New Funding Opportunity for UK Animal Charities: Apply Now for Grants of £1,000–£10,000

Charities working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, release or rehome animals now have a new opportunity to secure much-needed funding. UK-registered charities can apply for grants of £1,000 to £10,000 to support animal welfare and conservation projects starting in Autumn 2026.

This funding is designed to strengthen the capacity of VCSE organisations dedicated to protecting animals, addressing wildlife conservation challenges, and supporting communities that care for domestic, wild and exotic species.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must be:

Registered charities with

• the Charity Commission for England & Wales,
• the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), or
• the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Registered for a minimum of 12 months at the time of applying.

What the Funding Supports

Grants can be used for both revenue and capital costs and can support a wide range of activities focused on improving the lives of animals.

Eligible Costs Include:

Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehoming

• Day-to-day running costs for organisations rescuing domestic, wild or exotic animals.
• Rehabilitation and long-term care to help animals return to the wild or find safe homes.

• Feeding, capturing, neutering and releasing feral cats through TNR programmes—essential for controlling populations humanely.

• Direct protection efforts for endangered species in the UK or internationally.

Support for Low-Income Pet Owners

• Help with veterinary fees and neutering costs for people on low incomes, ensuring pets can remain healthy and with their families.

Property Improvements

• Contributions toward the purchase or improvement of buildings or facilities used for animal care.

     To qualify, charities must either: own the property, have 10+ years remaining on the lease, or provide a landowner’s letter confirming the charity will be reimbursed for improvements if the property is sold or the lease ends.

Key Dates

There are three application deadlines each year, with decisions made within around four months.

Next deadline:

1 April 2026

For projects to be considered at the Summer 2026 meeting.

VCSE organisations planning ahead—especially those with multi-year strategies—should begin preparing their applications early to ensure all documentation is in place.

For more information: Click Here

If your organisation is involved in animal rescue, welfare or conservation, this is an excellent opportunity to secure grant funding for work that changes lives—both animal and human.