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The Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF) contributes to the costs associated with meeting required registration qualification criteria set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and to help employers in achieving a qualified workforce.Around £780,000 is available during 2025-26 to contribute to costs associated with staff meeting the required registration qualification criteria set by the SSSC. They would particularly like small and medium-sized organisations to apply. Workers eligible for support this year are: social care workers at the level of support worker, practitioner and supervisor, providing care at home service, housing support service or care home service for adults.Funding is available for SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 6 or 7. For 2025-2026, the SSSC and Scottish Government would encourage level 7 applications to support supervisors who have had an extension to their qualification condition and still have to gain their practice qualification.

The YMI Strengthening Youth Music Fund supports individuals and organisations working in the youth music sector deliver activities that will improve, develop and strengthen the sector, and the services offered to benefit children and young people across the country.It does not support music making activity directly with children and young people – this support is offered through the Access to Music Making Fund.Up to £1.4m will be available for the Access to Music Making and Strengthening Youth Music Funds in 2025/26.

The Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between Corra Foundation and Scottish Government, and supported by our network of Youth Partners – Clued Up Project, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs’ Routes Project, and Youth Scotland.You’re Only Young Once (YOYO) is a fund designed by young people as part of the Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund. The young people have designed the fund criteria, application process, name, and logo.The young people of the Way Forward’s Be Different to Make A Difference Advisory Group is focussing this small grant programme on supporting children, young people and their families to shape and share experiences, create connections, and to create the conditions where they are empowered to influence participation, policy and practice across Scotland, and can thrive in the future.

The Family Recovery Initiative Fund can offer one-off grants to groups that support families affected by alcohol and drugs in Scotland. Its aim is to improve the wellbeing of family members affected by someone else’s substance misuse. Well-being is improved by social inclusion, because people connect with other people, can participate in group activities, and can access support. It is funded by the Scottish Government Substance Misuse Unit. The fund can support a variety of activities including set up costs, running costs, training, events, marketing, travel, activities and networking.

Fife Council’s Culture Grants scheme aims to encourage and support creativity in local communities and will support activities in the following areas:- literature (includes writing, books, storytelling, readings, publishing)- performance (includes theatre, performance, drama, music and dance)- heritage (includes museums, libraries, archives and history)- audio-visual (includes film and video, radio, new media)- visual arts/crafts (includes art, painting, sculpture, crafts, design, fashion and architecture)Grants are available to start or develop creative activities within the group, to add to your group’s experience if you already have artistic or cultural aims, or to organise a cultural experience for group members

The Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund is an opportunity for tourism businesses, communities, and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise region to develop and enhance the cycling tourism facilities in your area.The funding can be used towards capital projects investing in fixtures, fittings, construction, adaptation or upgrades to improve cycling tourism facilities. Examples of eligible projects include: - new secure covered cycle storage - new open cycle parking, sheltered cycle parking - enhancement to existing cycle parking/storage to increase capacity and/or security - lockers and storage- drying facilities- bike maintenance equipment e.g. repair stations.

Through funding from South Lanarkshire’s Renewable Energy Fund, Community Councils in South Lanarkshire can award micro grants to support local constituted and non-constituted groups and where appropriate individuals.The micro grants are available for activity which is community focused and supports the following objectives:- enhance quality of life for local residents- contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities- and/or promote community spirit and encourage community activity.

Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. You should have an ambitious growth strategy and a commitment to deliver upon it. Competitions are:- Scottish EDGE: For early-stage companies/social enterprises across all sectors, offering funding of up to £100,000 on a split grant/loan basis.- Young EDGE: For companies where all directors are under the age of 30 offering a grant only award of up to £15,000.Wild Card EDGE: For pre-trading companies, sole-traders and partnerships, offering a grant-only award of up to £15,000. - Social Enterprise EDGE: For Social Enterprises who clearly demonstrate how their business enriches communities and makes a contribution to society, offering funding of up to £75,000 on a split grant/loan basis..