Hi there, here is December’s update!
This is the final ‘Straight Forward Funding free monthly newsletter of 2025’, and I’d like to thank each of you for reading, sharing – and taking action on the information I include each month.I’m taking a slightly extended break over Christmas but I should return to your inbox around the 5th January.Before we dive right into the final update, I need to continue a tradition I’ve created over the last few years – to give a shout out to an organisation/business that I’ve worked with during the year – that I can sincerely recommend.
In fact, this year I’m including two businesses who are local to me – but who often work with organisations in the North or the whole of the UK. As a ‘micro business’ (Straight Forward Funding is just me…) having services you can find and rely on is absolutely vital, we just don’t have the time, money or capacity to risk anything other than ‘reliable and effective’.
I’ve known both Richard and Clair (who I’m about to introduce to you) for a number of years now, and have worked with and alongside them many times now.
And I can highly recommend both.
Introducing:
Clair Wright is a messaging specialist and copywriter. Clair can help you get your message across to funders, supporters and participants.
Clair can work with you to get to the heart of your “why” and help you express it in a way that connects with your audience – whether that’s in your emails, your newsletter or on your website. Clair offers one-off sessions to work on your messaging, as well as “done for you” services including:
- email sequences
- Newsletters
- Website copy
Find out more on Clair’s website clairwright.com or connect with her on:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clair-wright/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/clairwrightcopy/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairwrightcopy/
And also introducing:
Local (to me) PR expert Richard Byrne (AKA Diversity PR) who got in touch with me recently and mentioned he is looking for one or two more PR clients in 2026.
In the past two months his stories have featured on The One Show, Mailonline, The Sun and Yahoo Life!
Here’s an example of one of Richard’s stories:
Richard also works extensively with local media in Yorkshire and beyond. Check out some of his work on the news page of his website here. You can get hold of Richard on richard@diversitypr.co.uk or find him on Linkedin
And finally – a bit about me!!!
I’ve been kept extremely busy in 2025 delivering mentoring, coaching and training packages for my local Community Foundation, Third Sector Leaders, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and numerous schools and Academy Trusts.
This is what a couple of these organisations had to say:
“Lisa at Straight Forward Funding has been an absolute dream to work with. Lisa has given back to the next generation of business professionals by taking part in the Student Consultancy Project at the School of Business, Education and Law.”
“Lisa consulted with a team of Master’s students on a business problem, sharing her internal business knowledge of the third sector which resulted in the students providing recommendations and a full report. The team had nothing but praise for Lisa’s time, effort, expertise and support throughout the process. We would not hesitate to work with Lisa again in the future.”
Stakeholder Engagement Team School of Business, Education and Law
University of Huddersfield
“I had the privilege of collaborating with Lisa Jagger when our Behaviour Change programme at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority engaged her to deliver support for the Community Grant’s project. Lisa supported community groups and individuals across West Yorkshire to enhance their skills through grant writing workshops.”
“Lisa was an absolute joy to work with—professional, approachable, and incredibly knowledgeable in the complex world of grant writing. Her expertise and ability to simplify what can often feel like a minefield made a huge difference to the groups she worked with. Lisa delivered a fantastic service that was both impactful and empowering, leaving participants better equipped to secure funding for their vital projects.”
“I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone seeking guidance in grant writing or community development.”
Kirsty Atkinson | Senior Engagement & Development Officer
(Behaviour Change)
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
I’m now taking bookings for 2026!
If your school, organisation, MAT, Trust or Local authority are interested in increasing the amount of grant funding invested within your area, community or school – and would like to support the development of skills, knowledge, confidence and motivation for those tasked with applying for grants – please get in touch to see how I can help.
Let’s just keep it simple – just email me at lisa@straightforwardfunding.com for further information or to arrange an informal chat.
#Funding News
Henry Smith 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.
Grant amount: £500 – £3000 per trip
Trip length: A day trip or residential trips of up to 7 days
Age range: Children must be aged 13 or under
Eligible organisations: Youth groups and UK-based non-profits with an organisational income below £2m, and schools
Applications for trips between 12 January and 30 April 2026 are open from 1 December 2025 and 19 March 2026.
- 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.
- They will prioritise groups supporting disabled children and those with limited access to funds to go on holiday.
The Macmillan CARE Grants Programme supports community organisations across the UK to tackle unfairness in cancer care. We want to fund projects that challenge the current system and create lasting change for people facing the greatest barriers to care.
Grant Value: £50,000 to £150,000They will fund projects under three themes:
- Cultural Responsiveness in Cancer Care
Projects that help healthcare services better understand and meet the cultural needs of different communities and remove barriers to person-centred care.
- Shared Decision-Making
Projects that make it easier for people to understand their treatment options, take part in decisions about their cancer care, and reduce unfair differences in how this happens.
- Dementia-Friendly Cancer Care
Projects that support people living with both cancer and dementia, improve their care experience, and help them and their carers take part in treatment decisions.
The closing date for applications is 23 January 2026
Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust Recipients must be registered charities but the trustees have complete discretion as to the type of charitable work supported. In recent years there has been some concentration on support for charities working with children or young people and those active in the environment and the arts.
Applications are considered by the trustees each quarter in January, April, July and October.
Charles Hayward Foundation predominantly small, local projects which improve the physical and emotional health of older people. UK registered charities that have an annual income of less than £350,000.can apply. The trustees will fund projects with a one year grant of up to £7,000. Will accept applications at any time during the year.
Older People Theme: Will only fund projects exclusively for the benefit of older people (over 60s) in the following sub-categories:
- Programmes aiming to alleviate isolation and depression in older people, including informal day care, or regular social, physical and recreational activities.
- Programmes which give practical help, assistance and support for older people living in their own homes.
- Programmes addressing the emotional and practical needs of people with dementia and their carers.
Charles Haywood Foundation also gives grants under the following themes: Social & Criminal Justice; Overseas, ( and Heritage & Conservation but this theme is currently closed)
Masonic Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and young people, as well as vulnerable older people, in England and Wales. Their Charity Grants programme is open to registered charities in England and Wales working with any of their priority groups.
Grants can be offered to charities/projects that are focusing on:
- Early Years
- Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
- Domestic Abuse
Small grants are for smaller charities whose annual income is between £25,000 and £500,000, according to the latest published accounts.
Small grants are unrestricted and do not have to be used on a specific purpose.
Small grants range from £1,000 – £5,000 per year, for up to three years
The total amount of the grant requested must not exceed 20 per cent of the total income of the charity, averaged over the past two years.
Large grants are for larger charities whose annual income is between £500,000 and £5 million, according to the latest published accounts. Large grants are restricted for specific projects with defined goals and budgets, and may be spent on, for example, salaries, equipment, training, monitoring and administration.
Large grants usually range from £10,000 to £60,000 in total spread over one to three years. The MCF has a preference for multiyear funding (for example, £20,000 per year for three years or £30,000 per year for two years). Will consider one year grants only in exceptional circumstances such as for pilot projects.
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline fund now in its eighth year of running, offers grants of up to £10,000 over 18 months to women’s and girls’ organisations to support campaigning and influencing work that enables women and girls to use their voice to achieve change.
Will fund organisations that will raise women’s voices and challenge inequality.
The deadline for applications is 4pm on Tuesday 9th December. You need to submit your application form and video by this date.
Fight for Sight – Digital Inclusion Fund
Purpose of the fund: To improve access to employment for blind and vision impaired people by driving digital inclusion at crucial points as people start to get themselves work ready and start or develop their careers.
Maximum funding per project: £30,000
Project duration: 12 – 36 months
Deadline: 6th January, Midday, 2026
This funding is for organisations that directly support blind and vision impaired people or people at risk of losing their sight. They fund the following types of organisations:
- UK registered charities
- Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO)
- Charitable Companies, limited by guarantee
- Community Interest Companies (CIC), limited by guarantee
- Exempt charities (e.g. educational establishments)
Music for All Round five funding application window is now open!
Financial support is available to community projects and individuals in the following categories:
- Groups working with those facing chronic diseases & conditions affecting quality of life
- Groups working with those facing financial hardship
- Youth Clubs (and comparable organisations)
- Half size classical guitars
- Descant recorder packs with sheet music pack
- Learn to Play award (for individuals)
Please read the eligibility criteria and instructions below carefully before applying. Applications should be received by 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026 (with witness statement forms received by 12 noon on Friday 16 January 2026).
#Just for Schools
The condition improvement fund is capital funding which:
- keeps school and college buildings in good working order
- supports a small number of expansion projects
Eligible academies, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided schools can apply for funding in an annual bidding round. The information for applicants document includes information on:
- which schools are eligible
- projects that are appropriate for funding
- how they assess applications
Applications are now open for 2026 to 2027
The Great British School Trip Bursary applications for Phase 2 are now open! If you are looking for financial help for a school trip taking place between 1st January-30th March 2026, they might be able to help.
Simply click ‘apply now’ and fill in the application form before 10am on 3rd December. You will need to know:
- Your school’s address.
- Your school’s ‘free school meals’ percentage.
- The number of students and adults attending the trip.
- The date of your trip. For Phase 2, trips must occur between 1st January – 30th March 2026.
- The school trip venue you are attending.
Bursaries are available to all UK schools and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Priority is given to those who have more than 40% of their pupils receiving free school meals. We do not provide funding towards trips outside of the UK. For more details see our T&C’s.
For trips taking place after 30th March
If you are looking for funding towards a trip that takes after 30th March 2026, don’t worry. Phase two of the bursary opens at 4pm on 3rd December.
Let Teachers Shine – Grants and support for innovative teachers – applications now open
Each year, from October to January, they invite practising teachers from across England to submit their innovative ideas through a simple application process.
Winners receive up to £25,000 in funding over two years, along with tailored training and support.
SHINE is dedicated to empowering teachers with creative project ideas that can be tested and refined to enhance outcomes for socio-economically disadvantaged children in the North of England.
Applications close at midnight on 14 January 2026.
#Useful Stuff
Free Webinar: charity trading essentials
NCVO are running this webinar in partnership with Withers LLP Date: Wednesday 28 January 14:00 until 15:30 (zoom)
By the end of the event, you’ll:
- understand what trading means and the different types of trading activity
- know when it is appropriate to set up a trading subsidiary and what to consider before doing so
- be clear on where to find guidance and advice to ensure your trading activities comply with charity law and good practice
- hear real-life insights from a charity already trading and learn from their experience.
This webinar is suitable for anyone interested in exploring or managing trading within a charity. This includes:
- chief executives and leaders of small charities and voluntary organisations
- trustees and treasurers
- finance directors and managers
- development or income generation leads, fundraising directors and managers.
Before I go…..
See you next year!
Lisa Jaggar
Straight Forward Funding Ltd
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