Funding Opportunities
Included in this section are summaries of available funding opportunities which community groups may wish to apply for. For more detailed information, community groups are advised to visit the individual website of the funder. Please take note of the timescales / deadlines for applying for funding and the funding criteria which you will need to meet in order to be eligible to apply.
The information contained in this section of the website was correct at the time of publication.
Durham 4 Community Funding news
Funding opportunities available on Durham 4 Community.
Registering for the funding news service ensures you are kept up to date with the latest funding news. The following news articles have been published in the last week.
Alec Dickson Trust Accepting Applications for Second 2025 Funding Round
Biffa Award 2025 Partnership Grants Scheme Now Open for England and Northern Ireland
Northern Powergrid Foundation Launches Spring Funding Round
Shoosmiths Foundation Accepting Applications for 2025 Funding Round
Material Focus's Electricals Recycling Fund Opens for 2025 Applications
Miller Homes Community Fund 2025
Charity and community groups may be eligible to apply for a grant towards improving their community.
Their fund focuses on causes that:
- are linked to education
- promote wellbeing
- promote the environment
- encourage participation in sport
They will also look at various other aspects like proximity to their developments when selecting successful applicants.
For more information and Terms and Conditions, visit
Miller Homes Community Fund | Improve Your Community
Closing date for applications is 30 April 2025.
Request for Funding Award Applications
The Derwentside Trust for Sports and Arts (DTSA), trading as Leisureworks, managed the Derwentside located sports and leisure facilities of Durham County Council, between 2007 and 2018. The trustees of the DTSA are managing the process of dissolution of the Charitable Organisation and have some surplus funds which must be distributed in line with the Trust’s Articles, which state: surplus funds should be given or transferred to some other charitable institution having objects similar to the objects of the society.
The Objects of the society are as follows:
The society has been established for the benefit of the public at large and in particular those who live, work or visit the Derwentside area (the primary area of benefit) for the following charitable purposes:
- To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the public at large save that special facilities may be provided for persons who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances may have need of special facilities and/or services: and/or
- To promote and preserve good health through community participation in healthy recreation: and/or
- To encourage individuals to participate in and maximise their potential in active recreation:
- To advance public education by the encouragement of culture and the arts: and/or
- Such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community consistent with the objects above as the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion determine.
Applicants from not-for-profit Sports and Arts organisations and Community Groups, who are based in the former Derwentside area can apply. There will be two categories of awards.
- Grants of up to £1000. Applications will be considered from organisations:
- based within the former Derwentside District (Post Codes DH7, DH8, DH9 and NE16
- are not-for-profit and operate under a formal constitution
- have Objects which are consistent with those of the society
- have a minimum of 2 years accounts
- hold a bank account in the name of the organisation
- demonstrating a funding need
- Grants in excess of £1000. These awards are intended for organisations who are embarking on a more substantial project. Applications will be considered from
- organisations who meet the criteria identified in 1a to 1f above
- can demonstrate the source of the balance of finance for the project.
The Board of Trustees will form the awarding panel. The award will be at the discretion of the Board and will be the final arbitrator. Applications must meet the criteria above with successful applications being further assessed on the deliverable benefits particularly, increasing or maintaining the reach of the organisation and/or supporting an enduring and sustainable development.
Applications for an award must be submitted through an application form and can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Closing date for completed applications is 14 February 2025.
Virtual funding information sessions
Virtual funding information sessions from various funders and grant-giving organisations for representatives of voluntary and community groups across County Durham.
It’s recommended you visit the organisation's websites ahead of booking places for more information on the types of grants and support offered to ensure these sessions are relevant to your organisation.
Attendance is free, although booking in advance is required to secure places.
The events will take place online and joining instructions will be provided prior to the meetings.
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Tuesday 25th March 2025
2.00 - 3.00pm
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage. Their vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
As part of the Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative, County Durham will receive targeted support to ensure heritage is integral to plans and approaches that are making local areas better places to live, work and visit.
Visit The National Lottery Heritage Fund website
Bernard Sunley Foundation
Thursday 27th March 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
Bernard Sunley Foundation is a family grant making foundation which supports charities in England and Wales working to raise the quality of life and provide greater opportunities for the young, the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged.
Visit the Bernard Sunley Foundation website
Easyfundraising
Monday 7th April 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
Becky from Easyfundraising will show you how your volunteers, staff and supporters can use the easyfundraising platform to raise donations for free for your organisation simply by doing their normal online shopping.
Visit the Easyfundraising website
Karbon Homes
Monday 12th May 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
Karbon Homes has community funding to support projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing within the communities in which they work.
Visit the Karbon Homes website
Believe Housing
Thursday 15th May 2025
1.30 - 2.30pm
Believe Housing have a range of community grant schemes to support projects that make a real difference to people's lives and wellbeing.
Visit the Believe Housing website
Coalfields Regeneration Trust
Monday 19th May 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
Coalfields Regeneration Trust provide a variety of programmes and funding opportunities working to their five priorities: community, health, skills, jobs and climate.
Visit the Coalfields Regeneration Trust website
Key Fund
Thursday 19th June 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
Key Fund provide flexible loans and grants to help enterprises start up, become sustainable, and grow.
They offer investments from £5k up to £300k to community and social enterprises operating in the North of England and the Midlands.
Sir James Knott Trust
Monday 23rd June 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
The Sir James Knott Trust supports charitable activity in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Hartlepool, by making grants to organisations. Their aim is to help improve the conditions of people living and working in the North East of England.
Visit the Sir James Knott Trust website
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Monday 14th July 2025
1.30 - 2.30pm
Lloyds Bank Foundation is an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. They work in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society.
Visit the Lloyds Bank Foundation website
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Thursday 11th September 2025
2.00 - 3.00pm
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage. Their vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
As part of the Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative, County Durham will receive targeted support to ensure heritage is integral to plans and approaches that are making local areas better places to live, work and visit.
Visit The National Lottery Heritage Fund website
The Clothworkers Foundation
Monday 15th September 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
The Clothworkers’ Foundation improves the lives of people and communities – particularly those facing disadvantage and marginalisation – through grant making.
There is an Eligibility Quiz available on their website – please complete this before booking your place to ensure this session is relevant for your organisation.
Visit The Clothworkers Foundation website
The Ballinger Charitable Trust
Monday 22nd September 2025
10.30 - 11.30am
The Ballinger Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 and seeks to support charities, CICs and community groups in North East England through grants and funding. Their focus is on supporting Young People and Older People.
Visit The Ballinger Charitable Trust website
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Community Buildings Energy Efficiency Grant
Durham Community Action has a £5000 grant to make recommended energy efficiency improvements to help make community buildings become more energy efficient and to reduce their carbon footprint. The organisation must have the following to be able to apply for the grant:
- A copy of the constitution or governing document
- A copy of an energy/BEEP audit that gives recommendations to improve energy efficiency
- Obtained two quotes for the work to be completed.
Organisations can discuss this further with DCA by contacting Craig Hampton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
