Oldham

Aims/priorities: The Access Fund is designed to help registered Arts Award centres who would not otherwise be able to complete Arts Award due to a lack of funds. It is managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England and was launched in 2005. It is now flourishing in arts centres, colleges and schools, community projects, libraries, galleries, local authorities, theatres, youth clubs and youth justice settings.

The grant can be used for the following:

Aims/priorities: The aim of the Trust is to give people of all ages the opportunities to access, participate in and enjoy the arts (particularly the performing arts), and support projects that widen access and have a lasting cultural impact on local communities.

The application periods for 2026 are as follows:

Aims/priorities: This investment programme supports venues, festivals and promoters, recording studios and rehearsal spaces as well as sector bodies operating in grassroots music. It also supports grassroots music sector bodies in their work to develop and support the sector.

Eligible projects support the transition of artists, bands and industry professionals to sustainable careers in music, as well as the development of new audiences and the grassroots music sector as a whole.

Aims/Priorities: The funding is for projects that improve the physical infrastructure of the institution concerned to enhance the display, care and accessibility of significant collections

Who can apply? The Fund is open to bids from accredited museums, museum services and galleries in England falling into one of the following categories:

Aims/Priorities: The Trust offers grants to registered charities who are working towards a just and equitable society through three separate programmes:

• Themed Grants - accepting applications in September 2025. This year's theme is ‘the rehabilitation of imprisoned and formally-imprisoned offenders in England and Wales’.
• Small Grants - accepting applications in December 2025.
• Three Year Grants - closed until 2027.

Who can apply? Charities registered in England and Wales may apply.

Aims/Priorities: The funding is for churches, charities, and not-for-profit organisations affiliated with the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church, or the Church of Ireland for initiatives that promote the wellbeing of Anglican clergy.

Projects should focus on services like peer support groups, retreats, mentoring, or pastoral care to support clergy with their health and wellbeing.

Who can apply? Churches, charities and not-for-profit organisations within the UK can apply.

Aims/Priorities: The Foundation aims to support innovative projects and initiatives that drive positive, life-saving, and life-transforming change in communities in the UK and around the world. 

Who can apply? In this funding round, UK-registered organisations that have a global operation can apply. 

Organisations must have been established for at least three years and have an annual turnover of between £50,000 and less than £500,000.

Grant Amount: Between £5,000 and £30,000 are currently available. 

Aims/Priorities: The Ockenden International Prize is awarded to registered charities with existing projects/programmes that have been successful in improving the lives of refugees and/or internally displaced people. Projects can take place anywhere in the world.

The judges are looking for projects primarily from small-to-medium-scale organisations that promote self-reliance among refugees and/or displaced people.

Aims/Priorities: This fund aims to support projects that focus on tackling risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public’s awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour to keep people safe in their homes.

Who can apply? Charities, community interest companies (CICs) trusts, and registered not-for-profit organisations that help those who are most vulnerable to electrical risk and injury can apply. 

Priority will be given to organisations that meet the following criteria: 

Aims/Priorities: The Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund supports museums and their community partners to improve inclusion and equitable working with community partners.

The fund offers: