Bringing lived experience to the heart of digital health research Have you ever thought: “There must be a better way to do this”? Is there a health challenge that you have experienced or that you see in your community that you think could be solved using digital technology? LEAP Digital Health Hub are looking for people who are: Involved in community groups or charities Working in social care or assisted living Patients with lived experience Informal carers They want to work with you to co-develop your ideas and turn your experience into impactful digital health research and innovation. You don’t need a research background or technical skills, just a problem you care about solving, and a passion for making things better. What is the Community Innovator Scheme? LEAP Digital Health Hub is launching this new scheme designed especially for people with real-world experience of health and care in the community, who want to make a difference and explore digital ways to improve lives. It is a collaborative programme where we help you turn your ideas and insights into an early- stage digital health solution. Whether it’s a challenge you’ve faced as a carer, a gap you’ve spotted in your community service, or a better way to support people with long-term conditions, they want to work with you to explore what’s possible. What will being a Community Innovator involve? If your application is successful: You will be partnered with a LEAP researcher to develop your challenge during a short meeting in October You will then attend the Community Sandpit Event in Bristol in early November. During the Sandpit: You (or your LEAP researcher) will present your challenge to other attendees, including researchers, NHS partners, and industry experts You will have the chance to talk to others about your challenge and find people who can work with you to investigate it further. If you find a team to work with at the Sandpit, there will be a second application (to be completed by an academic) for a small amount of funding (£10,000) to be used to develop your idea further. You’ll also have access to: Mentoring and guidance to navigate the digital health space Free access to LEAP’s Skills and Knowledge Programme Opportunities to make use of University co-working spaces and resources You’ll be part of a growing network of people using their experience to shape better health and care services. How to apply Complete the short online application form by midnight (BST) on Monday 6 October 5-10 successful applicants will be progressed Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 13 October Full details and how to apply: https://leap-hub.ac.uk/leap-digital-health-community- innovators/

Many of the organisations we work with are doing incredible work but struggling to share their stories effectively. They know they should be creating video content but feel completely overwhelmed about where to start. This means brilliant projects stay invisible, limiting their ability to attract funding, volunteers, and community support. Introducing The Saltways... The Saltways specialise in training nonprofit teams to create authentic video content using just their phones. They focus heavily on ethical storytelling - particularly important when working with vulnerable communities - and provide practical skills that work within tight budgets and busy schedules. Their upcoming opportunities: Free Workshop - September 11th: "How to Create Engaging Fundraising Films" - perfect timing for Christmas appeals. Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 The Community Studio (launching September 16th): Complete phone filmmaking training plus 12 months of ongoing support for nonprofits ready to build sustainable storytelling practices. Free Workshop - October 23rd: "How to Create Effective Video Content Using your Phone for Charities" Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 Free Workshop - November 27th: "How to Attract Corporate Supporters with Video Content" Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 Custom team training: They also provide tailored workshops for organisations wanting to build internal capacity across their teams. Find out more here: https://thesaltways.com/

Radio Bath, with support from 3SG, is proud to announce the launch of the very first Radio Bath Charity Awards - a brand new initiative celebrating the outstanding work of charities, organisations, and volunteers across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire. Supported by The Pavilion  and Tu Mangetout , the Awards aim to shine a light on the individuals and groups making a real difference in our communities. There are 16 award categories  open for nominations, including: Best Collaborative or Partnership Initiative Charity Event of the Year Compassion in Action Award Young Volunteer of the Year Adult Volunteer of the Year Charity of the Year Lifetime Achievement Charity Supporter of the Year (2 available)* Diversity and Inclusion Champion Community Group or Organisation of the Year Small Charity of the Year (income >£100k) Environmental and Sustainability Award Youth Charity of the Year Creative Community Initiative Sports Community Engagement Community Wellness Impact Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year *NB: We are not asking for nominations for Lifetime Achievement, Radio Bath will choose this. Nominations are now open and will close on Monday 8th September, at 11:45pm . Whether you’d like to nominate your own organisation, highlight an inspiring individual, or celebrate a local group that’s gone above and beyond, we want to hear from you! There is no cost to nominate , and the process is open to all. These awards are about recognising the heart and soul of our community - the people and projects driving positive change, often behind the scenes. We warmly encourage charities, volunteers, and supporters across the region to get involved and help us celebrate the amazing work happening every day. Submit your nomination today and help us spotlight the heroes of our community! 🏆 The Awards will culminate in a Celebratory Reception and Dinner  on 7th October , hosted at The Pavilion, Bath , from 12:30 – 16:30 . Tickets are priced at £40 per person , including a delicious lunch. 👉 Submit your nomination via the Microsoft form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/fSX5J5eBmM ✉️ Feel free to contact events@radiobath.com to book your event ticket, or get more information. We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible contributions across our community!

Volunteers' Week is a national celebration takes place every year during the first week of June, honouring the incredible impact volunteers have on their communities. It's a perfect moment to recognise, celebrate, and thank those who give their time so generously. To mark the occasion, we’re highlighting the amazing volunteers supporting communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. To champion their contributions and show our appreciation, 3SG has spoken with several local volunteers to share their inspiring stories. Each day from June 2nd to 6th, we’ll be featuring a different volunteer and the difference they make. On behalf of all charities, community groups, and third sector organisations across Bath & North East Somerset, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer. By sharing these stories, we hope to not only celebrate your efforts but also inspire others to get involved. SHIRLEY Up today we have retired nurse and animal lover, Shirley, who has been volunteering with Bath Cats and Dog's Home for an impressive 12 years. Over that time, Shirley has tried several different roles including dog walking, socialising kittens in the cattery, and supporting the fundraising efforts. She has also volunteered for Bath Toad and Frog Patrol Group. Shirley enjoys spending one-on-one time with the animals, whilst keeping active and getting to know fellow volunteers and staff. Read on to hear more about Shirley's experiences, motivations and advice. What inspired you to start volunteering? After caring for humans for forty years in my varying roles as a nurse, I decided after retirement I would like to spend more of my time with animals. What have you learnt from your experiences? Always listen to those you work with who are more knowledgeable, whatever age, you never stop learning. Also the pleasure to be had from knowing you can make a difference to an animal’s life. Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share? In my role as a dog walker at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, I walked a Staffy called, Buttons, twice a week for two years with no interest shown in him by potential adopters. One day I arrived to take Buttons out and the magic had happened, someone had fallen in love with him and adopted him and they gave him a very happy life. What have you learnt from your experiences? Always listen to those you work with who are more knowledgeable, whatever age, you never stop learning. Also the pleasure to be had from knowing you can make a difference to an animal’s life. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? If you’re thinking of volunteering, just do it. There is so much to be gained by the knowledge that you are helping a very good cause while at the same time supporting your mental health. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? Check out our Volunteer page  for more information, and where else to find opportunities. You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter , and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group , to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis.

Below is a selection of current funding opportunities available to charitable organisations across B&NES. The 12 opportunities below are listed in order of closing date, and separated into two sections; Local and National. Local Opportunities Retrofit Community Group Grants 🪙 Up to £20,000 Retrofit West via the West of England Combined Authority, is offering grants of up to £20,000 to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who want to champion home energy efficiency and upgrades. Deadline: Friday 5th September 2025 - Find Out More Postcode Local Trust for West of England 🪙 Between £500 and £2,500, and £500 to £25,000 Grants are available to charitable organisations in the West of England working in the areas of: Enabling participation in physical activity Enabling participation in the arts Improving biodiversity and responding to the climate emergency Improving green spaces and increasing access to the outdoors Preventing or reducing the impact of poverty Providing support to improve mental health Supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality Deadline: Monday 8th September 2025 - Find Out More Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund 🪙 Up to £4,000 This funding is open to most non-profits in the West of England, including B&NES, that meet a local need and seek to improve the lives of local people who are most in need of support. Priority will be given to those with income under £500,000 and for areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation where people lack access to local services, that help build stronger communities. Deadline: Will reopen on 22nd September. No closing date specified. Find Out More National Opportunities Kelly Family Charitable Trust 🪙 Up to £5,000 The three areas of activity that the charity wishes to support are: Interventions that support families and help them in ways that prevent the fracture of the family unit, eg practical family support, relationship counselling, mediation Families where sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and drug abuse threaten the integrity of the family unit Prisoners and in particular their families, during and after the period of imprisonment The trust prefers to support charities whose income is below £500,000. However, larger charities with pioneering pilot projects will be considered. Core funding requests as well as project-based grants are welcomed. Deadline: Monday 1st September - Find Out More Consortium: Collective Nature Fund 🪙 £500 - £3,000 This new fund is for UK LGBTQI+ global majority community groups and organisations. Deadline: 12 midday, Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - Find Out More Lloyds Bank Foundation Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation Fund 🪙 £75,000 over 3 years This programme is for small and local charities and CICs with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 that are led by and working with Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Deadline: 5pm, Sunday 7th September 2025 - Find Out More Ofgem: Energy Redress Scheme 🪙 £20,000 - £50,000 This funding is for charities supporting people in vulnerable situations struggling with their energy bills, and for projects targeting private rented sector properties. It can fund projects lasting up to two years. Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 9th September 2025 - Find Out More Music for All - Funding round 4 🪙 Unknown Financial support available for community projects that support physical mobility or accessibility needs, mental health and loneliness/isolation, choral groups, working with early years aged children, or descant recorder pack and music pack. Organisations must be registered with the Charity Commission or Companies House. You can expect to hear back 3 months after your application. Deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 24th September 2025 - Find Out More Zurich Municipal: Diversity and Inclusion Awards 🪙 £3,000 - £10,000 This funding is for charities with annual incomes of up to £100,000 running diversity and inclusion programmes. Deadline: 12 midnight, Tuesday 30th September 2025 - Find Out More Another Way Women's Foundation 🪙 £1,000 - £5,000 This funding round will focus preferentially on supporting projects/initiatives/services for women and girls in business and STEM. Two grants for UK non-profits are available, which fall into the areas of Project Support, and Services support. Deadline: Funding round opens on Monday 1st September and closes Tuesday 30th September. Find Out More Million Hours Fund (DCMS & The National Lottery Community Fund) Phase 3 🪙£30,000 - £100,000 This £19 million fund provides youth organisations with funding to deliver positive activities for young people in areas with higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Eligible wards in B&NES include Bathwick and Kingsmead. Work must either be based in, or benefit young people living in, an eligible ward. Deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 - Find Out More Corra Foundation - You're Only Young Once Fund 🪙 Up to £10,000 This is a £50,000 fund for incorporated, not-for-profit organisations, with a track record of delivering services specifically for children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol. Deadline: 2pm on Friday 31st October 2025 - Find Out More -------------------------------------------------------- More funding opportunities can be found via the BaNES Funding Finder - Click Here 3SG member organisations also benefit from free access to our Funds Online  account, allowing you to search a library of over 8,000 funders giving a combined total of £8 billion. If you're a member,  head to the Resources page here to find out more.  You can find out more about 3SG membership here , or get in touch via contact@3sg.org.uk   If you work in a fundraising capacity you may also be interested in joining our Fundraising & Communications Network , with Bath Fundraisers' Group. The Network meets quarterly, with different themes and speakers, to offer support and enable inclusive networking and learning amongst those involved in fundraising in B&NES. You can sign up to the monthly Bath Fundraisers' Group Newsletter  here   and join the LinkedIn group here.

Ever thought about volunteering in your spare time, but not sure where to start? Join 3SG at this year’s Volunteer Fair , which will be held at the Apex Hotel, Bath on Friday, 17th October, from 11 am - 3 pm. The event, now in its third year, celebrates over 40 local charities and the amazing work that is carried out to support people across the area, doing so alongside people like you. Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn new skills, connect with others and to make a difference in your community, giving as much or as little of your time that you can spare.  The main exhibition space will see displays by some of the 250+ charity members that 3SG supports, with each stall providing a warm welcome, fun activities and probably some freebies! We’ll also be welcoming a very special guest to officially open the Fair at 11 am, HM the King’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. As well as the exhibition space, visitors can take part in workshops and talks throughout the day, and new to the Fair this year, free taster sessions for the soon to be launched Wellbeing Courses in B&NES , which will be available to book on arrival. As part of 3SG’s work to support the local Third Sector, the organisation is inviting local businesses to join the event for a special ‘After Party’, which will be taking place from 3.30pm, an informal networking session with local charities where we will raise a glass to those working tirelessly for the community. Entry to the Volunteer Fair is free, but you must register for the After Party event, which is open to local businesses and our charity stallholders only. For more information and tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3SGAFTERPARTY Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG)   is a charity supporting over 250 charities, social enterprises and community organisations across B&NES by providing 1:1 support, events, training, networking and advocacy. For more information, visit: 3sg.org.uk

UWE Bristol’s  School of Computing and Creative Technologies  is offering  community, voluntary, and social enterprise organisations  the opportunity to receive  free consultancy  on: Information management Business planning & strategy Training IT solutions Systems analysis Website & social media support Other ICT-related matters The consultancy will be delivered by   final-year undergraduate student project team(s) . Over the past years, their  150+ successful projects  have provided clients with  practical advice, strategies, and deliverables . This year will be able to support around ~15 projects . Projects will begin in  October  and run until  March/April  the following year. To learn more about the consultancy and see  examples of past student work , visit their website:  https://go.uwe.ac.uk/cake   Applications are now open and the deadline for this year's applications is Friday 5 September 2025.  To apply, please complete the online application form available on this direct link  https://infohub.uwe.ac.uk/Form.aspx?id=42615576  which can also be accessed from the main scheme page  https://go.uwe.ac.uk/cake  (*If you had previously benefited from this scheme then you are most "welcome" to apply again).

The Rotork Community Challenge with the University of Bath’s School of Management is back for 2025! For the past 10 years the University of Bath’s School of Management faculty have partnered with the University of Bath’s Student Union Volunteering Department with the aim of encouraging small teams of students to volunteer their time and skills in October and November to add value to local charitable organisations. They are now looking for a new set of ‘challenges’ that will allow up to 12 teams, each consisting of 6 to 7 students, to get involved with. What are they looking for? Projects that a team of up to 7 students can deliver sometime between the end of October and the end of November. Please see linked document below for some examples of past projects. Many of the students involved in this scheme are international and will be put into teams working with other students that they have probably not met before. Therefore, a part of their challenge may well include language and cultural barriers, as well as the short time given to deliver the project. Usually, the students really embrace this opportunity and will go above and beyond the brief to deliver a successful event or project. However, your time will be needed to support them throughout, as this is a learning experience for these students and things can of course, go wrong along the way. The important learning for the groups is around how they then deal with any problems and work together to come up with solutions and a positive outcome for the charities involved. Your project will be helping them to develop their teamwork, problem solving, communication and leadership skills, to name but a few. N.B Fundraising projects will not be accepted. Next Steps Please complete the linked form below giving as much detail as possible about the challenge and the benefits for your charity or community group. You may submit as many projects as you like but each one must be on a separate form. The application deadline is 12th of September. The projects will be launched to students in early October and the students will have an opportunity to choose which challenge they would prefer to deliver. If they receive more than 12 challenge applications, they will be shortlisting to achieve this number. Therefore, some challenges may not get selected to go through to the final round. However, they do have other groups of students who might then want to take up some of these projects and other ways they may be able to work with you in future. The student group’s will deliver their results as part of a presentation evening during late November (27 th of November) and all charities will be invited to attend this event, where an overall winner will be announced! Please note, they do ask charities to support the students during this challenge and therefore please consider whether you are able to dedicate some of your time and can remain contactable throughout this period. Furthermore, once the final projects have been set you will not be able to change your challenge or request additional tasks from the students, therefore please ensure that you are satisfied with your challenge application before you submit it to avoid any last-minute changes. The University of Bath look forward to receiving your challenge projects application by close of play on September 12 th and thank you in advance for your support. Please find the downloadable application form and the PDF of examples at the following links:   Application Form (Word document): https://www.thesubath.com/pageassets/volunteer/Rotork-Community-Challenge-Application.docx     Examples document: https://www.thesubath.com/pageassets/volunteer/Examples.pdf

Ara Recovery 4 All offer free, fully funded Gambling Harms Prevention workshops  for young people (ages 11–25), professionals, and parents/carers. These sessions are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of your team. They can be delivered online or in person . Right now, they're inviting inviting youth-facing professionals  to book a session as part of their Ahead of the Game  programme. This training is designed to build your confidence in supporting young people who may be at risk of gambling or gaming-related harms, or who are affected by someone else’s gambling. With GamCare closing its youth programme, it’s more important than ever that youth services are equipped to respond to these issues. Their sessions aim to help bridge that gap. The training includes: Spotting the signs of gambling and gaming-related harms Understanding the impact on young people, including those affected by someone else’s gambling Exploring the risks of loot boxes, in-game purchases, and gambling-like mechanics Practical tools and strategies to help young people make safer choices online Signposting and referral pathways for additional support Book a session or find out more by emailing EmilyCox@recovery4all.co.uk or visiting the website at www.AraEducate.co.uk .

We’re pleased to let you know that the Social Impact Framework opportunity is now live.   This Framework has been developed to support the delivery of community-led, preventative services that address the wider determinants of health and improve health equity. It’s designed to make it easier for public sector bodies to work with organisations like yours - those rooted in local knowledge, lived experience, and partnership working.   We know procurement processes can feel complex, so the NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub have worked hard to ensure this opportunity is accessible, proportionate, and relevant to your work. They've also created guidance to help you along the way. This can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/44Bow0R   If your organisation delivers services that make a positive impact, such as mental health support, financial inclusion, supported living, or green community health, they strongly encourage you to apply.   Access the live opportunity tender notice : Social Impact Framework - Find a Tender   All tender documents and communications for this opportunity are being managed through Atamis . There won’t be any hard copy documents issued, so please make sure to access everything online via the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome Once you're on the portal, just search for project reference: C371576 to find the opportunity.   Deadline for submissions : 26 th August 2025 at 12:00 p.m.   If you have any questions or need support with the process, please message through the message function on Atamis .

3SG welcomes new employee, Paula! We're really excited to announce a new addition to our team - Paula Turner - who joins us in the role of Wellbeing Courses Development Coordinator! Paula joins us on a 12 month, part time contract, piloting a new Wellbeing Courses Development programme with the Community Wellbeing Hub , that hopes to join up and promote wellbeing activities across Bath and North East Somerset. The project will provide a central point of access and identify areas of targeted support needed offering a range of wellbeing courses and activities. Paula's official first day was last Monday, so our Operations and Content Coordinator, Emma, took the opportunity to ask a few questions to find out more about Paula and her motivations behind joining 3SG. You can read the full Q&A below: What are you most looking forward to doing as part of your role? "I am very excited to be starting my new role with the Wellbeing Courses at 3SG.  I will enjoy working out in the community, meeting new people and making new contacts. I feel really passionate about the wellbeing courses and the benefits these courses will have on peoples health and general wellbeing. These courses will help to improve confidence, activity, create new skills, whilst connecting with others." Tell us a little bit about yourself "I grew up in Bath, and currently live in the rural village of Ston Easton, situated between Farrington Gurney and Wells.  We have a very old cottage built in the 1700's which has lots of interesting history. I have two sons, who have left home. Past jobs have included Office Management, HR & Recruitment & Leadership/Admin Assessing." What interested you about working for 3SG? Have you had any previous involvement/experience with Third Sector organisations? "I previously ran the Volunteering Brokerage Service at HCRG Care Group, and worked together with 3SG on the volunteering network.   They are a great team to work with! I love planning and organising events both at home and work, so this role will suit me down to the ground!" Tell Us a Fun Fact About Yourself? "I lived in West Germany for two years and I love having a go at hula hooping!" -------------------------------- More about the Wellbeing Courses project: 3SG has been working with the Community Wellbeing Hub (CWH) to help keep the Wellbeing Courses going, after they were at risk of closing. Thanks to some identified funding by CWH, the courses will continue for at least another year, with 3SG taking on the role of Wellbeing Courses Development Coordinator. We’re hoping to get things up and running again by September, with support from a new steering group. While we take some time to understand how the service has worked in the past, our goal is to grow and sustain it for the long term. We’d also love for our members to be able to add their own courses to the site, helping to build a shared space for everyone’s offers. We’re excited to welcome this new role into the 3SG team, working alongside the CWH, and getting the service running again as it deserves - while also supporting our wider social prescribing work and connecting more people with the opportunities they need in Bath & North East Somerset. Paula's usual working days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please do get in touch with Paula via paula@3sg.org.uk and send any wellbeing activities her way.

Do you want to make a real difference in your community and help tackle climate change while you're at it? Applications are now open for the Community Group Funding . Retrofit West is offering grants of up to £20,000 to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who want to champion home energy efficiency and upgrades. Funding is to help upskill, develop and inform your communities about energy efficiency. They're looking for passionate groups in Bristol, South Gloucestershire , and Bath & North East Somerset to help spread the word about how to make homes warmer, greener, and more affordable to run. Whether you want to: Host local events Offer trusted advice Run workshops or training Purchase new equipment Even carry out your own research and more..   Local projects that have previously been funded include Share & Repair, Bath and West Community Energy Home Energy Service, and Go Green Widcombe. Find out more and apply by September 5th 2025 - https://homeowners.retrofitwest.co.uk/community-group-grants/

Below is a selection of current funding opportunities available to charitable organisations across B&NES. The 14 opportunities below are listed in order of closing date, and separated into two sections; Local and National. Local Opportunities Peasedown St. John Parish Council Community Grants and Village Events Grants 🪙 Generally up to £1,000 Peasedown St. John Parish Council recognises the crucial role that volunteers, and community groups play in Peasedown and how key they are to a successful community. They offer Community Grants, generally up to £1,000, for activities that benefit residents within the Parish boundary .  This includes Peasedown St John; Carlingcott; New Buildings and Braysdown. Deadline: Sunday 31st August 2025. Find Out More Here. The Sperring Charity 🪙 Unspecified (under £10k) The Sperring Charity offers financial support to the people and organisations of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas. It is the generous legacy of Ralph Sperring, who left his estate to benefit the community that he loved. Any local club, organisation, school, community group or individual can make an application for a grant. Grants for people in need living within a 5 mile radius of Midsomer Norton. Deadline: Ongoing. Find Out More Here. Paulton Parish Council Community Grants 🪙 Up to £4,000 This scheme aims to support events, projects and items in the village of Paulton.  Grants are normally less than £2,000 but more may be granted up to a maximum of £4,000 in exceptional circumstances. Deadline: Ongoing. Find Out More Here. National Opportunities DCMS - Adventures Away From Home Fund 🪙 £4.7 million A £4.7 million grant to a UK organisation or consortium of organisations to act as a delivery partner for the Fund up to 31 March 2026. It aims to increase access to outdoor learning, help young people foster positive relationships with movement and physical activity and develop their socio-emotional and life skills by providing bursaries for up to 27,600 disadvantaged and/or vulnerable young people (aged 11 to 18 and up to age 25 for for young people with SEND) to take part in outdoor learning activities. Deadline: Tuesday 15th July 2025. Find Out More Here. Give Star - Adventure for Good Grant 🪙 A share of the £100,000 pot The grant is for people (individuals or small teams) taking on game-changing challenges to raise money for a UK based charity. Deadline: Wednesday 16th July 2025. Find Out More Here. DCMS - Creative Foundations Fund 🪙 Up to £10m per organisation This funding is for non-for-profit cultural organisations in England, which can demonstrate that they have presented or delivered cultural activity in the last 12 months. The project for which they are applying for funding must not start before 1 April 2026. Deadline: 12 noon Friday 25th July 2025. Find Out More Here. ASDA - Food Bank Fundamentals 🪙 £750 Providing UK non-profit food distributors with essential provisions and equipment necessary to sustain and enhance their services. Total fund £400,000. Deadline: 10am on Tuesday 29th July 2025. Find Out More Here . National Grid Community Matters Fund 🪙 Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000. Grants are available for charitable organisations supporting communities and hubs working hard to improve their resilience in the energy transition. The Fund can be used to support energy-efficient initiatives to lower carbon footprint, save energy costs and improve energy-efficiency ratings. The Fund aims to support economically disadvantaged areas and to target grassroots organisations that serve historically underrepresented and marginalised groups. Deadline: 5pm on Friday 1st August 2025. Find Out More Here. Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards 🪙 Winners in each category will win £5,000 for their charity and runners up £1,000. Open to registered charities, not-for-profit organisations or CICs. Send 250 words on why you think your charity should win. They'll be recognising those who have made exceptional contributions across the listed 7 categories; Trustee, Climate, Adversity, Fundraiser, Founder, Partnership, plus nominations by Benefact Staff. Deadline: Midnight on Sunday 10th August 2025. Find Out More Here. Lloyds Bank Foundation Deaf and Disabled Fund 🪙 £75,000 This three year unrestricted funding is for small and local charities and CICs with an income between £25,000 - £500,000 that are led by and working with Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Deadline: 5pm on Thursday 4th September 2025. Find Out More Here. Digital Learning Grant 🪙 Free Programme JustGiving and Fundraising Everywhere have again teamed up to offer their free coaching programme designed to boost fundraising professionals’ digital skills and confidence. This year 250 fundraisers will be able to learn, network, and get 1:1 support to boost their digital fundraising skills and confidence. Deadline: 5pm on Friday 12th September 2025. Find Out More Here. The Thomas Wall Trust 🪙 Up to £5,000 The Thomas Wall Trust awards a small number of grants of up to £5,000 annually to UK registered charities for specific projects or core activities that provide disadvantaged adults aged 18 and over with the necessary communication skills for improving their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances. Grants can be used for project or running costs. Deadline: The deadline for Expressions of Interest is Monday 22nd September 2025. Find Out More Here. National Lottery Community Fund: Solidarity Fund 🪙 £1m - £5m to be spent over 5-10 years. This funding is for organisations tackling the root causes of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination - 10 awards expected to be made in 2025-6. Deadline: Ongoing. Find Out More Here. Acre - Village Hall Grants 2025/6 🪙 £7,500 - £75,000 for projects valued at £37,500 or more This funding is for village halls across rural England, to improve buildings and facilities in recognition of the vital role village halls play in supporting rural communities. Projects must focus on reducing loneliness, the local environment, the rural economy or community life. Open to registered charities, parish councils, CIOs, charitable companies, charitable trusts, and community associations. Deadline: Ongoing, likely until fully subscribed. Find Out More Here. BFBS: Big Salute 🪙 Up to £10,000 This funding is for registered charities with an annual income below £1m. To support purpose-led projects supporting UK armed forces personnel, veterans and their families. Deadline: Friday 31st October 2025. Find Out More Here. -------------------------------------------------------- On a side note, HMRC has published its annual summary of charitable tax reliefs .   Tax reliefs are (pretty much) core funding, you can claim back up to 4 years, you get them every year and when you apply, you're not bidding for it, you're entitled to it. Yet, we fail to claim hundreds of millions each year. Please read this and apply for the funding you're entitled to.  With thanks to Charity Excellence Framework for pointing this out. -------------------------------------------------------- More funding opportunities can be found via the BaNES Funding Finder - Click Here 3SG member organisations also benefit from free access to our Funds Online  account, allowing you to search a library of over 8,000 funders giving a combined total of £8 billion. If you're a member,  head to the Resources page here to find out more.  You can find out more about 3SG membership here , or get in touch via contact@3sg.org.uk   If you work in a fundraising capacity you may also be interested in joining our Fundraising & Communications Network , with Bath Fundraisers' Group. The Network meets quarterly, with different themes and speakers, to offer support and enable inclusive networking and learning amongst those involved in fundraising in B&NES. You can sign up to the monthly Bath Fundraisers' Group Newsletter  here   and join the LinkedIn group here.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting communities to explore the potential for locally owned renewable energy projects. The Energy in Your Community project is seeking three communities interested in developing small-scale renewable energy - such as solar farms or wind turbines - owned and operated by the community for long-term local benefit. Selected groups will work with expert partners to explore energy needs, share ideas, and discover what types of renewables could work in their area. There are no fixed plans - just open conversations guided by what matters locally. Register your interest by 5pm, Friday 1 August. Visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/communityenergynetwork Prefer to complete the form by phone or need an alternative format (large print, Braille, audio or a downloadable version for printing), please contact: Email: Community_Energy@bathnes.gov.uk or Phone: 01225 477615. This work is part of the three-year Community Energy Network, funded by a £1.5m award from The National Lottery Climate Action Fund. The Council is working in partnership with Bath & West Community Energy, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and the University of Bath to support the growth of 5MW of community-owned renewable generation by 2030.

As Small Charities Week draws to a close, one message rings louder than ever: resilience and connection remain at the heart of everything we do. This week, our goal at 3SG was to shine a light on the incredible work of small charities. We wanted to not only recognise their impact, but their unwavering strength in the face of economic, social, and political challenges. While the sector continues to navigate uncertain times, the dedication to mission and community remains unshaken. At 3SG, we firmly believe that stronger communities are built on the foundation of resilient charities and this week has been a powerful reminder of that truth. For our final spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Tech 4 Good South West ! Can you tell us a little bit about your small charity? Tech4Good South West is a community of people across the South West driving technology for good  through bringing people together, sharing knowledge and ideas, matching needs with skills, and creating space to innovate. Our working definition of Tech for Good  is the intentional use of technology to drive positive outcomes for people and planet . What do you see as the main challenges facing small charities today? As the funding world comes under increasing pressure of all shapes and sizes, small charities and social enterprises are hit with a double whammy of increased demand and a reduction in available funding. Resources are always a challenge but small charities and social enterprises are really resourceful so still punch above their weight. In addition, our experience is that funding for convening and skills development work is still hard to get. We know that is, if you get the right mix of people to meet and connect, brilliant things happen.  What does financial resilience mean for Tech 4 Good? Our approach has always been to explore a mixed model of financial sustainability, a good combination of trading, project funding, sponsorship and consultancy. Grant funding is great but hard to get for an organisation like Tech4Good South West.  How has being part of the Social Economy West Project impacted your organisation? Great support from Dan Gregory and Oliver Holtaway. Tech4Good South West is a membership organisation and the Social Economy West Project gave us the time and support to step back and think more intentionally about how we grow as a participatory network. We mapped out the different roles people play – from listeners to collaborators to maintainers – and looked at how we could create more inclusive and meaningful ways for members to get involved. It also helped us put words to the values we already work by: trust, care, abundance, and collaboration. That’s now shaping how we design events, hold space for others, and grow our membership in a way that feels true to our purpose.   What’s been one memorable moment for Tech 4 Good so far? This is a tricky one...the Unconferences we deliver are really enjoyable and always bring a real mix of different people and organisations, from big tech to small charities, as I mentioned above...if you get the right people together and let them shape the agenda, good things happen. We held our latest one a few weeks ago. Read more here .  If I'm allowed another one. Our AI in Action session at Bath Digital Festival was a real highlight. We brought together charities, social enterprises, and tech specialists to explore AI side by side. People got hands-on with tools like Grants.ai and Form Fighter, built their own ChatGPTs, and had open conversations about ethics, accessibility, and real-world use. It was practical, peer-led, and full of curiosity — exactly the kind of space we need more of in the sector. Tech 4 Good has received support through  Social Economy West.  They collaborated with two of our incredible mentors to design a more inclusive and engaging offering for their members. At 3SG , we’ll keep supporting our third sector community through events, training, networks, and tailored support. If your organisation could benefit from fully funded, bespoke guidance to navigate today’s challenging landscape, our Social Economy West project is here to help. Social Economy West  is a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority initiative, led by Business West and delivered locally by 3SG in the Bath and North East Somerset area. This programme builds on our ongoing work with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the Bath Social Impact Network, continuing our commitment to strengthening the region’s social economy. The aim of the project is to support third sector organisations, social enterprises, and co-operatives to become more financially sustainable and resilient in today’s challenging economic landscape. We do this via 5 key support activities: 1-1 Consultancy Pro-bono Mentoring Workshops Local and regional peer networks Accelerator Programme Through Social Economy West, we’re offering access to tailored support, practical resources, and expert guidance to help organisations: Identify and explore opportunities for sustainable impact Navigate increasing demand for services Build financial resilience and embed environmental sustainability Strengthen risk management practices Diversify income streams and reduce reliance on short-term funding If you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or co-operative working in Bath and North East Somerset, we encourage you to apply. Apply now  by completing the application form here: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/social-economy-west If you have any questions or would like to talk about the programme in more detail, please get in touch with our Project Manager - Alfiya Khan at 3SG: alfiya@3sg.org.uk . Find out more about Small Charity Week here: https://www.smallcharityweek.com/ Small Charity Week defines a small charity as a voluntary organisation with a social or charitable purpose with an annual income of less than £1 million. This includes registered charities, community groups, community interest companies (CICs) and other structures. If your small charity would like to become a 3SG member, you can find more information here . Alternatively, please get in touch and we'd be happy to have a chat - contact@3sg.org.uk Read a recent blog post by Small Charities Week Campaign - How to build financial resilience for small charities Additionally here are few more resources from our sector partner Media Trust -   : Free upcoming events: TikTok for charities: Inspiring others to share your story Moderation for charities: Keeping your charity and supporters safe online How to write stand out volunteer opportunities Low-cost courses/events: Digital Skills Festival 2025: Social media strategy for charities Free resources: Online resource hub Volunteer platform  – online tool to list your volunteer opportunities and get matched with skilled media and creative professionals Newsletter sign up: https://mediatrust.org/newsletter/ DSC Resources: Free top tips articles, policy commentary and analysis and much more on our blog The Governance App - A free and easy way to improve your governance Bitesize summer learning sessions taking place in August, costing only £35 Free Funds Online webinars running through July Free reports, including the recently published Grants for Good 2025 Debra and Peter are Doing a Podcast Charity Questions podcast

Six pilot communities announced across the West of England to increase social connection Six months after its launch, the Impact Alliance – a growing movement of more than 50 purpose-led organisations – is excited to announce six pilot communities across the West of England where it will take action to understand and address loneliness and build lasting social connection. Selected through a mix of local insight, data analysis and diversity of experience, these communities span both rural and urban areas across the four local authorities of Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The pilots also include two communities often underrepresented in existing data: global majority elders and disabled young people (aged 13-25). The six pilot communities are: Stockwood, Bristol Somer Valley, Bath & North East Somerset Mendip Villages (Banwell, Winscombe & Sandford, and Churchill & Langford), North Somerset Charfield, South Gloucestershire Global majority elders Disabled young people (aged 13–25) This announcement marks a bold shift from centralised planning to local, community-led innovation. Over the next six months, the Impact Alliance will work closely with local 'Enabler' organisations including Black South West Network, Bristol Charities, CVS South Gloucestershire, 3SG, the Mendip Parish Councils, and WECIL to better understand loneliness in different places and lives, and to co-design sustainable community-driven responses. “We’re building on the Promising Approaches Framework developed by Kate Jopling and the Campaign to End Loneliness, which outlines a strategic and evidence-informed approach to addressing loneliness,” says Catherine Robinson, Head of Charitable Giving at St Monica Trust. “This is about doing things differently – from how programmes are led and funded, to how we measure meaningful impact.” Kay Libby, CEO of Age UK Bristol, adds: “Loneliness is a deeply entrenched issue, shared by many but owned by no one. It demands collective action – from charities, communities, councils, businesses, and beyond.” Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, shares why they got involved: "Being part of the Impact Alliance is a powerful example of what can happen when we join forces for good. Addressing loneliness isn’t something any one organisation can do alone - it takes collective effort, shared insight, and a deep commitment to community. Together, we’re building stronger, more connected communities, where no one is left behind.” The Impact Alliance brings together a broad coalition of partners, including three local universities, all four councils, businesses, schools, faith groups, artists, funders and frontline organisations. Together, they will prototype new models, share learning across sectors, and build a regional movement to make loneliness a stranger. Get involved If you’re working to reduce loneliness or have bold ideas to strengthen connection in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hello@impact-alliance.co.uk. Now hiring: To lead this next phase, the Impact Alliance is recruiting a Head of Delivery. Find out more on the Age UK Bristol website.

Stronger communities are built on the foundation of resilient charities. But in today’s challenging landscape where costs are rising, funding is shrinking, and demand for services continues to grow, what does resilience really mean? Is it about continuing with business as usual? Seeking more support and resources? Or is it about fundamentally rethinking how we work, collaborate, and deliver impact? Understanding the Current Landscape Small charities are the heart of our communities. They are diverse, grassroots organisations delivering vital services with dedication and passion. Yet these organisations are facing unprecedented challenges. Unlike larger providers, small charities often lack the resources and capacity to weather storms. Many operate in isolation, juggling increasing demand with fewer hands and tighter budgets. The loss of funding, particularly contracts going to bigger organisations, is not just a setback but can mean closure for some. Despite this, the need for small charities has never been greater. As they stretch to meet growing demand, they must simultaneously increase capacity that results in raising their operational costs and deepening the pressures they face. A recurring theme in sector conversations is the importance of moving away from over-reliance on grants and trusts. But for many, this brings anxiety about becoming ‘too commercial’. The real goal, however, is financial resilience so that you have the space and confidence to plan ahead, focus on your mission, and even grow your impact. Also it is important to note that innovation is woven into the ethos of small charities. But when day-to-day survival dominates, that innovation can become blurred or forgotten.  So how can small charities navigate this? Rethink your financial strategy: Reassess how you manage costs and bring in income. What’s working now? What’s holding you back? Without change, three years from now may look the same and that’s not sustainable. Stay mission-led and people-focused: Build internal capacity, but keep your eyes open to external opportunities. Your values are your anchor. Collaborate: Whether through long-term partnerships or short-term projects, collaboration is key. We are stronger together. Find inspiration from peers: Other organisations may look different, but they are likely facing similar challenges. Connect, share, and build a supportive network. How 3SG Can Help At 3SG, we believe in the power of small charities. Our members are the backbone of our grassroots communities so when they thrive, so do we. We’re currently delivering the Social Economy West project , designed to support you with tailored, fully funded consultancy and mentoring. Whether you need more time, specific expertise, or a space to connect and grow - we’re here to help! Through Social Economy West, we offer: 1-to-1 consultancy Pro bono mentoring Workshops Local and regional peer networks An Accelerator Programme This support is designed for you, with you. Whether you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or co-operative based in Bath and North East Somerset, we encourage you to apply. With access to practical tools, expert advice, and a supportive network, we’ll help you: Identify and seize opportunities for sustainable impact Navigate growing demand with confidence Build financial resilience and embed environmental sustainability Strengthen risk management Diversify income and reduce dependency on short-term funding Let’s build a future where small charities not only survive but thrive because resilient charities mean stronger, more connected communities. Interested in joining Social Economy West or want to know more? Get in touch with us at [insert contact link or details here]. Apply now by completing the application form here:   https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/social-economy-west If you have any questions or would like to talk about the programme in more detail, please get in touch with our Project Manager - Alfiya Khan at 3SG: alfiya@3sg.org.uk . Find out more about Small Charity Week here:   https://www.smallcharityweek.com/ Small Charity Week defines a small charity as a voluntary organisation with a social or charitable purpose with an annual income of less than £1 million. This includes registered charities, community groups, community interest companies (CICs) and other structures. If your small charity would like to become a 3SG member, you can find more information   here . Alternatively, please get in touch and we'd be happy to have a chat - contact@3sg.org.uk Additionally here are few more resources from our sector partner Media Trust -  : Free upcoming events: TikTok for charities: Inspiring others to share your story Moderation for charities: Keeping your charity and supporters safe online How to write stand out volunteer opportunities Low-cost courses/events: Digital Skills Festival 2025: Social media strategy for charities Free resources: Online resource hub Volunteer platform  – online tool to list your volunteer opportunities and get matched with skilled media and creative professionals Newsletter sign up: https://mediatrust.org/newsletter/ DSC Resources: Free top tips articles, policy commentary and analysis and much more on our blog The Governance App - A free and easy way to improve your governance Bitesize summer learning sessions taking place in August, costing only £35 Free Funds Online webinars running through July Free reports, including the recently published Grants for Good 2025 Debra and Peter are Doing a Podcast Charity Questions podcast The Social Economy West  project is a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Initiative, led by Business West. 3SG is delivering the project in the Bath and North East Somerset region.

Small Charity Week is a nationwide celebration of the remarkable impact small charities have in communities across the U.K. The campaign shines a spotlight on their work, amplifies their voices, and connects them with the support they need to thrive. Because when small charities are strong, so are the communities they serve. Small voluntary organisations play a vital role in the sector, providing crucial services grounded in local knowledge, trusted relationships, and personal experience. However, they often encounter systemic challenges that hinder their long-term viability and impact. Financial resilience  is a fitting theme for this year, reflecting the needs and realities of small charities today. To mark the occasion, we’re proud to share stories from our members who are receiving support through Social Economy West . Their experiences highlight how this initiative is helping them work differently, become more sustainable, and increase their impact. By sharing these journeys, we aim to celebrate their achievements, elevate their voices, and inspire continued recognition for the vital role small charities play across the region. Next up is First Steps , an organisation that has consistently demonstrated resilience over the years. Despite the challenges of a constantly shifting funding and economic landscape, they have shown that with collaboration and innovative thinking, it is possible to not only sustain their work but also expand their impact. Can you tell us a little bit about your small charity? First Steps (Bath)  is a charity and social enterprise dedicated to working with children and families to improve learning outcomes, strengthen communities, and transform lives. Our mission is to increase life chances for children living in overlooked areas of deprivation across Bath by providing high-quality, inclusive childcare and holistic family support. Through nurturing, welcoming environments, we help children thrive in education while also supporting parents to re-engage with learning, training, and employment. Many of the families we support face not only financial hardship but also the additional challenges of raising children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). What do you think are the main challenges you are facing as a small charities? Funding is one of our biggest challenges whilst there is increasing demand for our services. Financing our services through contracts and grants has become trickier. It has also become tougher to hire and retain qualifies staff with high demand and relatively less resources. How has being part of the Social Economy West Project impacted you? The support through Social Economy West has been essential in helping us gather factual evidence to make strategic changes and explore realistic options to generate a surplus, ultimately increasing our impact. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the First Steps website here   to learn more about what they do! First Steps have received support through our Social Economy project. They were working with one of our consultants on exploring new opportunities to support their Social Enterprise Model. They also focused on new strategy and increasing their capacity to deliver their services. Social Economy West is a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority initiative, led by Business West and delivered locally by 3SG in the Bath and North East Somerset area. This programme builds on our ongoing work with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the Bath Social Impact Network, continuing our commitment to strengthening the region’s social economy. The aim of the project is to support third sector organisations, social enterprises, and co-operatives to become more financially sustainable and resilient in today’s challenging economic landscape. We do this via 5 key support activities: 1-1 Consultancy Pro-bono Mentoring Workshops Local and regional peer networks Accelerator Programme Through Social Economy West, we’re offering access to tailored support, practical resources, and expert guidance to help organisations: Identify and explore opportunities for sustainable impact Navigate increasing demand for services Build financial resilience and embed environmental sustainability Strengthen risk management practices Diversify income streams and reduce reliance on short-term funding If you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or co-operative working in Bath and North East Somerset, we encourage you to apply. Apply now  by completing the application form here: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/social-economy-west If you have any questions or would like to talk about the programme in more detail, please get in touch with our Project Manager - Alfiya Khan at 3SG: alfiya@3sg.org.uk . Find out more about Small Charity Week here: https://www.smallcharityweek.com/ Small Charity Week defines a small charity as a voluntary organisation with a social or charitable purpose with an annual income of less than £1 million. This includes registered charities, community groups, community interest companies (CICs) and other structures. If your small charity would like to become a 3SG member, you can find more information here . Alternatively, please get in touch and we'd be happy to have a chat - contact@3sg.org.uk

CharityComms awards scheme brings charity communicators, the people often behind the scenes in charities and agencies or working as freelancers, out into the spotlight to recognise their inspiring brilliance. These devoted awards are also a chance to show the sector why comms matters and the results it can achieve.  But CharityComms need your help to make them bigger and better than ever.  They're looking for submissions for this year's  Inspiring Communicators Awards 2025 . Without you and your stories, the awards wouldn't be what they are or make the impact that they do.  It's really simple to join in  – register on their awards portal today in just 3 minutes, and complete your nomination by 3 September.  You can submit a nomination for yourself, your colleagues and organisation, or someone else you admire in the sector.

Work with University of Bristol’s top talent in the Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Science The Professional Liaison Network  (PLN) run a range of mutually-beneficial initiatives that connect organisations with students and academics from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences . University of Bristol is dedicated to connecting students and organisations, building industry relationships, and enriching our students’ academic studies. You can read more information about their activities in the online brochure , and below gives you a flavour of what you can get involved with.   Host a placement student University of Bristol's in-curriculum placement scheme allows students to spend 80 hours (typically one day per week for 10-12 weeks) working on a micro-placement, between October & March, within an organisation on activities that relate in some way to their degree. Placements are unpaid and are flexible depending on your requirements. University of Bristol work with you to develop your placement ideas and match the best students to your placement. You can read more detail about how the placements work  on their website.   All placements need to be agreed by the end of July , so if you or any of your colleagues might benefit from a student placement, please get in touch with Claire Horton at fssl-pln@bristol.ac.uk  or book a meeting with her  to discuss this further.     Student projects University of Bristol student projects are set by organisations and are undertaken as part of a degree. They are available to a wide range of programmes and specialisms across the faculty, which means it is highly likely we can connect you with students who will be able to support you. They can help you with marketing strategy, corporate social responsibility, leadership and strategy and research amongst other things. Please contact University of Bristol on fssl-pln@bristol.ac.uk  if you would like to discuss this.     Share Your Expertise and Mentor the Next Generation If you studied a social sciences and law subject, or work in a related field, they'd love to hear from you. University of Bristol offer mentoring to students across all social sciences and law disciplines from students studying criminology and sociology, to economics, accountancy, law, management and beyond! They welcome mentors at all stages of their career, from those in the early years to the more experienced. Join up as an individual or encourage your team to get involved in a rewarding volunteering opportunity. Please contact them on fssl-pln@bristol.ac.uk  if you are interested in signing up.