Discover Funding Opportunities

VocTech Challenge Impact Network + Grant Fund

The VocTech Challenge Impact Network + Grant Fund is part of Ufi's VocTech Challenge: Skills for an Economy in Transition programme. This grant fund seeks bold, tech-led approaches to tackle three specific challenges in adult vocational learning: employer integration, pathways into and within work, and vocational language barriers. Successful applicants will receive between £200,000 and £250,000 to refine and deploy their ideas, focusing on adults aged 16-65 gaining or improving skills for work in the UK. The fund represents a new approach to Ufi grant funding, where successful applicants join a network of organisations working alongside each other as part of an active, expert-led programme designed to create connections, share knowledge, test assumptions and accelerate adoption and deployment. Projects must demonstrate immediate impact for at least 1,000 learners during the funding period, show potential for sustainability beyond the grant period, and reduce duplication in the skills system. Applications must be collaborative, involving employers, organizations connected to target learner groups, and/or training providers. Match funding is required to demonstrate shared commitment and risk.

VocTech Activate Grant Fund

VocTech Activate is Ufi's test bed grant fund where the first spark of an idea to solve a vocational learning problem can be scoped and tested in a supportive environment. The fund supports early-stage innovative projects focused on adapting, adopting, developing and designing products that put adult vocational skills first. Activities can include new technical development, or adaptation and implementation of existing technology in a new market or new community of learners. The fund is looking for ideas with the potential to transform vocational learning, rooted in real-world understanding of the sector's problems and opportunities. Ufi focuses on learners aged 16+, especially those in underserved sectors and locations, and projects must clearly show why their target learners have been overlooked by mainstream provision. Applicants must demonstrate how their idea is novel and why it's better than existing solutions, showing clear understanding of their learners and their market. The fund emphasizes innovation - whether new tech, new markets or new communities of learners.

Tannach and District Wind Farm Trust

The Tannach and District Charitable Wind Farm Trust has been established in partnership between Tannach and District Community Council and Foundation Scotland to manage funds from different companies or donors pledged for the benefit of the Tannach and District community. The Trust receives annual contributions from three wind farms: Wathegar Wind Farm (£30,030 index-linked), Wathegar 2 Wind Farm (£40,590 index-linked), and Bilbster Wind Farm (£4,025.50 index-linked). The Trust's available balance for grantmaking is currently £169,000. The fund supports projects that contribute to nine key outcomes including: creating opportunities for sports and recreation; improving settlement access safety; enhancing community activities and services for all ages; maintaining community life through events and improved amenities; encouraging economic activity; providing vocational skills and experience; promoting natural and cultural heritage; supporting sustainable energy use; and creating tourism opportunities. Applications must demonstrate contribution to at least one outcome with measurable activities and outputs. Applicants must show evidence of local consultation with beneficiaries and other groups, consider partnership working opportunities, demonstrate sustainable development practices including minimizing environmental impact, and use local procurement where appropriate. The fund prioritizes projects that bring clear benefit to residents of the Tannach and District area in Highland, Scotland.

RWE Camster Wind Farm Community Fund

This fund supports charitable activities or services of benefit to those living in the following Community Council areas in Caithness: Latheron, Lybster and Clyth; Watten; and Tannach and District. The fund is provided by RWE, owner of the Camster Wind Farm, and receives at least £150,000 annually (index-linked) for the Wind Farm lifetime, expected to be 25 years. The annual donation is split equally between the three Community Council areas. The fund supports projects that contribute to outcomes including increased sports and recreational opportunities, safer access through settlements, varied activities for all ages, enhanced community life, economic activity encouragement, vocational skills development, promotion of natural and cultural heritage, sustainable energy use, and tourism development. Applications can range from salaries and core costs to capital projects and feasibility studies. Constituted not-for-profit groups or organisations working to benefit people in these areas may apply. Applicants should demonstrate local consultation, consider partnership working where appropriate, and prioritize local procurement. Recommendations on grant awards are made by a Panel of people who live in the fund area, comprising up to 12 people with four representatives from each of the three Community Council areas.