Hi there, here is February’s update!
I nearly ran out of time to create this newsletter! I started to look through this years Smiley Charity Film Awards which are incredibly moving, and tell some incredible stories. I usually have a system for choosing who I vote for in this kind of thing (anyone who knows me understands how I like a good system!!!). Usually I can prioritise who will get my vote using a few questions such as this:
- Do I personally know the entrant organisation…
- Is the organisation local to me…
- Do I have a personal connection with the cause…
- Is the cause one I champion anyway..
- Does the organisation subscribe to my Membership Programme…
- Is the organisation one of my clients…
But this year it has been really difficult to choose who to nominate. And once I started watching each film it became harder not easier! This was my own personal shortlist:
What’s really important though is that every single one of all the entrants to the Awards get their stories out. So please head over – and do vote for someone!
PS I realised you can vote for more than one – problem solved!!!
My Plans for 2026!
If you are not already familiar with the Straight Forward Funding Membership Programme just click here to find out more.
I will be opening to new members later this month – watch this space!!
#Funding News
Rise Pilot Programme offers grants up to £30,000 to help small and medium armed forces charities become stronger and more resilient. It’s for charities supporting those in need of special consideration for giving the most through service, including those charities working with more complex, but smaller, groups of beneficiaries.
All projects must meet this overarching aim and the following programme outcome:
The organisation has developed an actionable vision to more effectively provide its services to those in the UK armed forces community who’ve given the most.
Apply by midday on 18 February 2026. You’ll receive a decision before the end of March 2026.
The Health Lottery Foundation – Community Choice is for charities and CICs with an annual income of £300,000 or less. It’s designed to be a quick and easy way to put your organisation forward to receive a grant. The funding pot is open for nominations from Monday 2 February at 9am to Friday 27 February at 5pm. Ten organisations will be selected at random to be awarded the £1,000 grant. They will be contacted in early March.
You can nominate if you work with a charity or CIC that has:
- Activities that improve health and wellbeing in England, Scotland and Wales
- An annual income of £300,000 or less
- Been running for 2 years or more
- A bank account in the organisation’s name
The Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust Grants are normally awarded twice a year, in April and September (following application deadlines of 15 February and 15 August). The maximum grant is £5,000 but some organisations only require modest sums and applicants are welcome to apply for grants of less than £500. Typical grants are usually in the range of £3,500- £5,000.
The objectives of the Trust are:
- to promote horticulture;
- to promote the conservation of the physical and natural environment by promoting biological diversity through the application of horticultural techniques
- to promote the creation, development, preservation and maintenance of gardens (preference will normally, but not exclusively, be given to gardens accessible to the public); and
- the advancement of horticultural education.
The Peter Sell Award invite applications which seek to do the following:
- Widen engagement and involvement in Scouting and Guiding – in particular, the Trustees welcome applications that will encourage people to engage with scouting or guiding who have not previously done so.
- That will have a legacy beyond the initial expenditure of the grant – e.g. through a focus and engagement in environmental projects or by encouraging engagement of people in such projects, some of whom may then remain involved in the long term.
Applications will be considered at each of the Trustees meetings held in March and October. Therefore the deadlines for receipt of application are 14th February and 14th September. The successful applicant(s) will be notified by the end of March and the end of October respectively.
The Four Nations International Fund helps artists and creative practitioners from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales collaborate with each other and with partners around the world.
The fund exists to make international collaboration easier at a time of global challenges like the pandemic, Brexit, rising costs, and climate concerns. We invite artists, cultural professionals and organisations to think about how working more closely across the four UK nations could strengthen their projects. Delivered in partnership with Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International and Creative Scotland.
The Matrix Causes Fund (a charitable fund administered by Prism) provides support to organisations which promote access to justice, equality of opportunity, or a sustainable environment.
While all applications which meet the criteria are welcome, priority will be given to projects where the benefit can be most widely felt, and from organisations based in London, and / or those organisations who focus is on supporting the needs of vulnerable persons such as people (particularly children) with disabilities, women in refuges, refugees and asylum seekers, people with mental health difficulties, prisoners etc.
UK charity applicants can apply for one of the following MCF grants:
- A one-off grant of up to £6,500 (GBP), or
- A multi-year grant of up to £4,500 (GBP) a year, for up to three years (funds for years 2 and 3 will be released upon receipt of a grant report at the end of the previous year’s cycle)
The fund only accepts applications for consideration in one of the following windows:
Cycle 1: 10am 01 January – midday on 31 March (UK time)
Cycle 2: 10am 01 July – midday on 30 September (UK time)
#Just for Schools
Online safety webinars for schools Free training to help you keep children safe online, supported by Vodafone.
This free eight-part webinar series covers the online safety topics children and young people want you to know about.
Hear from safeguarding experts who will share case studies and the first-hand perspectives of children and young people. Join us live each month from September 2025 to April 2026 or catch up on demand at a time that suits you.
The webinars cover essential topics such as harmful content, grooming, scams, navigating social media and digital footprints.
British Science Week 2026 free activity packs available now!
The theme of the packs is ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’ – all about encouraging children and research can help uncover the answers.
#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.
Innovate UK Travel Awards 2025/2026 Organisations will be awarded up to £750 towards travel and accommodation costs to attend specific key European Events. This is an excellent opportunity to build new projects and international partnerships in technology areas of your interest and facilitate your participation in Horizon Europe, EUREKA Programme and other UK Bilateral R&D agreements with European countries.
Applications will be evaluated after the deadline for submission and all applicants informed of the result of the evaluation. While this opportunity is open to all innovation organisations UK-based R&D SMES will be prioritised.
CAST Digital Leads Network(DLN) brings together more than 450 people who are leading, shaping or supporting digital work in charities, social enterprises and community organisations across the UK. It’s a space to connect with peers, share learning, talk honestly about challenges, and strengthen confidence and skills across the sector.
Who’s it for? Anyone in a not-for-profit who plays a key role in digital – whether your job title includes ‘digital’ or not. Members come from organisations of all sizes and causes, from senior leaders to hands-on practitioners.
If you’re working to make digital better in your organisation, you’re welcome to join the network. Membership is free.
Before I go…..
See you next month!
PS. Are you making the most of my free resources? Use these links to receive my:
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‘Straight Forward Funding Resources’ Facebook Group, where I post more info about funding, along with any useful information and resources.