Apply for Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme (UK)

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme supports Scottish charities and organisations working to tackle poverty, deprivation, and the needs of vulnerable communities. The programme places particular emphasis on supporting women, children, and young people across Scotland. Eligible organisations can request up to £5,000 for projects lasting up to one year, with both core and project costs eligible for support.

About the Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme

The programme provides funding to charities and organisations addressing social and economic challenges across Scotland. Priority is given to work that helps people experiencing poverty and deprivation or provides targeted support to vulnerable groups, particularly: - Women. - Children. - Young people. - Vulnerable families. - People experiencing social or economic disadvantage. Projects must align with at least one of the programme’s priority themes. Funding Available Applicants can request up to £5,000.

Key funding details include:

- Maximum grant: £5,000.

- Maximum project period: one year.

- Core costs are eligible. - Project costs are eligible. - Applicant income must not exceed £350,000 based on the organisation’s most recent annual accounts. The funding can therefore support both specific projects and eligible core organisational costs.

Priority Theme 1: Tackling Poverty and Deprivation

The programme supports initiatives that address the effects and underlying challenges of poverty and deprivation.

Eligible areas can include:

- Support for vulnerable families. - Food provision. - Mental health projects for people living in poverty. - Other activities that directly address poverty and deprivation. Projects should demonstrate how they will provide meaningful support to people experiencing financial or social disadvantage.

Priority Theme 2: Supporting Women

The programme places particular emphasis on supporting women experiencing vulnerability, isolation, abuse, poverty, or other difficult circumstances.

Priority groups and activities include:

- Isolated and lone mothers. - Black and minority ethnic women and children. - Asylum seekers. - Women prisoners and their families. - Victims of sexual abuse. - Victims of rape. - Victims of domestic violence. - Women working in the sex industry. - Antenatal care for young mothers. - Postnatal care for young mothers. - Support for women affected by postnatal depression. Organisations working directly with these groups can seek funding for eligible activities that address their needs and improve their wellbeing and circumstances.

Priority Theme 3: Supporting Children and Young People

The programme also supports children and young people who are disadvantaged or at risk.

Eligible areas include:

- Counselling services. - Outreach services. - Support for children experiencing neglect. - Support for children affected by abuse. - Support for young people affected by substance misuse. - Services addressing disadvantage among children and young people. Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to children or young people experiencing vulnerability or difficult circumstances. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for charities and organisations working in Scotland to address poverty, deprivation, and the needs of vulnerable groups. Applicants must have an income of no more than £350,000, based on their most recent annual accounts. Organisations should also ensure that their proposed work aligns with at least one of the programme’s priority themes. What Costs Are Eligible? Both core costs and project costs can be supported. This means funding may contribute toward eligible costs associated with delivering a specific project as well as appropriate organisational core costs. Applicants should ensure that their requested funding directly supports work aligned with the programme’s objectives. What Is Not Eligible? Certain types of organisations and expenditure are excluded from the programme.

The following are not eligible:

- Organisations with income exceeding £350,000. - Capital projects. - Large equipment purchases. The income limit is assessed using the applicant organisation’s most recent annual accounts. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their work addresses the programme’s priorities.

A strong application should:

- Explain the poverty, deprivation, or vulnerability being addressed. - Identify the specific community or group that will benefit. - Clearly connect the project to one or more priority themes. - Explain how the proposed activities will support beneficiaries. - Provide a realistic budget. - Demonstrate why the organisation is well placed to deliver the work. - Ensure requested costs are eligible. - Keep the proposed project within the one-year funding period. Why This Funding Matters Poverty and deprivation can create significant barriers to health, wellbeing, safety, education, and participation in community life. By supporting organisations working with vulnerable women, children, young people, and families, the Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme can help community organisations deliver practical services to people facing challenging circumstances. The flexible availability of both core and project costs can also help eligible organisations maintain and deliver important support services. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can an organisation request? Applicants can request up to £5,000. How long can a funded project last? Funding is available for a maximum period of one year. What types of costs can the grant support? Both core costs and project costs are eligible. What is the applicant income limit? Applicant organisations must have an income of no more than £350,000, based on their most recent annual accounts. What are the main priority areas? The three main priority themes are tackling poverty and deprivation, supporting women, and supporting children and young people. Does