What we want to fund
The outcomes your project must meet
Your project must meet at least one of these outcomes:
- children, young people and families to thrive
- people have better relationships, connections and physical or mental health
You can meet both outcomes, but it will not increase your chances of getting funding.
Children, young people and families thrive
We’ll prioritise projects supporting children, young people and families who:
- are experiencing poverty or struggling with the cost of living
- are experiencing mental health issues
- have a disability or additional needs, for example, children with a learning or physical disability, or who speak English as a second language
- are socially excluded or discriminated against, for example, care-experienced, homeless, or facing other barriers
Learn more about care experience on The Promise Scotland.
People have better relationships, connections, and physical or mental health
We’ll prioritise projects that support people who:
- are isolated or lonely
- are carers
- have a disability or long-term health condition
- are facing financial hardship
- are experiencing abuse
- are socially excluded or discriminated against – for example, people who are homeless, seeking asylum, or dealing with addiction
By ‘connections’, we mean access to other services or support networks, such as peer support groups.
Supporting people who face poverty, disadvantage or discrimination
We want to fund projects that support people and communities who are vulnerable or excluded, especially those who find it hardest to get help. You can include statistics to tell us who you're working with, but what matters most is how well you understand the people and place you're working in. Tell us about your knowledge, experience and engagement with people facing those challenges.
Design your project with the people you support
Your project should be designed with the people it’s for, not just delivered to them. This means:
- involving them in how the project is developed, delivered and led
- making use of their existing skills and interests
- complementing and connecting with other services that support them
What we’re unlikely to fund
We’re unlikely to fund projects that are not delivering a service or directly supporting people. For example, if the main purpose of your project is campaigning or raising awareness. We are also unlikely to fund projects around:
- employability
- legal advice
- counselling or therapy only (unless it is part of a project offering wider support)
- directly delivering healthcare, like giving people support and diagnoses they should already get through the NHS
If you’re working with children or vulnerable adults
You need to have a safeguarding policy that explains how you’ll keep people safe. If you receive funding, you must follow our expectations for safeguarding children and adults at risk.
The SCVO website has advice on safeguarding and information services.
Reduce your environmental impact
We encourage all projects to reduce their environmental impact. Our guidance on reducing your environmental footprint has ideas to help you work more sustainably and save money.
Where to get help
You can get advice and support with your application from your local authority or Third Sector Interface (TSI).