If you’re a rural business, charity, school or community group in Whittlesford, there’s a wide selection of grant schemes available this April to support your work—from building community infrastructure and restoring historic buildings to boosting local sports, music, and environmental efforts.
Here’s a breakdown of the key funding opportunities currently open for applications, grouped by theme:
🔌 Energy
Green Heat Network Fund – Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Supports low-carbon heat networks across England. Available to public and private sector applicants aiming to decarbonise heating systems.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-heat-network-fund-ghnf
Energy Resilience Fund – Power to Change
Grants for community businesses to improve energy efficiency or implement renewable energy solutions.
https://www.powertochange.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/energy-resilience-fund/
🌳 Environment
Community Tree Planting Fund – Network Rail
Grants for planting trees near rail lines to support biodiversity and community engagement. https://treecouncil.org.uk/grants-and-guidance/our-grants/network-rail-community-tree-planting-fund/
Forestry England Woodland Partnership
Supports large-scale woodland creation through partnerships with landowners and local groups. www.forestryengland.uk/woodland-creation
Electricals Recycling Fund – Material Focus
Funds initiatives that boost electrical item recycling, reuse, and education.https://www.materialfocus.org.uk/partnerships-with-material-focus/electricals-recycling-fund/
🏛 Historic Buildings
Grants for Historic Church Interiors and Churchyard Structures – Church of England
Funding for the conservation of historic interiors and features in churchyards.. https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/our-conservation-grants/grants-historic-church-interiors-and-churchyard-structures
Project Viability & Project Development Grants – The Architectural Heritage Fund
Supports early-stage work and project planning for historic building restoration. https://ahfund.org.uk/grants/england/
Small, Medium and Large Grants – National Churches Trust
Grants for repairing and modernising church buildings. Available as small, medium, or large awards. https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/grants
💼 Business
Grants and business support for people using enterprise to solve social or environmental issues. https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards
The UK Fund – The National Lottery Community Fund
Provides grants for projects that address societal challenges and improve communities, supporting initiatives that bring people together and build strong relationships. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/the-uk-fund
Rural England Prosperity Fund
Aims to support rural businesses and community infrastructure projects, enhancing economic growth and quality of life in rural areas. Funding is available for capital projects that improve productivity and strengthen rural communities. https://www.scambs.gov.uk/grants-and-funding
⚽ Sports
The Big Bike Revival – Cycling UK
Grants for events and initiatives that get more people cycling and remove access barriers. https://www.cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival/delivery-partners
Football Foundation Grants
Funding for improving pitches, facilities, floodlights, and more at grassroots level. Funding is available for clubs, schools, and local authorities. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
The Movement Fund – Sport England
Supports organisations that make it easier for people to be active, especially those underrepresented in sport. https://www.sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding/movement-fund
🫶 Community Initiatives
Healthy Heart Grants – Heart Research UK
Funds community projects focused on improving heart health and preventing disease. https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grants/
Youth Music Trailblazer Fund
Supports music projects for children and young people facing barriers to participation. https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/funding/i-need-funding/trailblazer-fund
Stobart Sustainability Fund
Provides grants for projects that deliver environmental and community benefits, supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and social responsibility. https://eddiestobart.com/the-stobart-sustainability-fund/#enquires
Literacy Small Grants Scheme – JJ Charitable Trust
Offers funding for projects that improve literacy skills among children and adults, aiming to enhance educational outcomes and opportunities. https://sfct.powerappsportals.com/jjapplication/
SUEZ Communities Fund
Supports community and environmental improvement projects, including public amenities, biodiversity initiatives, and recreation facilities. Funding is available for nonprofit organizations and community groups. https://grantscape.org.uk/fund/suez-communities-fund/suez-communities-fund-england/
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a small school looking to plant trees, a heritage group restoring a church, or a local entrepreneur making a difference—these grant schemes offer exciting opportunities to grow your work and impact. Be sure to check eligibility and deadlines for each scheme.