Funding Opportunities (Wyre Council)

13th of April, 2026

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Free & Discounted Training for Wyre Third Sector Groups and Organisations

Wyre Council has partnered with VSL Learning to provide Wyre groups and organisations with online training for free, or at a significant discount.

· Free access to all their courses for organisations with an income of £100K or less

· 25% discount for organisations with an income over £100K

VSL Learning current courses include:

· GDPR & Data Protection 

· Information & Cyber Security 

· Safeguarding Adults (Level 2)

· Safeguarding Children (Level 2)

All the courses are CPD certified, with completion certificates, and designed specifically for charities and not-for-profits. More details can be found on their website: https://www.vslcompliance.com/training-courses

Please contact VSL Learning directly if you are interested and please mention Wyre Council to take advantage of this offer.

 

iGrow Green Careers – Lancaster University

Do you know an 18 to 30-year-old British Citizen who meets at least one of the following:

  • Unemployed, not at college or training
  • Received free school meals during school
  • Comes from a low-income background
  • Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority background
  • Have had limited access to opportunities, support, or career guidance
  • The first in their family to attend university
  • Will be motivated and committed to the programme

They may be eligible for a free 6 to 12-week programme based at Lancaster University (travel bursaries are available).

Application form: https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d42rhYUNNSFWWVw

Deadline: Apply by 15th April

Link: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/our-departments/marketing/igrow-green-careers/#:~:text=The%20iGrow%20Green%20Careers%20Programme,Climate%20Skills%20Global%20Collaboration%20Grants.

 

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Marsden Building Society

Deadline: 6th May

Who for: Charities, CICs (not limited by shares and a minimum of 3 unrelated directors), community groups in Poulton-le-Fylde and Garstang

What for: Projects that support financial well-being, social inclusion (particularly for people aged over 50), and restoration and regeneration (e.g. solar panels)

How much for: £3,000

Link: https://lancsfoundation.org.uk/grants/marsden-building-society-charitable-foundation-2

 

Biffa Award – Partnerships Grant

(In 2025, 42 expressions of interest were received, with 9 invited to apply.)

Deadline: Expressions of interest 5pm 29th May

Who for: Charities, CICs

What for: Natural environment projects and built environment projects.

Examples of previously funded natural environment projects:

  • Wildflower meadows
  • The return of beavers to a forest
  • Purchase and restoration of peat bogs

 

If you have an idea, check that it’s eligible via this email: biffa-award@wildlifetrusts.org

Ineligible: Community centres, village halls, youth centres, hospices, churches, schools & colleges, and local authorities

How much for: £250,000 to £1,000,000

A third-party contributor needs to be identified to pledge 10% (perhaps this could be a local authority)

Link: https://www.biffa-award.org/partnerships/

Further info:

  • Must be within 25 miles of an active Biffa operation
  • Must be within 10 miles of a landfill

 

Here’s how that would work in Wyre:

Place (using the local health and fitness centre as an example post code)

Where is the Biffa operation?

Where is the landfill?

Garstang PR3 1ED

Preston Depot (13 miles)

Ellel Crag Quarry (6 miles)

Poulton FY6 7HJ

Preston Depot (16 miles)

Kingscourt Development (0.9 miles)

Thornton FY5 3SX

Preston Depot (16 miles)

Hillhouse (1 mile)

Fleetwood FY7 6HF

Preston Depot (20 miles)

ICI Mine Subsidence (2 miles)

 

Landfill site lookup: https://www.entrust.org.uk/landfill-lookup/