Various funding opportunities

Funding is now available to local and national charities or not-for-profit organisations that address rural and urban deprivation. Under the Urban Deprivation grants are available for projects that could include for example;• youth clubs; • training schemes to help people out of unemployment; • drop in centres for the homeless. For further information see Trusthouse Charitable Foundation.

The Small Grants Scheme is open to community and voluntary groups and has been designed for projects with a total cost of under £50,000, grants can be awarded of between £2,000 and £15,000. Typical projects suitable under the WREN small grant scheme might include;• village halls or community centres • skates parks and play areasThe closing date for applications is 5 pm on the 26th September 2008. For further information.

Young Roots offers grants of between £3,000 and £25,000. The scheme aims to involve 13-20 year-olds (up to 25 for those with special needs) in finding out about their heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting community involvement. To receive a Young Roots grant, your project must relate to the varied heritage of the UK and: • provide new opportunities for a wider range of young people aged 13 to 25 to learn about their own and others' heritage; • allow young people to lead and take part in creative and engaging activities; • develop partnerships between youth organisations and heritage organisations; and • create opportunities to celebrate young people's achievements in the project and share their learning with the wider community.In April 2008 the Heritage Lottery Fund introduced new application materials and guidance for this programme. During this transitional year the Fund will start assessing applications under this new programme on the 1st September 2008 decisions will be announced within 10 weeks of an application. For Further information see their website.