Discover Funding Opportunities

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. They are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds. The scholarships offer full financial support to study for any eligible master's degree at any UK university. Since the programme was created in 1983, nearly 60,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,000 scholarships on offer each year, demonstrating the UK's ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow. Chevening is one of the most prestigious and competitive UK scholarships available to international students. It is designed to support Britain's public diplomacy overseas, providing scholars with the knowledge, confidence and connections they need to make a positive global impact. Additionally, Chevening scholars gain access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. As a fully funded scholarship, tuition fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK are all covered. Scholars also gain access to exclusive networking events, workshops, talks, internships, and volunteering opportunities, giving them a diverse introduction to life in a global role. The programme is designed for ambitious leaders in the making who are looking for a postgraduate experience that will give them the very best preparation for success.

The Hedley Foundation Grants

The Hedley Foundation awards grants to small UK registered charities that can demonstrate quantifiable outcomes to beneficiaries. The Foundation supports charities with annual incomes below £1 million, providing grants that enable high-impact work. Typical grants of up to £5,000 are regularly made, with occasional larger sums awarded to charities where significant impact can be achieved. Smaller charities often benefit from grants starting at £250. The Foundation excludes funding for core salaries, building construction, general running costs, transport, financial deficits, overseas projects, community interest companies, religious institutions, museums, or individuals. Applicants must not have received a grant from the Foundation within the last two years. The Trustees meet regularly to review applications and make funding decisions, typically responding within four months if successful.

UK Small Grants

The UK Small Grants programme is designed to support excellent local organisations and projects that work with disabled children and young people, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. It provides grants of up to £10,000, although many grants are smaller than this. The programme is open to applications at any time and aims to respond with a final decision within twelve weeks. The programme supports projects including activities for disabled children and their families, activities which support siblings, bereavement support for children and families, family support and parent-led peer support, and respite which supports the whole family. It also funds equipment and materials such as renovation and upgrading of hydrotherapy pools and multi-sensory rooms, minibuses, and specialised play equipment. The Trust funds UK registered charitable organisations and CICs with annual income less than £350,000 that deliver projects in the UK. The organisation is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and is particularly keen to receive applications from organisations operating in areas of high deprivation. Recipients must adhere to the Trust's safeguarding policy and provide a report within 12 months of payment. Organisations are unlikely to be funded in consecutive years.

Cost of Living Fund

The Cost of Living Fund is a community grant program led by Social Enterprise Kent and funded through the East Kent Health Care Partnership, NHS Health Inequalities fund. The program enables grassroots organizations and groups to apply for up to £5,000 to fund new activities or extend current activities that tackle issues related to healthy eating. The fund specifically addresses food poverty and diet-related challenges by supporting local, community-based organizations to run projects that tackle food and diet issues in communities across east Kent. Lack of access, knowledge and skills around healthy eating and cooking has significant impact on people's physical and mental health, including detrimental effects on the growth and development of young people. The fund is particularly interested in supporting projects that tackle specific health issues linked with poor diet, such as diabetes or hypertension in particular communities. Strong applications should demonstrate community need, show support from local people, and avoid duplication of existing activities unless there is a strong reason to do so.

Community Grant Scheme

The Community Grant Scheme is an opportunity for voluntary and community sector organisations to apply for a grant to run projects to support Dover district residents. This grant scheme supports community organisations and groups based within the Dover District, or seeking grants for activities that will benefit a community within the Dover District. Applicants can apply for a grant between £100 and £5,000 to support various community projects. Applications are welcomed from registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, constituted voluntary/community groups, constituted sports clubs, constituted youth clubs, constituted school-related groups, and constituted church/faith groups. Projects should be completed within 8 months of award, and the scheme cannot back-fund applications that have already started.

Maritime Connected Funding Offer

The Maritime Connected initiative from Lloyd's Register Foundation supports organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges. The initiative focuses on safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate, and safety at sea. It aims to enable ocean stakeholders and partners to work together to share safety challenges and co-create interventions that improve safety and reduce risk to people and infrastructure across maritime. The programme encourages applications that bring multiple perspectives, especially from underrepresented voices and people in developing countries who are not always involved in decision-making. Supported activities include multi-stakeholder workshops, collaborative inquiries, qualitative research methods, travel to key events for underrepresented communities, joint advocacy campaigns, and projects linking voices along supply or design chains to make systems safer. This is a pilot initiative open for 6 months, with potential for successive calls based on initial results. Applications from seafarers, coastal communities, women, and maritime educators from emerging economies are particularly encouraged.

Learning Disability Assessment Bursary

This bursary program helps part-time or full-time students with the up-front costs of learning disabilities assessments. Up to $3,500 is available to eligible students who need a recent learning disability assessment to determine eligibility for services and/or equipment. The program is administered through StudentAid BC and requires students to be enrolled at designated public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. To be eligible, students must qualify for student funding through StudentAid BC, be enrolled in full-time or part-time post-secondary level courses at a designated public post-secondary institution in B.C., and have been recommended to have a learning disability assessment by the accessibility services office at their school.

Chinese Government Scholarship Program

This program provides the opportunity to study at a Chinese university on scholarships from the Chinese Government. Full and partial scholarships are available annually. A full scholarship covers tuition (or research) fees, basic learning materials, accommodation, living allowance, comprehensive medical insurance for international students under the Chinese Government Scholarship program, a one-time settlement subsidy, and a one-time inter-city travel allowance. A partial scholarship covers tuition only and may also include one or more items of a full scholarship (settlement subsidy and inter-city travel allowance excluded).

Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities

This program helps full-time or part-time students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability with the cost of education. The grant provides financial assistance to eligible students enrolled at designated post-secondary institutions in Canada. Students who qualify for a federal student loan and have verified their disability status with StudentAid BC are automatically assessed for this grant without needing to submit a separate application. The grant amount is temporarily increased by 40% from pre-pandemic levels until July 31, 2026.

Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants

This program helps full-time students with dependants with the cost of education. The grant provides up to $280 per month of study for each child under 12 years of age (temporarily increased by 40% from pre-pandemic levels until July 31, 2026). The grant is automatically assessed when students apply for a student loan through StudentAid BC, requiring no separate application. It is designed to support low-income families where students are pursuing post-secondary education while caring for young children.

Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities

This program helps full-time or part-time students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability pay for exceptional education related costs for services and equipment. The grant covers services and equipment such as notetakers, tutors, interpreters, and technical aids that support students with disabilities in their post-secondary studies. To be eligible, students must qualify for a federal student loan, be enrolled in full-time or part-time studies at a designated post-secondary institution, have a permanent disability or persistent/prolonged disability as defined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, and have exceptional education related costs for services or equipment due to their disability. Students apply by contacting the accessibility services office at their school, who will help determine which services and/or equipment will assist in their post-secondary studies. If the disability has not yet been verified by StudentAid BC, students must complete the Appendix 8 – Disability Programs Application form.

Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies

This program provides extra help to low-income part-time students pursuing post-secondary education in Canada. The grant offers financial assistance to eligible students who are enrolled in part-time studies at a designated post-secondary institution. The grant amount has been temporarily increased by 40% from 2019/20 pre-pandemic levels until July 31, 2026. Students are automatically assessed for this grant when they complete the part-time studies application through StudentAid BC.

Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants

This program helps part-time students with dependants with the cost of education. Students studying part-time who qualify for this grant and who have up to two children under 12 years of age may be eligible for up to $56 per week of study. Students studying part-time with three or more dependent children may be eligible for $84 per week of study. You could receive up to $2,688 each school year (August 1 to July 31). You can get this grant for each year of your studies (including undergraduate and graduate levels) as long as you still qualify. The amount of the grant will not exceed your assessed need. The Canada Student Grant amounts are temporarily increased by 40% from 2019/20 pre-pandemic levels until July 31, 2026.

Rural England Prosperity Fund

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a capital-only fund offering support to small businesses and community infrastructure projects in rural England. The fund aims to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. It provides grants of up to £10,000 per application for businesses and organizations within Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts, with exceptional grants of up to £15,000 for projects strongly supporting Net Zero Infrastructure or Farm Diversification priorities. The fund is a top-up to and complementary to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and succeeds EU funding from LEADER and the Growth Programme which were part of the Rural Development Programme for England. The fund operates at a 50% intervention rate, meaning projects must be match-funded at 50% of total project costs. All payments are made as reimbursements at the end of the process, so projects must be fully funded upfront. Priority areas include investment in net zero infrastructure, SME investments and diversification, farm diversification outside of agriculture, and visitor economy business expansion. For 2025/26, Babergh received £186,377 and Mid Suffolk received £246,455 in REPF allocations. All projects must be completed and grants claimed by 1 March 2026. Available funds are now extremely limited and close to fully committed. Potential applicants must first contact the Economic Development team on an invitation-only basis if their project meets the mandatory grant criteria, though funding availability cannot be guaranteed.

BHF Free Community Defibrillator Programme

The British Heart Foundation offers free defibrillators to eligible non-profit community-focused groups across the UK. The programme aims to increase public access to defibrillators in areas with fewer registered devices and higher risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Each award package includes a defibrillator with pads and accessories, a non-lockable cabinet for 24/7 public access, replacement pads and batteries, and resources for RevivR online CPR training. Applications are reviewed monthly against criteria prioritizing communities that need them most. Recipients must install the defibrillator within 4 weeks, register it on The Circuit national defibrillator network, and commit to learning and teaching CPR in their community. The defibrillator must be accessible 24/7 in a non-lockable cabinet on an external wall with constant electricity supply, located at least 200 metres from the nearest public access defibrillator. This initiative is made possible through partnerships with Royal Mail, AJ Bell Futures Foundation, and Sky Bet.

Coastal Capacity Building Fund

The Coastal Capacity Building Fund enables communities to take action in Welsh coastal areas to support nature recovery and sustainability. The fund aims to build capacity for community partners, helping them to deliver sustainable action that supports growth and recovery in local marine and coastal areas. It encourages collaboration between stakeholders, such as communities, businesses, local authorities and other public bodies, and builds networks that foster nature recovery and rejuvenation in coastal areas. All projects must meet at least one of the fisheries objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020. Funding is distributed via the Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) and projects are run in partnership with the local LNP Co-ordinator. The scheme is funded by Welsh Government for 2025-27, building on its investment in local nature recovery through the Local Nature Partnerships.

Help the Homeless Small Grants Programme

Help the Homeless is a small trust that provides capital grants to small homeless charities throughout the UK. The grant programme supports registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 that work wholly or mostly with homeless people. Funding is restricted to capital projects only and cannot be used for running costs, salaries, or IT equipment. The trust offers quarterly application deadlines throughout the year and aims to inform applicants of decisions within eight weeks. With limited funds available, the trust carefully evaluates each application against strict eligibility criteria to ensure support reaches organizations directly focused on addressing homelessness through capital improvements.

Sport Facilities Fund

The Sport Facilities Fund (SFF) supports capital projects that help to create or improve places where people take part in sport and physical activity. The fund aims to support projects that provide more opportunities for people to get involved in and participate in sport and physical activity. With a budget of approximately £2 million per annum, there is likely to be greater demand and competition for funding than is available. Prioritisation will be given to projects that deliver the greatest impact on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives. Projects that can clearly demonstrate an inclusive approach that targets participants in/from SIMD areas or areas of rural disadvantage, or those with additional needs, or those from ethnically diverse communities, or other protected characteristics as identified in The Equalities Act 2010, will be prioritised. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines on 1st April and 1st September each year at 5pm.

Film Development and Production Fund

The Film Development and Production Fund exists to offer development and production funding for feature length films and documentaries being made by filmmakers based in Scotland. This fund can support Single Project Development Funding for initial development costs of a single feature film or documentary project, as well as Film Production Funding for production costs. The aim of this funding is to support filmmakers who are working in live-action, animation and documentary, to develop a range of feature film projects across all genres that reflect Scotland's culture, creativity and diversity. The fund supports projects with international appeal that have the potential to be distinctive, high-quality and commercially and/or creatively-driven, as well as projects that enable artists and filmmakers to take risks creatively. As part of a two-year pilot, the BFI Diversity Standards are part of the eligibility criteria for all applications to ensure a more representative and inclusive Scottish film industry.

Travel Award for Bands

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has designed this rolling programme to provide support to enable established Bands based in Northern Ireland to travel outside of Northern Ireland. The programme aims to develop bands' performance skills, networks and audiences via opportunities to showcase outside of Northern Ireland, and to contribute to the growth of equality of access to and opportunities in the arts for groups within the bands sector in Northern Ireland. Particular priority will be given to applications which can demonstrate high quality musicianship, a commitment to training and musical education (particularly of young people), and a commitment to repertoire and technique development in relation to the band's existing repertoire and technical standards. Eligible bands include Accordion Orchestra/Band, Brass Band, Concert Band, Flute Band, Pipe Band, and Wind Band. Applicants must provide evidence that they have been invited to showcase or perform by a relevant organisation, event, festival, promoter, or tour operator in the location to which they intend to travel. The scheme covers travel costs including flight, boat, train, and bus tickets, vehicle hire, and fuel costs.

BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund

The BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund awards National Lottery funding to support the exhibition and distribution of nationally significant audience-facing independent film and immersive projects. The fund supports ambitious, audience-facing film and immersive projects activity that brings independent UK and international films to audiences across the UK in a dynamic and original way. Projects must be high-profile and able to attract national press and media coverage. With a focus on increasing access and encouraging audiences to take risks in the viewing choices they make, supported projects will grow the participation of audiences that are representative of the UK population. Equal priority is given to the cultural and social ambitions of projects. The fund supports organisations with multi-year and short-term projects as well as smaller pilot projects from organisations new to the fund. Supported activity also includes sector-facing projects that support the industry to adapt, innovate and develop ambition and resilience.

Connected Communities Fund

The Connected Communities Fund is a partnership between OCVA, Community First Oxfordshire, and Oxfordshire County Council to support The Oxfordshire Way, a countywide vision to help people live well and independently in their communities for as long as possible. It's all about building resilience, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for people to stay active, connected, and supported close to home. The fund supports regular, ongoing activities that bring people together and create lasting impact, including activities that help people connect and socialise, projects that support mental and physical wellbeing, initiatives that reduce isolation including language, cultural, or caring barriers, and intergenerational or community-wide projects focused on benefits for older people. The fund especially welcomes projects that fill gaps in local support, add to what's already available locally, try something new such as tackling digital exclusion or using local spaces creatively, work with local businesses to create social, environmental, or economic benefits, support unpaid carers, and help build strong, resilient communities that last beyond the life of the grant. Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 to help cover costs of running activities that benefit older adults (50+) and adults (18+) with additional needs, including people living with physical or mental health conditions, neurodivergent adults, those experiencing loneliness or social isolation, people facing language or cultural barriers, and unpaid carers. Projects can focus on community-based socialising, health and wellbeing, arts, culture and creativity, green/environmental and outdoor activities, and learning new skills. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no closing date until all funding has been allocated. The fund is currently paused with updates to be announced on their website and social media channels.

Step Change Fund

The Step Change Fund focuses on capacity building and strengthening of Oxfordshire's charitable sector. This fund is for charities with visionary leadership that realise they need to transform the way they are organised in order to create a more solid basis for delivering their core work. The Step Change Fund enables the local charitable sector to be stronger and more sustainable, and therefore better equipped to deal with the hard-hitting social problems faced by Oxfordshire communities. Step Change offers a unique proposition to grant applicants, with the support of a volunteer project manager included with every grant. The project manager, usually someone experienced in business strategy or management, will help you to develop a clear and fully costed plan to realise the step change that you desire. They will work alongside you through the duration of your project to support you in hitting targets and milestones. This fund does not offer core funding simply for the continuance of existing services; grants will be given for projects that can demonstrate realistic plans for increasing reach and impact and for building longer-term resilience for the future. The fund is particularly interested in projects that enable a 'step change' in impact or financial terms, and only funds projects that can demonstrate they bring substantial benefit to the lives of people in Oxfordshire who are facing disadvantage. The Step Change Fund has a three-stage application process, starting with an Eligibility Questionnaire, followed by an Expression of Interest Form, and finally a Detailed Bid Form before any grant is awarded.

Arctic Club Award

The Arctic Club Award seeks to promote and support interesting, innovative and adventurous expeditions in the Arctic, particularly for young people. Awards are made annually from the Arctic Club Award Fund, held within the Gino Watkins Memorial Fund (Charity 208791), and administered by Members of the Gino Watkins Memorial Committee (which includes Arctic Club members). Each year, one or more expeditions are given an Arctic Club Award. Applicants may receive a combined award from both the Gino Watkins Memorial Fund and the Arctic Club Award Fund. Members of these expeditions are invited as guests to the Arctic Club Dinner. The Arctic Club also makes small awards to individuals for training purposes such as expedition training, polar bear safety, and ice safety.

Timmissartok Foundation Grants for Exploration

The Timmissartok Foundation was founded in 2000 to assist individuals with adventurous projects that will take place in a foreign country. The foundation believes that one individual with a dream can be more powerful than a string of committees and wants to invest in people with big dreams who have a strong enough heart to make their dreams come true. The foundation partially supports projects that involve 'travel with a purpose' in which a particular passion is to be explored, embodying the philosophy that the journey is more important than the destination. The foundation is particularly interested in projects that allow exposure to foreign languages and different cultures, supporting people who are not afraid to take risks and who realize that the greatest achievements are possible in those areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from individuals of all nationalities and all ages seeking adventure in foreign lands.

The Rob George Foundation Grant

The Rob George Foundation provides support to young people in two distinct areas. First, it offers practical and/or financial support to young people with life threatening or terminal illnesses who find themselves struggling to access financial assistance during their treatment. The Foundation was established in memory of Rob George, who died aged 21 following a battle with leukaemia and experienced frustration with the process of seeking financial support during his illness. Second, the Foundation provides financial support to young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/or ability in the worlds of sport or the performing arts but may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their goals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Foundation operates in partnership with Essex Community Foundation and accepts applications from young people within specific geographical areas in the UK: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and any London Borough. The Foundation aims to make a difference one individual at a time by removing financial barriers that prevent young people from pursuing their goals or accessing support during serious illness.

Dudley Stamp Memorial Award

The Dudley Stamp Memorial Award offers grants of £500 for PhD students or postdoctoral researchers to support geographical research. Preference is given to research that leads to the advancement of geography and to international co-operation in the study of the subject. Applications are particularly welcome for projects which will strengthen links between geographers in the United Kingdom and those overseas. The award was established in 1967 to enable geographers in the early stages of their careers to travel in support of their research. It honors Lawrence Dudley Stamp (1898-1966), an internationally renowned British geographer who served as President of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British Geographers. His Land Utilisation Survey of Great Britain in the 1930s and 1940s sought to classify land use in Britain with the help of teachers and school children. Dudley Stamp worked to popularise geography and played a key role in promoting the teaching of the subject in schools. He travelled widely, assisting in the setting up of numerous land use surveys, while his reputation drew postgraduates from around the world to work on his projects. In 2016 the Dudley Stamp Memorial Fund became a linked charity of the RGS-IBG. The award is administered through the RGS-IBG Postgraduate Research Awards scheme.

Hong Kong Research Grant

The Hong Kong Research Grant is an annual award of £2,500 for PhD students undertaking geographical research in the Greater China region. The grant was established in 2003 and is supported by the Hong Kong branch of the Royal Geographical Society. It is awarded as part of the RGS-IBG Postgraduate Research Awards scheme. Comparative studies are encouraged and preference is given to applicants who have not previously had an opportunity to study in the Greater China region. Applicants must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution, and preference is given to students who do not receive full funding from a Research Council, university or comparable levels of support from other sources for fieldwork and data collection. The grant supports geographical research and field work in the Greater China region.

RGS-IBG Postgraduate Research Awards

The RGS-IBG Postgraduate Research Awards were established in 2008 to support PhD students undertaking research and fieldwork. The Society offers awards of up to £2,500 for PhD students undertaking fieldwork and data collection to advance geographical knowledge. These awards are offered to individuals and aim to help students establish themselves in their particular field. Applicants must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution. Preference is given to students who do not receive full funding from a research council, university or comparable levels of support from other sources for fieldwork and data collection. The awards include the Albert Reckitt Awards, Walters Kundert Grants, the Geographical Club Award, Hong Kong Research Grants and the Dudley Stamp Memorial Award. Successful applicants may be given a named award based on their research discipline. Fieldwork should not begin before 1 April 2026 except under exceptional circumstances, and the Society cannot support fieldwork that has already taken place.

Henrietta Hutton Research Grant

The Henrietta Hutton Research Grant offers up to three grants of £500 annually to undergraduate or Masters students undertaking overseas field research as an individual or as part of a team. The fund was established in 1964 in memory of Henrietta Hutton, a University of Oxford student who was a keen ornithologist and founding member of the Oxford Women's Exploration Club. Preference is given to support field research with a significant geographical, social and/or environmental science, or natural history element. Applicants should be undertaking an independent field research project that lasts longer than four weeks. The field research does not have to be related to the student's academic studies, but applicants must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution. Where the applicant is part of a larger expedition, it should be made clear how their research is distinct from the wider project. Applicants should show strong evidence of host country participation in their research projects.

Monica Cole Research Grant

The Monica Cole Research Grant offers £1,000 each year to a physical geography undergraduate or Masters student undertaking original fieldwork overseas. Named after Monica Cole, a leader in the field of geo-botany who held the position of Chair of Geography at Bedford College and received the Society's Murchison Medal for major contributions to the geography of South Africa and to the understanding of savannas. Applicants must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution. The grant supports student-led research in physical geography disciplines including glaciology, climate science, geomorphology, biogeography, and related earth science fields.

Rob Potter Award

The Rob Potter Award offers £1,500 to post-PhD early-career researchers studying the geographies of development. Given in celebration of Rob Potter, an eminent human geographer and founding editor of Progress in Development Studies, this award is provided through the Society's Small Research Grants scheme, either as a supplement or as an independent award. In tribute to Rob Potter, the project should focus on geographies of development (especially urbanisation, housing and participatory planning, and socio-economic development) or transnational migration and identities. Preference is given to research on the contemporary Caribbean, with studies of Mexico, Latin America and small island nations also welcomed. Rob Potter (1950-2014) was Emeritus Professor of Human Geography at the University of Reading, and a distinguished academic expert on urban geography and the geographies of development, with particular reference to the Caribbean.

Thesiger-Oman Fellowships

The Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships offer two awards annually of £8,000 to post-doctoral researchers to advance geographical knowledge, involving fieldwork, in an arid or semi-arid environment. Preference will be given to research in the Middle East and other areas visited by Sir Wilfred Thesiger. One award is given for human geography and one for physical geography. These awards were founded with the support of the late Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al-Said as a memorial to Thesiger. Applicants must be Fellows or members of the Royal Geographical Society with at least three years' post-doctoral experience. The Fellowships are open to applicants of any nation. Individuals or groups may apply for this award. The fellowships support geographical research in the physical or human dimensions of arid and semi-arid environments, particularly in the Middle East and regions associated with Sir Wilfred Thesiger's explorations.

Ralph Brown Expedition Award

The Ralph Brown Expedition Award is a single annual award of up to £12,500, offered to an experienced researcher leading a research expedition working in an aquatic environment. This includes the study of coral reefs, rivers, lakes and shallow seas. The project should be of value to the host country and, where possible, to the local community. The award has been established in memory of Ralph Brown, a Californian who lived much of his life in New Zealand. He took part in expeditions and was a keen advocate of the use of jet boats to navigate inaccessible and dangerous rivers. Brown died in 1996, shortly after winning the World Jet Boat Championship in Canada. He bequeathed a portion of his estate to RGS-IBG to fund both the Award and the Grants Officer at the Society. The Ralph Brown Award has supported projects since 1998, ranging from the wetlands of Ukraine to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, from coral reef studies to mountain river hazard surveys, and studies of human interaction with waterways. Applicants must be Fellows or Members of the Royal Geographical Society. The grant is open to applicants from any nation.

Fieldwork Apprenticeships

The Fieldwork Apprenticeships aim to give first year undergraduate geography students the opportunity during the summer to work as a Fieldwork Apprentice for a number of weeks on a research project either in the UK or overseas, led by an academic member of staff at their university. Grants of £1,500 are offered annually for students to participate in fieldwork projects led by one of their university lecturers. Applicants must be resident in the UK and be in the first year of an undergraduate geography degree at a UK Higher Education Institution. Applicants must have the support of a lecturer at their UK HEI to participate in a fieldwork project. Applicants should demonstrate how opportunities to get involved in fieldwork would not be available to them were it not for the Field Apprenticeship, and where possible should demonstrate the challenging circumstances that prevent them from having access to such opportunities. These awards are supported through the generous donation of John and Anne Alexander and are part of a portfolio of grants, the Alexander Awards, to support and enthuse students from less advantaged backgrounds through fieldwork. One Apprenticeship is supported through the generous donation of the Hepworth Family, through the Dorothy Hepworth Expedition Award. Recipients are expected to share their experiences with others, for example at their own institution or through the Professional Ambassadors programme.

Journey in Audio

Journey in Audio offers professional training and access to high-quality equipment to document travel, fieldwork or a research expedition through audio recorded in the field. This unique opportunity provides participants with a one-day, in-person workshop led by a professional audio producer at the Royal Geographical Society in London, scheduled for spring 2026. The workshop provides an introduction to soundscapes, how sound is used in storytelling, and how to build a narrative, along with practical training on using audio recording equipment and capturing sounds in the field. Participants receive the loan of professional-standard handheld audio recording equipment for use in the field, a non-commercial license for REAPER digital audio production software, and a financial contribution for travel and accommodation to attend the workshop. After returning from the field, participants will receive group and one-to-one feedback sessions online on the first cut of their audio work. The workshop is open to geographical journeys, fieldwork, or research expeditions being undertaken by individuals or small teams between mid-April and the end of October 2026. Applicants are expected to have a clear plan for their travel, fieldwork, or research expedition and the financial and practical means to undertake it. Eligible projects may focus on any geography-related topic, and applicants with all levels of experience can apply. The opportunity to share audio work through the Society's channels is available, subject to review for quality and content.

The Gino Watkins Fund Awards

The Gino Watkins Fund Awards support expeditions guiding and inspiring enterprising people towards scientific research and exploration in the polar regions. The Gino Watkins Memorial Fund gives grants annually of up to £4,000 towards expeditions that meet its objective of the diffusion and improvement of knowledge of the polar regions. The Fund endeavours to increase our knowledge of one of the least known, but most important parts of our planet, and also to stimulate the lasting qualities of enterprise, endurance and leadership gained in this uniquely arduous environment. The Fund was established in 1933 in memory of Henry George ('Gino') Watkins, who revolutionised polar exploration. Expeditions supported by the Fund visit Greenland and other high Arctic lands, as well as the Antarctic. Applications come from researchers, expeditioners, adventurers and organised groups, with particular favour given to expeditions that bring experience and training to young people or those early in their career.

The Next Challenge Expedition Grant

The Next Challenge Grant is an annual bursary for adventures that was started in 2015 and has funded over 70 different adventures. The money comes from Tim Moss (founder), small crowdfunded donations, and contributions from other adventurers. The grant was created to give back to the adventure community, as the founder received many expedition grants when younger that helped him undertake fantastic adventures. In 2015, the website earned £200 in advertising revenue which was offered as a grant, and when announced, many other adventurers and 100 members of the public matched the pledge, raising £1,600. This process now happens every year, typically raising around £2,000. The money is distributed between winning applicants, each receiving between £100 and £800 plus equipment. The grant is primarily aimed at beginners and those who have not done lots of expeditions before. Winners also receive equipment available to borrow and email support from Tim Moss. The grant is open to all people, of all ages, and of any nationality.

Horizon Lectures Adventure Fund

The Horizon Lectures Adventure Fund provides grants of £450 to encourage and enable people to undertake their own adventurous trips, ideas and expeditions. The fund welcomes a broad range of ideas but does not accept applications from individuals taking part in organised trips or commercial expeditions. Successful applicants are required to deliver a 25-minute talk following their trip to the Horizon Lectures audience in Oxfordshire and acknowledge the fund on expedition websites and reports. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no fixed closing date, and decisions are typically communicated within 3 months of application. Additional expenses for travelling to speak at events in Oxfordshire are not provided, so applicants should factor this into their planning.

Cam and Bear Fund for Adventure

The Cam and Bear Fund for Adventure is a memorial fund established in honor of Andrew Foster, described as the ultimate outdoorsman. The fund's mission is to provide disadvantaged young people with increased opportunities to experience outdoor activities that Andrew loved, including climbing and other adventure pursuits. The program aims to help young participants develop and grow while learning the importance of protecting the natural environment. Named after Andrew and his wife's adventure blog 'Cam and Bear UK,' the fund seeks to inspire others through outdoor experiences and environmental stewardship. The fund accepts applications from young people who would benefit from outdoor adventure opportunities but may lack the resources to access them.

Andrew Croft Memorial Fund Grants

The Andrew Croft Memorial Fund was established in 1998 to preserve and promote the life, spirit and hopes of Colonel Andrew Croft DSO OBE, Arctic explorer and wartime commando. The Fund provides grants annually for expeditions and research in the Arctic regions, as well as supporting other initiatives within its charitable objectives. The Fund advances education of young people below the age of thirty in subjects which can be advanced by research and field work particularly in the Arctic, by providing grants to enable participation in scientific expeditions. The Fund also supports charitable purposes for the benefit of Arctic communities and assists members of Her Majesty's Constabulary with the cost of further education and training to enhance their effectiveness within the community. Grants are approved annually in March/April each year. The Fund operates as a registered charity (number 1078106) and evaluates applications at the discretion of its Trustees, supporting expeditions and initiatives that align with Colonel Croft's legacy of developing talent, leadership, and Arctic exploration. Applications are welcomed from young people seeking to participate in Arctic research and field work, as well as from police officers pursuing further education and training opportunities.

Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant

The Zack Martin Breaking Barriers (ZMBB) Grant was created in memory of Zack Martin, an avid climber and humanitarian who died just before his 25th birthday. This grant seeks to fund expeditions that focus primarily on humanitarian efforts and secondly on an objective involving alpinism, mountaineering, rock/ice climbing and bouldering. Successful candidates must demonstrate how their expedition fully encompasses both tenets of this grant. The humanitarian objective must have immediate impact, be sustainable, feasible and assure continuity to provide benefits to local people after initial implementation. Ideally, objectives will teach locals 'how to', enable infrastructure and provide some level of continued support and funding. The alpine objective must focus on alpine related adventure and/or discovery in the natural environment. Exploration in other areas such as ski mountaineering or river exploration that lead to a greater understanding and improvement of the alpine environment could also be considered.

Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant

Started in 1966, the Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant has long encouraged American climbers age 25 years and younger to go into remote areas and seek out climbs more difficult than they might ordinarily be able to do. Unexplored mountain ranges, unclimbed peaks, and difficult new routes are looked upon with favor. The review committee encourages applications from teams emphasizing the fellowship component of their objective. Grants are awarded based on the proposed project's excellence and evidence of appropriate mountaineering experience. Recipients are expected to act as American Alpine Club ambassadors to the domestic and international climbing communities, practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics, and submit expedition reports upon return.

McNeill-Nott Award

The McNeill-Nott Award was established by the American Alpine Club in partnership with Mountain Hardwear in memory of Sue Nott and Karen McNeill, who died on Mt. Foraker in 2006. This award preserves the spirit of these two talented and courageous climbers by providing grants to amateur female climbers exploring new routes or unclimbed peaks with small and lightweight teams. The award focuses on projects with strong exploratory and adventuresome mountaineering objectives, with these elements being more important than the technical rating of the climbing objective. Two or three grants between $700 and $4,000 are awarded annually to amateur teams that best meet the criteria for pursuing an exploratory objective. The program is only open to female-led teams, with preference given to teams composed entirely of female or female-identifying members. Teams must climb with the highest ethical standards using a minimum of fixed ropes, camps, personnel, and equipment. Commercial, professional, and principally cause-related expeditions are ineligible.

Cutting Edge Grant

The American Alpine Club has inspired and supported cutting-edge climbing achievements for over 100 years. The Cutting Edge Grant, presented by Black Diamond, continues this tradition, aiming to fund advanced climbing athletes in pursuit of world-class climbing and mountaineering objectives. The grant seeks to fund individuals planning expeditions to remote areas featuring unexplored mountain ranges, unclimbed peaks, difficult new routes, first free ascents, or similar world-class pursuits. Objectives featuring a low-impact style and leave-no-trace mentality are looked upon with favor. Cutting Edge Grant awards significantly contribute towards total expedition costs, typically falling in the $4,000 to $10,000 range, though award amounts vary based on project and budget. Recipients are expected to provide comprehensive documentation including trip reports, photography, articles for the American Alpine Journal, and may be asked to give presentations at AAC events.

The Alison Chadwick Memorial Grant

The Alison Chadwick Memorial Grant was established in 1978 in memory of Alison Chadwick, a leading British mountaineer who died close to the summit of Annapurna whilst participating in the American Women's Annapurna Expedition. The Memorial Fund was instituted to provide grants to further British and Polish women's mountaineering in the world's greater ranges. In 1991, administration of the fund was transferred to the Mount Everest Foundation. The Award can be made to expeditions with mainly female climbers, or to individuals taking part in mixed expeditions. Applicants should use the standard MEF application form, and their eligibility will be considered automatically during the screening process. This grant specifically supports women's mountaineering expeditions to major mountain ranges around the world. It honors the legacy of Alison Chadwick by enabling female mountaineers from Britain and Poland to pursue ambitious climbing objectives in remote and challenging environments.

Community Buildings Grant Programme

The Biffa Award Community Buildings theme provides grants to improve buildings at the heart of their communities, such as village halls, community centres and church halls. The programme funds renovations of community rooms, refurbishments of toilet facilities and kitchens, replacement doors and windows, extensions to create additional space, replacement of damaged floors and roofs, and new central heating systems. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate wider community benefit and need, with buildings used by many groups regularly each week, benefiting people of different ages and demographics. The project must be located within five miles of a significant Biffa Operation or within 10 miles of an active Biffa Landfill Site, and also within 10 miles of a licensed landfill site. Applicant organisations must be fully constituted, charitable or not-for-profit with no share capital.

The Yapp Charitable Trust Grant Programme

The Yapp Charitable Trust provides grants exclusively to small registered charities with total annual expenditure of less than £50,000. The Trust funds ongoing core costs associated with regular activities or services that have been operating for at least a year. Priority is given to charities working with elderly people, children and young people, people with physical impairments, learning difficulties or mental health challenges, people overcoming life-limiting social problems such as addiction or abuse, and education and learning particularly for the educationally disadvantaged. The Trust prioritises charities delivering services in areas of high deprivation, work that is unattractive to the general public or unpopular with other funders, services helping marginalised, disadvantaged or isolated people, and applicants demonstrating effective use of volunteers and elements of self-sustainability through user fees or subscriptions.

Organisation Grants

Variety's Organisation Grants provide equipment funding to youth clubs and other organizations supporting disadvantaged young people through informal education, positive activity, and skills development. The program supports youth clubs affiliated with national youth organizations to acquire essential equipment that enables young people to play, learn, have fun, develop a sense of community and participation, foster peer relationships and understand the world around them. Equipment grants cover items costing more than £1,000 including sports and gym equipment, computers and IT equipment, photography and film equipment, consoles and games, arts and crafts materials, and musical instruments and recording equipment. Note: The program is currently not accepting new applications due to increasing demand for individual grants for wheelchairs and special equipment for children.

Children's Summer Playschemes

The Woodward Charitable Trust sets aside funds each year for summer play schemes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds between the ages of 5-16 years. The program supports small local play schemes that provide wide-ranging activities including crafts, cooking, outdoor activities, and sport. Trustees review applications in May and fund programmes that run for a minimum of 2 weeks, 10 full days, or 20 half days across the summer holidays. The Trust prioritizes schemes that involve a large number of children and encourage past users to return as volunteers. Grants can only be paid to registered charities, CICs, CIOs, or exempt charities. The Trust will only fund up to 50% of the total cost of a scheme, with most grants awarded in the range of £500 to £1,000. Around 35 grants are made each year. The program emphasizes relatively inexpensive activities and educational trips rather than purely social outings. Organizations must have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 and must submit a Safeguarding and/or Child Protection Policy with their application.

Small Grants

The Forte Charitable Foundation offers Small Grants to support community-focused organizations working in deprived areas of the UK. These single-year grants range from £2,000 to £10,000 and can be used for core costs, salaries, running costs, and project costs. The program specifically targets organizations located in areas identified by the Indices of Multiple Deprivation - either in the bottom 15% most deprived urban areas or bottom 50% most deprived rural areas. The foundation's preference is for front-line organizations working directly with people in need, providing essential community support services. Applicants must have an annual income not exceeding £250,000 and be able to secure 50% of the total project costs from other sources. The grant will cover a maximum of 50% of the total cost of the project, salary, or core running costs. Successful applicants can re-apply for funding for up to two additional years, allowing for a maximum of three years of support. Organizations must be embedded in their local community and able to start spending the grant within 1-2 months of receipt. Capital projects are not funded under this program. The foundation does not support campaigning, organizational development, capacity building, or work that represents a significant shift away from an organization's existing core aims and experience. However, they will consider new work if it is a logical extension of existing activities.

Small Grants for CTN Resilience & Biosecurity

As part of the Growing Together programme, The Tree Council, together with partners M&G and Defra, is piloting this small grants fund to support existing community tree nurseries (CTNs). These grants are intended to support the purchase of capital items that help enhance and improve infrastructure and resilience, strengthen biosecurity, and boost tree growing capacity. The programme aims to transform communities and nature through locally grown trees. In addition to financial grants, a CTN biosecurity starter kit is available to applicants for free. This funding opportunity is specifically designed for existing community tree nurseries across the United Kingdom to strengthen their operations and capacity.

Kindred Grants

The Kindred Grants programme provides financial, emotional, and practical support to descendants of Henry Smith's sister, Joane. When Henry Smith died in 1628, his Will included a legacy to help members of his family (his 'Kindred') in financial need. Today, more than 4,500 people are registered as Kindred, and the Foundation awarded 472 grants to 223 people in 2024. The programme offers a range of help including low income support for adults on low incomes (retired or working), one-off costs for essential household items like replacing a washing machine, and financial assistance for students taking their first degree at a UK university. Financial assistance is mainly for those with low incomes and is tailored to individual circumstances. The programme also includes a free, confidential helpline open to all Kindred regardless of income, providing support for mental and physical health, financial advice, personal issues, befriending, counselling services, and legal advice. The Foundation works with partners including Charis for streamlined support delivery, The OT Practice for occupational therapy assessments, and Pennysmart for money and debt advice.

Together We Begin

Together We Begin is a funding program from the Henry Smith Foundation that invests in home-based early years support for families. The fund aims to strengthen parenting skills to improve children's outcomes, build confidence and reduce stress in the home, and connect families to their local community. Organizations must provide face-to-face support to families in their homes, have proven experience of working with families facing financial hardship or social isolation who have children aged 0-5 and/or during pregnancy, and deliver work in high-need areas where at least 24.9% of children live in poverty. The work must be rooted in communities, strengths-based, responsive to need, inclusive and accessible, and focused on meaningful, lasting change. This fund is part of the Getting Started funding priority, which supports families to give young children the best possible start in life.

Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust Grants

The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust continues Dame Catherine's generous philanthropy through grants and funding to charitable organizations. The Trust primarily supports local charities within the North East of England, or those in which Dame Catherine had an interest and/or have a local benefit. The Trustees prefer projects and schemes which involve or are directed towards capital expenditure. Areas of support include education and training, medical health and sickness, children and young people, religious activities, animal welfare, disability, and arts and culture. As a matter of general policy, the Trustees do not consider applications which would involve core funding or on-going financing, applications with a foreign element, personal applications, or applications for sports clubs and associations.

Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026

The Coastal Fountain Fund aims to protect coastal habitats from the harmful effects of single-use plastic water bottles by supporting communities to purchase water refill fountains for busy or environmentally significant coastal areas. The fund is sponsored by Bunzl Plc and provides grants towards the cost of purchasing water fountains suitable for filling water bottles, either floor or wall mounted, that are publicly available and typically installed outdoors. Grants of up to £2,500 are available per applicant towards the cost of a fountain. The fund welcomes applications from all types of not-for-profit organisations who have identified a need and are well-placed to build the stakeholder involvement needed to make the project a success. Part of the funding comes from Our Only World, a marine conservation charity, and their contribution will be allocated to organisations applying for an Our Only World fountain. Applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility and evaluation criteria carefully and consult Refill's guidance on installing water fountains. The fund covers only the fountain purchase cost, not installation or ongoing maintenance. Previous fountains installed by applicants have cost between £2,000-£3,000, though costs can range from £1,200 to £4,000. Priority is given to new applicants, though previous recipients may reapply.

Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund

The Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund enables early-stage and small community-based groups in Scotland involved in marine conservation activities to learn, share knowledge, network and develop skills with other groups. The fund recognizes that in-person learning and networking can accelerate the development of community projects and the spread of good practices. Travel between Scotland's coastal communities, particularly those of the Highlands and Islands, can be prohibitive for small voluntary and community groups, and this fund seeks to address those challenges. The fund is made possible by the William Grant Foundation and The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund. Grant requests generally should not exceed £750 and can cover costs including travel to events, workshops and meetings, accommodation, subsistence costs (capped at £25 per day), seminar costs, and online learning activities such as developing video case studies or hosting webinars. Applications are welcome from charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups with a focus on marine conservation, with at least two groups involved in each project - a provider and one or more beneficiaries.

ReQuest Foundation Youth Polar Projects Grant

The ReQuest Foundation provides grants to support young people aged 16-24 undertaking polar projects. These projects can include research/technical work, education, creative/artistic endeavors, or expeditions/explorations related to the polar regions. The foundation welcomes applications for polar-relevant projects of various kinds. Applicants must be UK residents or British citizens and be members of a youth organisation. Each applicant must have an advocate (a non-family adult supporter) from their youth organisation. The foundation reviews applications on a six-monthly cycle with deadlines of 31st January and 31st July each year. Initially, grants of up to £500 per six months are offered, rolling over to no more than £1000 per year. The financial contribution may be contingent on other funds being raised and/or achieving staged milestones. Recipients must provide a case study within two months of completing their project.

Now on Earth Youth Adventure Grant

The Now on Earth Youth Adventure Grant is designed to enable young adults to undertake adventurous expeditions that help develop self-confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing. The grant is intended to support those who would otherwise struggle to finance their adventure. A significant role in the organisation of any trip is considered a key part of the learning experience, so grants are not awarded to individuals seeking to partake in organised trips, races, courses or events. The grant supports human-powered expeditions involving physical exertion with clearly defined goals that are as original as possible and span a minimum of 3 days. Expeditions must be self-organised and recorded afterwards in a blog post with photographs or film format for sharing on the website and social media. Applications for adventures with purpose (environmental, social etc) and close to home UK-based expeditions receive extra scoring points. Grant awards generally range between £100-£500 depending on the expedition, although potentially more in a minority of cases. The expedition must take place within 12 months of the grant being awarded. The grant is currently closed with plans for the next fundraiser in June/July 2026.