75 mins
Funding Opportunities May 2026
Top picks for funding opportunities open to charities, community groups, schools and social enterprises
There are several new funding opportunities open to charities, community groups, schools and social enterprises across London and the UK this month. We’ve highlighted some of the opportunities most likely to be relevant to organisations working in Merton. Click on the fund title and you'll be directed to the funder website for more information.
Grants of £10,000 to £500,000 are available for projects improving London’s green and blue spaces, including parks, waterways, community gardens and biodiversity initiatives. The current round is particularly interested in cleaner waterways and active travel connections.
A strong opportunity for partnerships between community organisations, residents’ groups and local authorities.
Deadline: 28 May 2026
Clarion Futures Digital Grants
Community groups and charities can apply for up to £5,000 to help social housing residents build digital confidence and skills. Projects could include digital inclusion sessions, online safety support or helping residents access essential services online.
Projects must mainly benefit Clarion residents.
Deadline: 10 June 2026
True Colours Trust Small Grants
Small charities and CICs supporting disabled children, young people and families can apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Funding can support family support services, respite activities, sensory spaces, specialist equipment and inclusive play opportunities.
Rolling programme
Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund
Charities supporting women and girls can apply to join this year’s match funding campaign. Public donations raised during the campaign are matched pound for pound, helping organisations grow both income and supporter engagement.
Particular encouragement is given to organisations led by and for Black and minoritised women, Disabled women and LGBTQ+ communities.
Deadline: 24 June 2026
Grants of up to £28,000 are available for women’s and girls’ organisations working to address male violence against women and girls.
Funding focuses on strengthening organisations through leadership, governance, fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability.
Deadline: 22 June 2026
Practical grants of around £5,000 are available to improve buildings and community facilities supporting people facing disadvantage, disability or financial hardship.
Funding can support refurbishments, accessibility improvements, sensory rooms, kitchens, heating and security improvements.
Next deadline: 10 August 2026
Metropolitan Public Gardens Association Grants
Small grants of up to £1,500 are available for community gardening and greening projects across London boroughs.
Funding can support planting, benches, equipment and improvements to shared green spaces.
Deadline: 18 August 2026
Small charities with annual income under £500,000 can apply for grants of up to £5,000 supporting vulnerable people experiencing hardship, illness or poverty.
Funding is flexible and could help sustain smaller local services at a challenging time.
Deadline: 31 May 2026
National Lottery Community Fund – UK Fund
Larger organisations and partnerships can apply for significant long-term funding between £500,000 and £5 million to scale up proven work tackling inequality and strengthening communities.
Projects should already demonstrate impact and have potential for wider systems change.
Rolling programme
Supporting Grassroots Music Fund
Arts Council England grants of £1,000 to £40,000 are available for grassroots music venues, rehearsal spaces, promoters and community music organisations.
Funding can support infrastructure, artist development, audience growth and sustainability.
Next deadline: 28 May 2026
Three £3,000 grants are available for local projects making a positive difference in communities.
This could include food projects, community gardens, youth spaces or equipment for local activities.
Deadline: 31 May 2026
DPO Centre Charity & Community Fund
Charities and community organisations can apply for heavily subsidised data protection consultancy support.
Useful for organisations reviewing GDPR compliance, policies, staff training or data handling processes.
Deadline: 31 May 2026