These funds are now closed to applications

Funding is available for projects that benefit their local community, with a particular focus on improving education, the lives of children and young people, those with disabilities, and the environment. 

Small grants of up to £250 and large grants of between £250 and £3,000 are available to registered charities, state sector schools, and non-profit organisations; they will not fund Community Interest Companies (CICs), individuals, or Local Authorities.

The grant can be used to fund projects:

This fund closed to applications on Friday 22 November 2024, 5pm

The city has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including the unprecedented rises in the cost of living and doing business.

Nottingham has a mixed economy with a young population. As the East Midlands’ only Core City, Nottingham has key strengths in life sciences and the wider service sectors. Unemployment and economic inactivity are above the national average.

This fund closed to applications on Wednesday 8 January 2025

Pilotlight has joined with Garfield Weston Foundation to provide charities, that have an annual income of less than £5 million, and work in the fields of community, environment, welfare, or youth with a support package worth just over £22,000.

Our Volunteering Development Officer, Dave Thomas, takes a close look at 'volunteering' and asks what is it – and what it isn’t. 

Volunteering has long been at the heart of community life, a way for individuals to contribute time, energy, and expertise to causes that matter. But at its core, volunteering isn’t just about the act of giving; it’s about creating connections, sharing skills, and making a difference—often in small but meaningful ways. So, what exactly is volunteering, and why does it hold such a special place in society?

Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas draws inspiration from a famous Shakespeare play for this week's blog, as he explores the various names people use for volunteering. Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet? How would renaming volunteering affect our perception of it? 

The term volunteering originates from the Latin word voluntarius, meaning 'of one’s free will'. This highlights a key aspect of volunteering: the idea of freely offering time and effort without compulsion or expectation of reward.

Trustees' Week, 4 to 8 November, is a time to honour the incredible work of trustees.

Here are some little-known facts about trustees:

Nottingham has been host to a series of More in Common Community Dialogues since 2023. Nottingham is now part of the ever-growing More in Common Network, dedicated to Jo Cox’s message of unity. In October, as a partner organisation, NCVS attended one of these events to hear directly from Nottingham's communities about their experiences.

There is no deadline, you are welcome to apply at any time. Please note, that decisions may take up to three months

The Boost Charitable Trust aims to fund and support inspiring programmes that help improve the lives of people who are disabled and disadvantaged through the power of sport.

Helen Oparinde, NCVS Group Support Coordinator (Broxtowe Borough), was invited to deliver a small group training session at Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire's (RCAN) Broxtowe Borough‘s cluster meeting on Tuesday 22 October 2024.

Since 2013, NCVS has been proud to sponsor the Black Achievers Awards. Since 2016, Davia McKoy, NCVS Projects Support Administrator, has played an integral role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. This year, our Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Billie Ault, had the privilege of attending the awards on behalf of NCVS and presenting a very special award to a very special lady.