External Funding Opportunities January 2026

  • The Household Support Fund is open in the following areas: Boston Borough, East Lindsey, South Holland, South Kesteven and West Lindsey. The criteria differ between the Districts, but if you visit the designated webpage here, you can find out whether you’re eligible and make an application. It can take up to 3 weeks for an outcome of whether the application has been successful. If you have any queries, please contact the HSF Team at Lincolnshire Community Foundation on 01529 572575 or email [email protected].
  • Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities. Charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to support children and adults with severe learning difficulties and autism. The funding is through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works, and cover project and core costs. Previous grants have supported capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools, and the following schemes, employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play and play therapy; day and social activities centres; support for families, respite; independent living; support in the community; and Snoezelen rooms. Deadline for funding over £9,000 is 31st March. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time.
  • Funding for Charities Supporting Vulnerable People. The Matrix Causes Fund has reopened for applications, providing grants to organisations working to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Funding of up to £6,500 for one-off projects or up to £4,500 per year for up to 3 years is available for initiatives promoting access to justice, equality of opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include registered charities and organisations established for charitable purposes. The fund supports work with groups such as refugees, people affected by the justice system, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing social or economic disadvantage. Deadline 31st March 2026.
  • Funding for Projects that Support the Education and Development of Children and Young People. Schools, colleges and community groups can apply for grants to support the education and development of children and young people through educational, cultural, sporting and other projects. Projects that will help enhance the self-confidence, teamwork skills and future employability of CYP are of particular interest. In most cases, grants are made on a relatively small scale. Many grants will be <£2,000, most will be < £5,000, and a few will exceed £10,000. The funding provided by the BlueSpark Foundation can be for physical assets, services or facilities, or the provision of experiences (such as theatre visits). Applications can be submitted anytime.
  • UnLtd has reopened its Funding Futures Programme for UK entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30. This scheme supports business ideas designed to improve financial well-being in disadvantaged communities. Two funding tiers are available: up to £8,000 for start-ups and up to £18,000 for existing ventures less than four years old. In addition to grants, participants receive tailored support including coaching, legal guidance, and financial training. Projects must focus on “financial inclusion,” helping people better access banking or money services. Applications are currently open, with assessments taking place between January and March 2026.