The Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced a new GB-wide £10.2 million Strategic Funding Programme, providing three-year project-based funding for community and voluntary sector organisations. The Commission is particularly keen to fund organisations providing guidance, advice and advocacy services as well building capacity; support increased co-operation between groups -- including ethnic or religious communities -- in areas where there are known tensions; and, support organisations giving legal advice. Closing date for applications: 12^th June. For more information, go to www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/aboutus/grants/pages/grantsandfunding.aspx.

As a result of the Budget, Scotland is in line for a £95m share of an initiative designed to create up to 15,000 new jobs for 18-24 year old people. The £1bn Future Jobs Fund is aimed at preventing a generation ending up on the "long-term employment scrapheap" by generating jobs for those in the greatest need and in areas of high unemployment. It is a key element of the UK Government's commitment to those facing barriers to employment and will allow organisations to bid for funds to create relevant training schemes and jobs. For more information on the Fund, visit www.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/futurejobsfund/. If you are interested in getting involved or have ideas on jobs that could be created within your organisation or community please contact the SCVO Future Jobs Fund Team (t: 0141 225 8017; e: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Nationwide Foundation aims to tackle financial exclusion affecting disadvantaged groups across the UK, address housing issues and homelessness among vulnerable groups in the UK and support families and help prevent family breakdown and its causes. There are two types of grant programmes: Small Grants Programme - for grants of up to £5,000 to registered charities with incomes of under £500,000 and Investor Programme - three year grants of up to £300,000 to registered charities with incomes not exceeding £10m. The Investor Programme is open to receive applications from 1^st April until 31^st May, 2009 only. For more information, go to www.nationwidefoundation.org.uk/grants.asp.

With £7m has so far been allocated with £20m still up for grabs, community groups are encouraged to actively engage and create environmental communities to deliver change. Applicants need to adhere to three criteria: carbon emission reduction; they have to be community based; and their organisation must seek to improve the quality of life in their community now and in the future. For more information on the fund, visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf.asp.