Harrogate and District Community Action

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FUNDING

1. THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District open for applications

The Fund addresses needs of local people in the area around issues like:

Support and wellbeing activity for children and young people

inequality and hidden poverty

loneliness and social isolation

health and wellbeing

You can apply for an Activity Grant of up to £5,000, an Organisational Development (Children and Young People’s groups only) Grant up to £13,000, or both.

Activity Grants deadline: 5 May 2026.

Organisational Development full application deadline: 11 May 2026.

2. Knabs Ridge Wind Farm Community Fund

Grants of up to £3,500 to support refurbishments, new equipment for playgroups, drama clubs, sports facilities, and projects that enhance community life and spirit.

In the areas of: Felliscliffe, Hampsthwaite, Birstwith, Norwood, Darley and Menwith, Haverah Park with Beckwithshaw, and Fewston.

Expression of Interest deadline: 10 June 2026.

3. The Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust

Grants for registered charities based in Yorkshire or benefiting Yorkshire directly.

The deadline for each grant meeting is the last Friday in Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct.

4. The Community Fund

Funding for local organisations, groups or individuals operating solely or mainly within North Yorkshire and York for a new community safety project or scheme.

From £500 to £30,000 for specific projects including: diversionary activities for children and young people, promoting safety and reducing the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, support for victims, improving community cohesion, preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and the purchase of equipment.

Next deadlines: 23 April and 6 August.

5. Asda Local Community Spaces Fund

Grants of £10,000–£20,000 for charities, VCSE organisations and other not‑for‑profits to repair, renovate or develop accessible community spaces where people can meet, connect and take part in local activities.

Deadline: 28 April.

6. Arts Council

Grants for individuals, charities, community groups and cultural organisations. Funding ranges from £1,000 up to £100,000, split into strands (£30,000 and under, and £30,001 to £100,000). The programme supports a wide range of creative activity across all artforms, libraries and museums.

7. Women and Girls Match Fund 2026

A seven-day online match funding campaign (6 – 13 Oct 2026) working with charities improving the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls within the UK and internationally, and charities that are led by, for and with women and girls.

Applications close: 19 June.

8. D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Grants typically range from £500 to £8,000 for projects in the performing arts, creative health and heritage crafts that align with the Trust’s objectives. Unrestricted support is available for charities with an annual income below £250,000. The Trust prioritises work that improves access for communities facing identifiable barriers to opportunity.

Deadline: 8 May for large charities and 1 June 2026 for small charities (income under £5m).

9. Selco Community Heroes

From April to November, not‑for‑profit organisations can apply monthly, with three winners selected each month to receive either £2,000 (first place) or £1,000 (second and third place) to spend at their local Selco branch (branches in Leeds, Bradford and York) on building materials.

Monthly first‑place winners progress to a final public vote in November. The overall prizes awarded in the final are £15,000 for first place, £10,000 for second place and £5,000 for third place, making this a mix of in‑kind (materials) and unrestricted cash funding.

10. Comic Relief: A Place to Belong: Every Step of the Way

For organisations tackling youth homelessness and racial inequity in housing.

The Service Delivery Pathway provides up to £200,000 over 3–5 years for organisations supporting 16–25‑year‑olds at risk of or experiencing homelessness, restricted to specific regions including Yorkshire & Humber.

The Systemic Change Pathway offers up to £450,000 over 3–7 years for organisations advancing racial justice through policy influence and advocacy across the UK. Eligible applicants must be non‑profits with an annual income between £200,000 and £10 million.

Deadline: 30 April 2026.

11. Arnold Clark’s Gear Up For Sport

Free, branded sports kits (not cash grants) to grassroots youth sports teams with up to 30 members aged 4–15. Eligible teams across more than 25 indoor and outdoor sports can apply for a full set of kit such as tracksuits, hoodies, training wear or sport‑specific strips. Applications must be submitted by a coach or club official, with decisions issued within four weeks and successful teams given six weeks to place their kit order.

Deadline: 30 April.

12. GreenSkies Community Fund

The Fund helps support small and medium-sized not‑for‑profit organisations that have an aim of a more sustainable future.

Grants can be used for practical sustainability initiatives such as solar panel installations, small‑scale hydropower, EV chargers, air‑source heat pumps, and other carbon‑reducing activities.

Deadline: 7 May.

13. Tesco Mobile’s School & Online Safety Grant

For UK primary schools (Years 1–6) to support online safety education, including tackling AI‑generated misinformation.

Funding can be used for essential classroom technology such as laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, secure storage and accessibility tools that support safe, confident use of technology.

A total of 100 grants of £1,000 will be awarded to 100 schools, and 5 grants of £20,000 will be awarded to 5 schools that can demonstrate a significant impact in supporting online safety.

Deadline: 3 May 26.

4. Barchester’s Charitable Foundation

Grants of £100 – £2,600 to help individuals, small community groups and small local charities. The focus of the Foundation is older people and adults with a disability; connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community; combatting loneliness and enabling people to be active and engaged.

Deadline: 30 April.

15. The Schroder Charity Trust

Up to £5,000 towards core and project costs to registered charities, with income more than £150k and less than £1 million. Current priorities:

· Enabling children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive and achieve their potential in education and employment.

· Strengthening communities through services and opportunities which enhance the wellbeing and life outcomes of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

Deadline: 30 April.

16. Road Safety Trust Large Grants

Grants of £50,000 to £200,000 to a range of organisations for new road safety initiatives, trials and research that make a difference for all road users.

This is a themed round that seeks to address two priority areas:

· Preventing harm linked to drug-impaired driving and motorised riding

· Safer vehicles.

Deadline for EOIs: 5 May.

17. Aberdeen Charitable Trust – Ideas Fund

Average grants of £50,000 over 12-18 months for not-for-profit organisations to test new ideas that improve financial capability, employability, or nature focused solutions.

Deadline: 7 May.

18. Two Ridings Learn and Share Drop-In

5 May, 10-11am online

Learn & Share discussions are always informal, inclusive and open and at each session there are updates on new funding and answers to your questions.

At this session, Esther from the Two Ridings communications team will share simple, practical advice on how to use social media effectively, connect with supporters, and tell your story.

19. Finding Funding with Charity Excellence Framework

1 May at 1pm to 2.15pm

Join this monthly webinar to find out about Funding Finder, Help Finder, corporate donations, secret funding lists, AI bid writing, and tips and tricks others don’t know about. No need to book. Create an event in your diary and paste this Teams link into it, then join on the day – How to Get the Most from Charity Excellence | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES

20. The North Yorkshire 2026 Community Awards are now open for nominations

There are three categories:

Wellbeing and community connection

Recognising organisations or groups who support people in their communities to feel healthier, more connected and included.

Inclusive communities

Recognising organisations or groups who bring people together and help them to flourish.

Commitment to the community

Recognising individual volunteers who have shown unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our community.

The winner in each category will win £1,000 for the relevant project, group or nominated relevant local charity. Two runners up in each category will get £250.

Nominations close on 5 July 2026.

TRAINING, LEARNING & EVENTS

21. New Volunteer Coordinators Community Drop in Session

17 June, 10-11:30am

Knaresborough Library

A free, friendly session for anyone who supports or manages volunteers. Community First Yorkshire will offer practical advice and provide a space to chat through challenges.

22. Reflective practice

20 May, 10am-12pm online

This free session introduces reflective writing to bring clarity and authenticity to your case studies, reports and funding bids.

23. Getting the most out of Facebook

12 May, 10am-12pm online

This practical workshop led by SRX Consultancy will help you use Facebook more confidently and get better results from the time you already invest.

24. Navigating a world of accelerating technology

30 April, 12pm to 1pm

AI is already changing the context in which charities lead, decide and serve. For charity leaders the challenge is not just technical, it’s practical and human too. This free Cranfield Trust webinar looks at how to make sensible use of new technology without being swept along by hype or losing the human touch that matters so much to the people you serve.

25. Neurodiversity at work

2 June, 10am-12pm

Join this free practical online session for VCSE managers and HR teams to build confidence, understand neurodiversity and learn strategies to support neurodivergent colleagues.

26. Managing the risks of social media: protecting your reputation online

9 June, 10am-12pm

This online training covers social media risks, legal duties and how effective moderation protects your organisation and brand.

LOCAL NEWS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES

27. An update from Elaine Stevenson, our CEO

After a wonderful 12 months at HADCA I will be stepping down as CEO. I have loved my time at HADCA with the best team I could have hoped for, working in partnership with amazing people doing amazing things.

I am delighted that Lizzie Hughes who many of you know in her role as HADCA’s Development Manager, will take the role of interim CEO for the next few months.

Thank you for all your support.

28. Harrogate Children & Young People’s Network

Tuesday 5 May, 10.30am – 12noon at Harrogate Baptist Church Hall

Our new network brings together people from voluntary, community, statutory and education sectors to share experiences, ideas, knowledge, and a commitment to work together to make life better for children and young people in the town of Harrogate.

We will be taking forward some of the themes from our initial meeting in March, and we will be joined by Dan Thomas, North Yorkshire Youth Voice and Creative Engagement Officer and Jess Ward, Founder & CEO of Inspire Youth North Yorkshire, who will both be sharing their experiences and insights.

To help with arrangements booking is essential – please book your place here

If you, or any colleagues, can’t attend on 5 May but would like to join The Network and receive our new CYP Bulletin, please complete / forward this link to register interest – thank you. https://forms.gle/gf6asfcgtQHhmauy7

29. NYCS and Carers’ Resource event

18 May 2026, 10:00am–3:00pm

Wesley Chapel, Harrogate

Carers’ Resource, in partnership with NYCS, will be hosting a special forum for carers supporting someone with an addiction or mental health issue. Professionals who work with carers are also very welcome to attend.

Refreshments (including a free lunch), an awareness session on supporting someone with addiction, a wellbeing choir performance, personal lived-experience stories, and an opportunity to share your views on the support needed in your area.

30. New Babies Matter 6 week course staring 6 May

Taster session on 29 April, 12-1 pm (with a free light lunch!)

at The Village of Hope Community Hub – 282 Skipton Road, entrance on Quarry Lane.

Babies Matter is a free parenting course for those who are expecting a baby or have a child under the age of 1. If you don’t want to come on your own, feel free to bring a friend or family member with you.

To sign up for the taster session and the full course fill in this short form

Sign up is essential so there is enough lunch for everyone!

31. Resurrected Bites pay-as-you-can cafés and community groceries

Find the up-to-date opening hours here including additional opening times for the New Park Grocery.

32. Thorpey’s Bat & Chat

Starting 6 May, 4-6pm

Beckwithshaw Cricket Grounds

A free 12-week cricket and wellbeing programme for adults in Harrogate District. Thorpey’s Bat & Chat is a friendly and supportive group that combines cricket coaching with relaxed wellbeing conversations, helping people improve their mental health while connecting with others.

The programme is open to anyone aged 18+ who may be experiencing low mood, poor mental wellbeing, or social isolation, or simply looking for a welcoming place to get active and meet new people. You do not need any cricket experience – sessions are beginner-friendly and designed to be fun, inclusive and supportive.

Find out more and register on Mind’s website here

33. Volunteering opportunities of the week with Badapple Theatre and Bilton and Woodfield Community Library

Do you know about local community links and networks, both online and in person? Badapple Theatre are looking for enthusiastic community volunteers to inspire and recruit audiences for their latest Theatre On Your Doorstep tour that reaches out across North Yorkshire in April/ May. As a Community marketing/ theatre advocate you’ll be helping to bring quality live performance to communities who can’t make the journey to a regional theatre.

Are you a social media wizard? Local community volunteer run Bilton and Woodfield Community Library need you to run their social accounts. As a Social Media Volunteer you would be helping to spread the word about the range of services and activities for all ages which take place at the library. Email admin@biltonandwoodfield.org.uk to find out more.

34. Women Winning – The Sky’s the Limit

Wednesday 20 May, 11am – 2pm

Yorkshire Hotel’s Sky Bar Restaurant

Women Winning was launched last year to celebrate Harrogate’s inspirational women past and present.

Lynne Mee, Co-founder of Women said: “During our research, we began to realise just how many women in this town have ‘broken through the glass ceiling’ to reach the top of their chosen fields, whether that be in the world of business or charity. We know that most women are eager to help other women which is at the very core of the idea for The Sky’s the Limit, where women who have ‘made it’ can share their knowledge to inspire and help other women on their journey to the top.”

From Business:

Sarah Barry, CEO of Harrogate Town Association Football Club

Monique Purdy, Director and CEO in research and development for the energy business,

Georgia Eckert, founder and owner of Harrogate’s Independent Bookshop Imagined Things

Lyndsay Snodgrass, Board Member Harrogate Business Improvement District and Marketing Manager for Verity Frearson Real Estate Agent

Jamesina Sainsbury, Director and Executive Coach and Leadership Adviser Anumi Group Ltd,

Rachel Moore, Social Media Trainer and Consultant

From Charity:

Jackie Snape, CEO of Disability Action Yorkshire

Sharon Canavar, CEO Harrogate International Festivals

Liz Cluderlay, CEO of Artizan International

Tanya Stimpson, Director of Services Vision Support Harrogate District

Kathy Gargan, Chartered Accountant and former PwC director. Kathy now focuses on charity governance and community volunteering, serving on several boards.

Elaine Stevenson, CEO HADCA

Tickets cost £25 to include a welcome Bucks Fizz, a sumptuous brunch with fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, and a selection of sandwiches with lots of tea and coffee

Tickets are available from https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GBXO

35. Nidderdale Walk & Run Sunday 17 May – could you fundraise for us?

This fantastic event returns for its 32nd year with the usual choice of 4/8/15/18/22 or 26 mile routes around beautiful Nidderdale, starting and finishing in Pateley Bridge. The low entry fee (just £12.50 for adult walkers) makes it perfect for you to fundraise for your favourite charity. We’d love you to join ‘Team HADCA’ and raise funds for our services, including Help Out.

You can sign up online here www.nidderdalewalk.com and if you choose to raise money for us, you can set up your own Just Giving page here: www.justgiving.com/charity/hadca

For more information, drop Lizzie an email lizzie@hadca.org.uk

We’re delighted that a team from Carefound Home Care is taking on the 15 miles to support HADCA! Take a look and give them a boost at www.justgiving.com/page/carefound-nidderdale-walk-2026

36. Singing in the Taproom

Sunday 26 April 3-5pm at Roosters Taproom, Hornbeam Park

Enjoy beer and great uplifting tunes with All Together Now community choir at this free event. There’ll be a raffle to raise money towards our HELP services, with some great prizes.

37. Colour your Mind – Free Community Family Colour Run

3 May, Registration opens from 12, race begins at 1.30pm, with all activities closing by 3pm.

Conygham Hall, Knaresborough

Refreshments, merch and other items will be available to purchase with either cash or card. There will be a selection of stall to browse and raise awareness to wellbeing in the spectator’s area. All runners will be required to wear sunglasses / glasses to race, these can be purchased on the day or bring your own.

Book your free place here

Local voluntary and community sector job opportunities

Opportunities to work with HADCA member organisations and our partners will appear on our HADCA website

North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre – Bid Writer (closing date 27 April)

Saint Michaels Hospice – Corporate Partnerships Manager (closing date 4 May)

Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group (SARAG) – Fundraising and Finance Officer (closing date 5 May)

North Yorkshire Youth – Youth Worker

Rpon YMCA – Session Youth Support Worker

If you would like your opportunity to appear you can Add a Job to our website. This is a free service for HADCA member organisations.

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in these updates is correct at the time of circulation. HADCA cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.