-west, the West Midlands and the East Midlands. The greatest proportional increases were in Northern Ireland, the East Midlands and the north-west.
https://www.ukri.org/news/ukri-publishes-annual-report-on-investment-by-region-and-nation/
SMEs to benefit from increased defence spending
Thousands of small businesses in the UK will receive government support to ensure they benefit from the increase in defence spending. A new hub will be launched to provide small and medium enterprises with guidance on accessing the defence supply chain. By June 2025, the Ministry of Defence will have a direct SME spending target.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-to-boost-small-businesses-benefitting-from-uks-defence-investment
Newable Inclusive Growth programme
Designed to help women and/or disabled business owners in Camden, Hackney, Tower Hamlets or to scale.
Participants receive 1-2-1 advice and support from experienced advisers, access to interactive webinars, peer networking sessions and visits to industry leaders.
https://go.newable.co.uk/InclusiveGrowthLondon
HAPi & Match Funding programmes
Are you a Heathrow Airport Limited employee actively involved with a voluntary group local to where you live? Does your group have an idea for example to promote health and wellbeing, connect Heathrow colleagues with their community, or support the local community? If so, you could qualify for a grant from our HAPi programme.
Grants of up to £2,500 are available to Heathrow Airport Ltd employees who are regular volunteers with non-profit organisations anywhere in the UK
Deadline: 10 April 2025
https://www.heathrowcommunitytrust.org/need-funding/for-heathrow-employees
Projects for Young People programme
Are you working to improve the lives of young people aged up to 24 years old? Do you have an idea to give young people new skills and self-confidence? Perhaps getting them into training, work or more involved in their community? Alternatively, you may have a project to increase young people's resilience?
If so, you could qualify for a grant from our Projects for Young People programme. Grants of up to £15,000 per year for up to two years are available for community groups working in Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Slough, Spelthorne, Richmond, Runnymede, South Bucks, or Windsor & Maidenhead.
Deadline: 15 April 2025
https://www.heathrowcommunitytrust.org/need-funding/projects-for-young-people
Grazie OTB Foundation
Funding innovative projects that break barriers, empower people, and create real opportunities for women, youth, and children. OTB Foundation’s 2024-2025 Brave Actions for a Better World grant supports nonprofit organizations based in Italy, the USA, and the UK working to promote social inclusion, empower people, and equal opportunities globally.
The program funds brave and impactful initiatives that improve the lives of women, youth, and children in disadvantaged situations, fostering long-term, sustainable change.
Foundation of the OTB group, the international fashion hub, which includes brands such as Diesel.
Grant offers a total of €200,000 to support social inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for initiatives aimed at women, young people, and migrants.
Deadlines 14 May and 15 September 2025
https://braveactions.italianonprofit.it/
Barclays Black Founder Accelerator
In partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. This bespoke 12-week programme is designed to help Black-led businesses in the UK become investment-ready and scale successfully. With expert-led funding growth workshops, business audits, investor office hours, and tailored investor introductions, founders will gain the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to secure funding and drive sustainable growth.
Deadline: 22 May 2025
https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/barclays-black-founder-accelerator/
Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10, business and non-academic
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110 million for ambitious research and innovation projects in any sector, and tailored support to develop careers for future leaders.
Eligibility:
Your project must:
· have a grant funding request of between £100,000 and £3 million last for a minimum of four years, with the option to extend for a further three years
· carry out all its project work in the UK
· intend to exploit results from or in UK
· be based at, or have the support of, an eligible non-academic host organisation
Deadline: 18 June 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-10/
The Power of Us: Collaborative Research in Health, Social Care and Wellbeing
BVSC, in collaboration with Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s (BCHC) Community Connexions, Flourish WM, Catalyst 4 Change, the University of Birmingham, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands and NIHR Midlands Patient Safety Research Collaboration, invites you to an inspiring conference that celebrates the power of community-driven participatory research in health, social care, and wellbeing.
When: 9th April 2025 – 9am to 4:30pm
Where: Birmingham City Football Club
https://www.bvsc.org/Event/the-power-of-us-collaborative-research-in-health-social-care-and-wellbeing
Urgent need for enterprise support plan
The National Enterprise Network has warned that local business support is under severe threat. With no funding plans beyond the end of March 2025, many enterprise agencies are already laying off staff and closing services.
According to the National Enterprise Network, the short-termism of funding contracts, which often go to private sector firms with no established advisory quality assurance, is undermining the provision of high-quality business support from experts delivered locally.
https://www.business-money.com/announcements/kier-starmer-warned-support-for-uk-businesses-risks-collapse-with-stalling-economic-growth-funding-delays-and/
Innovate UK Investor Showcase
Are you an innovative business in the Smarter Manufacturing: AI, Robotics & Digitisation sector looking to raise funding? Innovate UK is holding a day long face-to-face investment pitch event.
Where: London
When: 16th May 2025
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3nSK5GL9WptkRp35ZFoQz_pPouWY7jZvUVrloqLM-vb81aQ/viewform
ASDA Young Futures Fund
Supporting grassroots groups to improve mental health and wellbeing for teens and young people (13-21 years) to help build better futures.
https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/young-futures-fund/
Corra boost grants
Boost Small Grants programme 2025 is for local community organisations across Scotland supporting children and families affected by poverty.
Boost Small Grants provides grants of £500-£3,000 to constituted groups and charities with an annual income of £50,000 or less. Unconstituted groups can apply for grants of between £250-£1,500.
Boost 2025 is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between the STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, and Corra Foundation.
Deadline: 4 times a year
https://www.corra.scot/grants/boost-fund/
ARTCRY
Funds fast response political artworks in public space. Looking for artists to startle some sense into the world with radical and inspiring ideas.
They turnaround decisions on applications in 7 days so you can get to work faster. Grants of up to £2.5k.
www.artcry.co.uk/apply
Robertson Trust Funding
Community Spaces aims to support local communities experiencing poverty and trauma in Scotland, and is for registered charities with an annual income of between £30,000 and £500,000.
Through our Community Spaces Grant, we want to support local community centres, hubs or anchor organisations that are delivering and/ or hosting a range of services and activities in places with higher rates of poverty and trauma. Applicants should show how the various services they deliver and/or host relate to preventing or reducing poverty and trauma for local people.
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news-and-blogs/introducing-our-new-community-spaces-fund/
Migration Exchange
Shaping the Future: A Fund to Support Leadership in the Migration Sector. This fund has been co-created with sector experts to address the growing need for leadership capacity and capability in the refugee and migration sector. It provides resources for individuals, organisations, and networks to foster holistic, sustainable leadership development. Designed to bolster leadership in the refugee and migration sector. It offers targeted support to:
· Grassroots organisations
· Individuals with lived experience of migration
The fund promotes leadership development that is:
· Anti-oppressive: Challenging systemic inequities and power dynamics.
· Wellbeing-focused: Prioritising mental health and sustainable leadership practices.
· Grounded in lived experience: Building on the strengths and insights gained through lived experience of migration
https://global-dialogue.org/shaping-the-future-a-fund-to-support-leadership-in-the-migration-sector/
Green Man fund
Supporting positive change in the local community. Whether that’s fundraising for those affected by Storm Dennis in 2020, donating money to Local Food Banks in response to the cost of living crisis, supporting sports and hobbyist clubs, local outdoor community gatherings, developing Cwmdu Village Hall, supporting local Schools and sourcing equipment to help people with disabilities.
Aim is to ‘spread the good stuff,’ and bring people together. Green Man festival and Green Man Trust collectively have raised over £500K for community projects over the years.
Grants available range from £500 to £2,000.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://greenmantrust.org.uk/projects/positive-change-in-the-community/community-grants/
Investor partnerships: digital technologies, North East
UK registered small or medium sized business can apply for grant funding for projects that grow their innovation activities in the digital technologies cluster in North East England, alongside private investment from selected investor partners.
Eligibility:
● This competition is open to single applicants only.
● To apply your organisation must:
● be a UK registered micro, small or medium sized business
● carry out all its project work in the UK
● be growing your innovation activities in the North East of England
Deadline: 09 April 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/investor-partnerships-digital-technologies-north-east-round-2/
Wesleyan Community Grants
For organisations with income under £500k based in the West Midlands, their 2025 Community Grants are open until 7 Mar. Grants from £2,000 to 10,000 for: Climate Action, Quality Education, Reducing Inequalities, and Gender Equality and Good Health and Wellbeing. When you read the guidelines, these are wide ranging, including autism, disability, mental health, older people, dementia, domestic abuse, employment, and non binary and transgender.
For Wales, South West, South East, London, applications open 10 Mar to 21 Apr.
For North West, North East, Scotland and Northern Ireland, applications open 1 Sep to 4 Oct.
https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/foundation/apply-for-a-grant
Internet Freedom Fund
Provided by the US-based Open Technology Fund, offers financial awards to individuals and organisations to support innovative internet freedom projects, including technology development, research, digital security projects, and convenings.
The funding is intended to support projects that develop, research or implement tools enabling users - such as journalists, human rights defenders, activists and the general public - to bypass internet censorship, communicate securely, or access blocked information. It also aims to back applied research efforts that investigate the causes and locations of censorship, improve internet freedom tools, analyse targeted content, or assess threats to internet freedom in specific regions.
Eligibility:
● Individuals or organisations (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed or sex are eligible to apply.
● Worldwide
Deadline: ongoing
https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/
Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Local Collaboration Programme
This programme, which offers flexible funding over two years and development support, aims to help strengthen collaborations and build capabilities and confidence to achieve change within a local or regional area.
The funding is for influencing work that aligns with at least one of the following themes:
Making the social security system work better for those facing the greatest challenges.
Making sure people facing complex issues have access to suitable accommodation.
Improving support and services for asylum seekers and refugees.
There is particular interest in work that addresses inequalities within these three themes.
Priority will be given to applications that show that lived experience is centred in the collaboration’s design and delivery.
Grants of £100,000 over two years are available. Collaborations will also have the opportunity to extend the funding by a further year and an additional £50,000. It is expected that around 15 grants will be made.
Eligibility:
● Local collaborations or partnerships led by charities,
● CIOs registered with the Charity Commission, who have an annual income of between £25,000 and £1 million,
● Operate mainly in England and Wales.
Focus areas:
● Improve the appropriateness of accommodation: Bristol, Liverpool, London (specifically where focus is on the accommodation needs of women experiencing domestic abuse).
● Increase the availability of accommodation - Greater Manchester and Leeds.
● Increase the availability of support for people facing crisis/destitution - Leicester and Leicestershire, Lewes District, Middlesbrough, The Wirral, Wrexham and York.
● Improve the quality and appropriateness of employment support - London Borough of Lambeth.
● Improve the appropriateness of support for asylum seekers and refugees - Gateshead and Greater Manchester.
● Improve access to legal support for asylum seekers and refugees - Sheffield.
A pre-application webinar to talk through the programme will be held on 19 March 2025. Registration is via the Foundation’s website.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 30 April 2025
https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding
Mayor of London Community Fund
Nearly £1m to "bring communities together" for the mayor's Community Weekend 12 to 14 Sep, which will include events like barbecues and picnics, arts and cultural events and creative workshops. The campaign includes support for councils and community organisations to promote social cohesion – through the Community Recovery Fund and the Mayor's Community Weekend funding programme. The weekend fund has grants of £500 to £2,000.
Deadline: 30 April 2025
https://www.london.gov.uk/you-are-loved-and-wanted-london
Tackling health inequalities: the West Yorkshire Mayor’s big ideas challenge
A £1 million challenge funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate innovative solutions, products, or services to overcome health inequalities among local communities. It's for West Yorkshire SMEs to accelerate their solutions by providing: Twenty £20,000 development grants for selected finalists and three £100,000 final awards for continued development and commercialisation of solutions.
Deadline: 07 May 2025
https://challengeworks.org/challenge-prizes/tackling-health-inequalities/
IT4Good Grants Programme
Grants of up to £15,000 are available or educational establishments and constituted not-for-profit organisations across the UK to support IT projects and activities.
The WCIT Charity will support activities within the themes of education, inclusion, IT for charities, and understanding of IT, such as the development and delivery of new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware.
Projects that are more likely to be funded include:
● Projects where WCIT is a material or sole funder.
● Projects where WCIT is the sole funder of the IT component of a larger project.
● Organisations that could benefit from pro-bono support.
Proposals should demonstrate an innovative use of IT, be scalable for wider replication, and be sustainable over time. Grants of over £15,000 may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Applications are typically considered four committee meetings per year.
Deadline: 07 May 2025
https://wcitcharity.org.uk/
The Elephant Trust
Created in 1975 by Roland Penrose and Lee Miller with a view to developing and improving the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the fine arts in the United Kingdom.
The Trust aims to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. It is committed to helping artists and art institutions and galleries that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities.
Grants usually between £2,000 and £5,000, some larger grants may be awarded.
Deadline: 20 April 2025.
https://www.elephanttrust.org.uk/
Product Development & Protection
Online workshop, sponsored by Forresters IP, is designed to help innovators and businesses navigate the complexities of product development and intellectual property protection. With a focus on practical solutions, it will delve into topics like regulatory compliance, licensing strategies, and digital innovation—empowering attendees to refine their concepts and bring them to market with confidence.
When: 21st May 2025, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Where: Online
https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/workshop-3/
Birmingham Black Business Show
Keynote from former Olympic gold medal-winning athlete, President of Commonwealth Games England and President of UK Athletics, Dame Denise Lewis MBE.
Get ready for the electrifying return of Birmingham Black Business Show in 2025! With an exclusive lineup of killer speakers, 100 sessions to sit in on from panel discussions, to workshops, to 1-on-1 free career/business advice as well as an unparalleled shopping extravaganza featuring the finest Black-owned businesses in the Midlands to sink your teeth into.
When: Saturday 14th June 2025.
https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/
UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity (Grant)
Apply for funding to identify ways of supporting economic activity in places experiencing high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
Total size of grant scheme £1.2 million
Deadline: 06 May 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-creating-opportunities-rethinking-economic-inactivity/
Suez Communities Fund
Suez Communities Trust offering grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 for constituted not-for-profit groups across England to deliver projects that make improvements to local facilities, historic buildings and structures, sport and recreation facilities communities in qualifying SUEZ Recycling and Recovery sites.
Fund will support capital improvement works to public amenity projects for community use, such as:
● Village hall improvements.
● Nature reserves and conservation.
● Village greens.
● Community centres.
● Public playgrounds.
● Cycle paths.
● Sports fields and facilities.
● Country parks.
● Historic buildings, structures, or sites.
Public amenities must be open to the public for a minimum of four evenings a week, two days a week, or 104 days a year. Improvements to places of religious worship will only be considered if they are Grade I designated. Projects to improve other historic buildings, structures, or sites must be Grade I, II, or II*, or have another significant heritage designation such as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There is a two-stage application process. Groups must first submit an online Expression of Interest before being invited to submit a full application. There are typically four funding rounds each year.
Deadline: 14 May 2025
https://www.suez.co.uk/en-gb/our-offering/communities-and-individuals/giving-something-back/suez-communities-fund
Cambridge Social Innovation Prize
An annual award celebrating exceptional founder-CEOs of scale-up social enterprises, is now accepting applications for 2025. Targeting mid-career social innovators with a proven track record in the UK, the Prize focuses on leaders ready to expand their impact and reach new heights.
Unlike other awards for rising stars or lifetime achievements, this initiative uniquely emphasizes personal and professional development. Awarded by Trinity Hall and the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation at the University of Cambridge, the Prize offers winners a £10,000 cash award for development opportunities, expert mentoring from Cambridge Social Ventures at Cambridge Judge Business School, and access to a thriving network of social innovators at Trinity Hall.
Dedline: 17 April 2025.
https://www.trinhall.cam.ac.uk/news/social-innovators-invited-to-compete-for-prestigious-life-changing-prize/
Show Her The Money - Birmingham (UK) Screening
Join The Lifted Project for the evening as they bring together the most influential and inspiring people across the Region's entrepreneurial landscape, and demonstrate what The Lifted Project aims to achieve and the important role that you can play in that.
When: 10th April 2025
Where: Millennium Point, Birmingham
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-date-show-her-the-money-birmingham-uk-screening-tickets-1095101190139
William Sutton Prize for Sustainability
Supports projects that contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural world, benefiting residents and communities. Successful applicants can receive up to £50,000 in funding alongside tailored project support. The William Sutton Prize for Connected Communities provides up to £25,000 in funding, along with expert support from Clarion and the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, to support impact-led ideas that enhance social housing residents' physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Deadline: 08 April 2025
https://www.clarionhg.com/about-us/partner-with-us/william-sutton-prize
Funding for Activities to Improve the Lives of the Elderly
Small grants are available to fund projects to improve the lives of the elderly across the UK. Home Instead Charities awards grants of up to £1,500 to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations for well-being events, activities or pastimes that prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst adults over 55.
Eligible projects may include regular events such as a cinema club, knitting group, or lunch club; one-off activities like a day trip or Christmas lunch; or other initiatives such as yoga classes or guest speaker sessions.
Deadline: Applications can be submitted four times per year in January, April, July and October.
https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/charities/how-we-do-it/apply-for-a-grant/
Stobart Sustainability Fund
Grants are available to UK non-profit organisations, community groups and educational institutions for projects that address climate change, reduce carbon emissions or protect the environment.
Funding is intended to support community-led sustainability projects and initiatives by non-profit organisations, community groups and educational facilities. The Stobart Sustainability Fund aims to help these groups transform their local communities by tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions or protecting and enhancing the environment.
https://eddiestobart.com/the-stobart-sustainability-fund/
London Tech Week 2025
Where industries connect, partnerships thrive, and groundbreaking ideas come to life. At London Tech Week you will hear visionary insights, and see innovation in action:
● Unmatched scale and impact – from global leaders to disruptive startups, to trailblazing enterprises
● Visionary speakers – the brightest minds, sharing insights that spark real change
● The place to do business – from investment deals to strategic partnerships, London Tech Week is where industries connect
● Immersive activations – tech playground that brings innovation to life
When: 9–13 June 2025
Where: Olympia and across London
https://londontechweek.com/
Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10
Funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit. There is no minimum or maximum project cost. UKRI funds 80% of full economic cost (FEC).
Your project can last for up to four years, with the option to apply to renew for a further three years.
Eligibility:
● You must be an early career researcher or innovator who is either:
● looking to establish or transition to independence
● developing their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting
● You must be based at, and have the support of, an eligible academic or non-academic institution eligible for UKRI funding.
Deadline: 18 June 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-10/
Student Interns
Contact these wonderful people for interns, a very few students are fully-funded by the institution. The others you’ll need to fund. Put the effort in & they will absolutely repay that extra effort:
Aston University – Sarah Collins s.collins3@aston.ac.uk Careers <careers_postgrad@aston.ac.uk>
Emma Johnson - University of Birmingham <e.o.johnson@bham.ac.uk>
Leslie Griffiths - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>
Helen Hobson - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>
Amardeep Paneser – Birmingham City University (BCU) <Amardeep.paneser@bcu.ac.uk>
Nicole Riley - Birmingham City University (BCU) <Nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk>
Trina Tiernan - Joseph Chamberlain College <ttiernan@jcc.ac.uk>
Violet Williams - BMet <violet.williams@bmet.ac.uk>
Marika Beckford <Marika.Beckford@bmet.ac.uk>
University College Birmingham (UCB) <hired@ucb.ac.uk>
University of Warwick - employerconnect@warwick.ac.uk
Coventry University - talentteam@coventry.ac.uk
Spring Statement Outlines New Measures to Support Economic Growth: Summary
Delivering her Spring Statement the Chancellor has outlined a range of financial and structural support measures aimed at fostering economic growth, creating jobs and supporting businesses.
Key announcements:
● Construction Skills Investment
Commitment of £625 million over four years to support training in the construction sector. Includes funding for additional apprenticeship placements and skills bootcamps, aimed at delivering up to 60,000 skilled workers, supporting the government's plan to deliver 1.5 million homes in England over the parliament.
● Technical Excellence Colleges
A further £100 million to establish 10 new technical colleges across England, specialising in construction training to address sector-specific skill shortages, and £165 million to increase funding for training providers delivering construction courses for 16-19-year-olds and adults.
● Defence Sector Growth
Increased investment in UK Defence Innovation, with a dedicated £400 million budget to accelerate procurement processes and support the development of emerging technologies such as AI, autonomous systems, and dual-use technology.
● Investment in Social and Affordable Homes
The government has allocated £2 billion for social and affordable housing in 2026-27. This funding is expected to deliver 18,000 new homes, with further investment plans to be confirmed in the upcoming Spending Review.
● Support for Devolved Governments
An additional £58 million will be distributed to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through the Barnett formula, enabling further investment in regional economies.
● Business Tax Reforms
Consultations are underway to simplify Research and Development tax reliefs and provide more certainty for businesses investing in innovation. The government is also reviewing the business rates system to support high street businesses and encourage investment.
● Business Tariffs
The government is temporarily exempting numerous goods from tariff duty to avoid unnecessary costs for UK businesses. This measure will suspend tariffs on goods including plywood and a range of food stuffs until June 2027.
● UK Export Finance Expansion
The lending capacity for defence exports has been increased by £2 billion, bringing the total to £10 billion, with the aim of strengthening international trade opportunities for UK businesses.
● Strategic Road Network Investment
£4.8 billion will be allocated in 2025-26 for road renewals and local road maintenance, supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.
These measures form part of the government's broader strategy to create economic stability and long-term growth.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/spring-statement-2025
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