This below is a list of competitions etc that will be of interest to MCFly readers (thanks to Roger Bysouth for the heads-up). It comes from Croydon Voluntary Action‘s latest bulletin.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced a competition to boost training to enhance energy efficiency skills among individuals with responsibility for energy usage in non domestic premises.

Training providers can apply for a share of the £100,000 fund offered by the competition.  Applicants should be in a position to complete the delivery of any grant funded training by the end of March 2013. The deadline for submission of proposals is 4 January 2013 (5pm)

NCVO’s(National Council for Voluntary Organisations) photography competition is now open to entries.  This year’s theme is Change Makers, both staff and service users of NCVO member organisations can enter.  This is a chance for your organisation to show the positive impact it is having on the world.  Closing date is 1 April 2013 at 5pm. 

The second round of Community First Funding programme is now open to applications.  Grants of up to £2,500 are available for projects in any of these    Croydon wards:  Ashburton; Broad Green; Selhurst; South Norwood; Thornton Heath; West Thornton; or Woodside.  Each ward has its own priorities. Closing date for applications is 31 December 2012.

The Rose Foundation assists registered charities with small building projects. Charities can apply for a grant of between £5,000 and £10,000.  As well as providing financial assistance, the Foundation also offers property experience to registered charities requiring assistance with building projects. The general aim of the Trustees is that as large a number of people as possible should benefit, rather than providing donations to a small specific group. Grants could be used for: General refurbishment; Repair to a roof or windows; Creation of a disabled access or the provision of new toilets; Adapt or create a classroom or bedroom;     Extend a building; Improve landscaping; To fulfil Health and Safety requirements or fire protection.  Deadline is 31 March 2013. 

The Sheldon Trust is open to applications from registered charities.  Although most of their grants are targeted within the West Midlands if you are looking for a grant for youth development you can apply. The average grant is £5,000 and  project work, salaries, equipment, furnishings, refurbishments, running costs are eligible expenditure.  The deadline is 1 February 2013.

The Tesco Charity Trust Community Award Scheme supports local community projects whose core work supports the welfare of children, elderly people and people with disabilities, which are based in areas where Tesco has stores.  Grants are available from £500 to £4,000.  For grants to support children’s welfare and children’s education projects the next deadline is 30 January 2013 and for grants to support elderly people and adults and children with disabilities you can apply from 1 February with the deadline being 31 March 2013.

The Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund will be open to small community groups and individuals from 7 January 2013.  They will award 60 x £300 to help with community projects and will also donate some free jars of hot chocolate……email hotgalaxy@escapadepr.com if you are interested. The closing date of the fund is 31 March 2013.