Community Matters Funding Fair

Community Matters is hosting its annual Funding Fair on Tuesday 17 March 2026. All sessions are free and delivered online.

The event brings together a range of funders and fundraising platforms to help community organisations understand what is available and how to apply.

This is a practical opportunity for VCSE organisations to hear directly from funders, ask questions and explore options to support sustainability and growth.

How to book

To book a place, click on the relevant session title via the Community Matters website or contact:

[email protected]

You can also find full details on the News page of the Community Matters website.

Programme

9:00am – 9:50am

Key Fund
The Key Fund offers flexible loans and grant and loan packages to help community and social enterprises start up, become sustainable or grow.

10:00am – 10:50am

Bernard Sunley Foundation
A family grant-making foundation supporting charities in England and Wales that improve quality of life and provide greater opportunities for young people, older people, disabled people and disadvantaged communities.

11:00am – 11:50am

easyfundraising
The UK’s largest charity shopping site. Supporters shop online as normal and retailers make a small donation to your cause at no extra cost. Organisations can set up a free easyfundraising page in advance of the session.

12:00pm – 12:50pm

National Lottery Community Fund
Distributing over £600 million each year to communities across the UK, supporting projects that create stronger, more connected communities.

1:00pm – 1:50pm

CareTech Foundation
Supporting the social care sector, care workers and people living in care through Community Grants, Partnership Grants and Match Funding Grants.

2:00pm – 2:50pm

Heritage Lottery Fund
Funding projects from £3,000 upwards that protect, sustain and transform the UK’s heritage while strengthening local resilience and community pride.

For Leeds organisations looking to diversify income or strengthen funding bids, this is a useful way to understand current priorities and build direct connections.