Funding opportunities for early years groups
Sources of funding and support
Below are some websites which provide details on various funding bodies, and also some organisations which actively support groups in identifying funding bodies and completing applications.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund was created from the merger of the Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund. It is responsible for distributing over half of all lottery funding for good causes and supports a wide range of organisations including voluntary and community groups, local authorities, health bodies, schools and other education bodies and private sector organisations.
Awards for All - Scotland
Awards for All - Scotland is a Lottery programme which provides funding to not-for-profit groups, parish or town councils, schools or health bodies, using a combination of funds from each of the Lottery distributors. The office in Glasgow deals directly with Scottish bids and there is a dedicated website. The maximum amount awarded is £10,000. You can apply at any time and the application form is reasonably short and simple.
Contact details
Awards for All - Scotland
4th Floor
1 Atlantic Quay
1 Robertson Street
Glasgow
G2 8JB
Tel: 0141 242 1400
The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
This provides a funding source which is mainly concerned with reclaiming land, the use of which has previously been prohibited. However, it is also interested in bids for developments which promote biodiversity conservation for UK species habitats, which could help to finance an outdoor/wildlife garden area within a school or nursery.
FundFinder
Fundfinder is a UK-based organisation which develops and distributes software to help individuals and not-for-profit organisations to identify funding bodies which might give them money. It has a very comprehensive website, which gives advice (sometimes at a low cost) on the whole process, from identifying possible funders to helpful information on how to complete a successful bid.
Work with Us
This organisation provides low-cost, online fundraising and marketing services for not-for-profit organisations.
Scottish Community Foundation
The work of this organisation covers a wide range of social welfare and community development activities through a number of different grant programmes. Local authority schools and nurseries are not eligible to apply, but not-for-profit organisations such as playgroups or voluntary sector nurseries may apply for funding.
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
CAF supports charities in a number of ways, including a programme of workshops designed to train charities in new fundraising and management techniques. The website is currently being updated.
Institute of Fundraising
A professional membership body for UK fundraisers. The Scottish group of the Institute provides courses, seminars and informal meetings for members and prospective members living in Scotland.
Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF)
Membership of this association is mainly made up of bigger, richer trusts with paid staff. It does not give advice to individuals, but its website has general information which is useful to grant seekers.