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SCVO
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Supporting Scotland's vibrant voluntary sector

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.

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Community groups, charities and projects working in Dumfries can apply for grants.The support is being provided by the University of Glasgow as the anchor academic institution through their Dumfries Campus.They are looking for project proposals from a broad range of ideas that can lead to tangible social, civic, sustainable skill development or community benefit to those in Dumfries. Examples of projects eligible for funding may cover:- Equality, diversity and inclusion focused initiatives- Health, wellbeing and fitness/sport- Sustainability and climate change- Food poverty- Arts, heritage, and culture- Education, and outreach- Finance/debt advice- Any group set up to represent underrepresented groups in society or special interest groups- Community spacesThese projects may be new ideas, or opportunities to expand existing community projects – in this case funds may be sought to increase the scope, coverage, duration, and impact of already existing initiatives.They will consider being a part-funder alongside other organisations. However, the University of Glasgow will require to see evidence of other parties’ funding being in place before issuing their funding award and may withdraw a funding offer should this evidence not be provided. Whilst such collaborations are welcomed, the University would only transfer a grant to one organisation. The organisation receiving the grant would then be responsible for passing on money to any project partner organisation.Applicants can only apply for (and be in receipt of) one Civic Fund award at a time. However, organisations or individuals (only if they are applying on behalf of a wider community group or organisation) are welcome to apply more than once. That is, you can reapply if you have an unsuccessful application or when a Civic Fund funded project is complete.

https://funding.scot/funds/a0RP1000008XVLNMA4/university-of-glasgow-dumfries-civic-grant-fund

Large Grants focuses on work that addresses the impacts of poverty and trauma under one or more of the following themes: - Financial security- Education pathways- Work pathways- Nurturing relationshipsThey seek to fund work that: meets people's immediate needs, provides earlier help, tests new approaches or does more of what work, and is universal or targeted. See website for details of target groups.

https://funding.scot/funds/a0R3z00000JemboEAB/the-robertson-trust-large-grants

National Lottery Awards for All offers funding to support what matters to people and communities. The programme is a partnership between the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, sportscotland and Creative Scotland. It can fund projects that’ll do at least one of these things:- bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities- improve the places and spaces that matter to communities- help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage- support people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis.If you are applying for a project involving the arts, they will prioritise projects that: engage people from areas of high deprivation; remove financial barriers to access creative activities; address rural isolation and encourage activity in rural areas; engage older people, people in care homes and carers; engage care leavers; support integration of refugees and asylum seekers. If you are applying for a project focused on sport, they will prioritise projects that: engage young people from our most deprived areas; engage girls and young women; engage disabled young people.They are looking for projects that are connected to local people and their communities, and use their existing skills and experience. It is important to involve your community from the start - in the design, development and delivery of the activities you’re planning.Announced on 25th March 2026, there is also an additional £2.2 million of National Lottery funding to support community, arts, and sports activity inspired by Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the excitement of the Games to towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland.This summer, organisations delivering Glasgow 2026-inspired activities can apply for up to £10,000 of National Lottery funding for projects lasting up to 12 months that will:- increase access and remove barriers so more people can take part in arts or sports activities- bring people together and strengthen connections within and across communities- support health and wellbeing through physical activity and shared community experiences- celebrate cultural diversity and international connections- create a lasting legacy that communities can enjoy beyond the Games

https://funding.scot/funds/a0Rb0000005gtVwEAI/the-national-lottery-community-fund-national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland

Out with the old TFN and in with the new

Robert Armour reflects on 22 years of history as TFN moves from a weekly newspaper to a monthly magazine

https://tfn.scot/opinion/out-with-the-old-tfn-and-in-with-the-new

Four in five Scots trust charities

A major survey of public attitudes to charity has found that Scots have more faith in charities than people in the rest of the UK do

https://tfn.scot/news/scots-trust-charities-more-than-the-english-and-welsh

Council funding cuts could devastate the third sector

The cuts crisis crashing across Scotland’s voluntary sector continues apace – with fresh warnings of closures

https://tfn.scot/news/brace-yourselves-cuts-to-crash-into-sector

Open to local groups and organisations, the scheme supports projects that create positive social impact. The Edinburgh Medical School is marking its 300th birthday so the University is encouraging applications for projects that address health and wellbeing. They will nevertheless still consider all applications that fall within the scheme's aims. The purpose of the Community Grants Scheme is to:- Have a positive social impact by contributing to one or more of these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 No Poverty; 3 Good Health and Wellbeing; 4 Quality Education; 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth; 10 Reduced Inequalities; 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.- Develop positive relationships between the University and your community organisation.You should aim to start your project around four months after the deadline.

https://funding.scot/funds/a0R3z00000JImDTEA1/university-of-edinburgh-community-grants-scheme

During 2026, Corra will focus on organisations currently supporting people with mental ill health in very remote rural areas. They recognise that living in the most remote or sparsely populated areas in Scotland can bring distinct pressures that influence both the prevalence of mental health issues and the ability to seek help.We are interested in supporting organisations who are providing mental health support to people experiencing mental ill health or who are in a mental health crisis in very remote rural areas of Scotland.This year’s Henry Duncan Grants will fund grassroots charities who play a vital role in offering support that is accessible, inclusive and that is often particularly well placed to overcome stigma.They anticipate making grants of up to a total of £500,000. Approximately 10 organisations in total are likely to receive funding. Organisations can apply for up to £10,000 per year, across five years – a total grant of £50,000. You can apply for fewer years or a smaller amount per year if you prefer. You are encouraged to think about how much your organisation needs and to apply for that amount. Henry Duncan Grants will provide unrestricted funding for up to five years. That means you can use the money to deliver any aspect of your work that supports people with mental ill health, including contributing to your organisation’s core costs.Corra understands that every organisation has different needs and ideas. Henry Duncan Grants can fund a new project idea, help you continue an existing project, or support your general running costs, for example paying staff, rent, travel or overheads. The way you use the grant can change from year to year.

https://funding.scot/funds/a0R3z00000Lrih7EAB/corra-foundation-henry-duncan-grants

The fund supports projects located within or directly benefiting Ballantrae, South Ayrshire. Applications must benefit the community, which is geographically defined by the community council boundaries. Priority will be given to applications that fit with the Ballantrae Community Action Plan 2024 - 2029 Priorities: Theme 1, Working and LearningDevelop a local economy, including a visitor economy, underpinned by upskilling the workforce.Theme 2, Good Local InfrastructurePrioritise protecting and enhancing local facilities and spaces.Theme 3, Affordable Housing for All AgesEnsure that there is accessible and affordable housing for people at all stages of their lives. Theme 4, Getting About EasilyTraffic and road safety will be a focus to create a safer place. Invest in walks and cycle paths and better transport to enhance connectivity within the community and across the region.Theme 5, Care and WellbeingWork towards being a place that looks after its own and has good health and care for older people.Theme 6, Things to DoCreate events and leisure activities to make Ballantrae a vibrant place to live.Awards can support a wide range of costs and activities including equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities etc.

https://funding.scot/funds/a0RP1000005N1uzMAC/foundation-scotland-ballantrae-community-fund

The broad aim of the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust is to assist charities and community groups (constituted & not for profit with charitable aims) working to improve the quality of life and life chances in the Stratherrick and Foyers areas, especially in circumstances where funding is particularly hard to find and where a grant can achieve significant impact in enabling groups to fulfill their own objectives. Grants are made to groups across a wide spectrum of social, welfare, heritage, educational and community development activity. The majority of funding is directed at locally based work involving, and often initiated by, members of that local community. They also make small sporting grants and educational grants available to individuals.There are several grant types:- Large Group grant (for over £25,000)- Constituted Groups for Community Benefit grant (up to £25,000)- Non-Constituted Group/Individual for Community Benefit grant (up to £1,000)- Student Grants (available to residents undertaking a further or higher education course or training)- Sporting and Excellence Grants (for individuals competing at a national or international event or participating in a recognised training camp as a trainee)- The Knockie Fund (available to anyone in the area who is currently suffering fuel poverty or who require food vouchers)

https://funding.scot/funds/a0Rb000000FRNbyEAH/stratherrick-and-foyers-community-fund

SCVO
Funding Scotland
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