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Welcome to our new website. You may still see some pages from our old site as we move things over.

What we need to know when you apply

You can see a complete list of questions from the application form.

The projects we fund

You can apply for funding to:

  • get a new activity off the ground
  • keep something you’re already doing going
  • help your organisation adapt to new or future challenges
  • help communities connect with nature and be more environmentally sustainable

We’ll want to know how your project will benefit your community. We fund projects that do at least one of the following:

  • 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

These align with our community-led missions.

Understanding your community's needs

Communities know best what they need. When planning your project, involve local people from the start. This can help you create a project that’s relevant and effective.

Here are some ways to involve your community:

  • do a survey to gather opinions
  • hold a meeting to discuss ideas
  • make telephone calls to gather feedback
  • talk to local organisations and key people to understand their views

Involving the people you support

Think about how the people who benefit from your project can also take part in running it. They could:

  • volunteer with your organisation
  • join your board or committee
  • work for you in some way

If your project is about sports or the arts

We look for more detail when it comes to arts or sports projects.

Sports

We prioritise sports projects that involve:

  • young people from deprived areas, where there might be barriers like cost, lack of facilities, or risks around crime
  • girls and young women
  • young people with disabilities

A strong application will show how your project increases access to sport or helps remove barriers for these groups. You can still apply if your project doesn’t focus on them, but we’ll prioritise those that do.

Arts

For projects focused on arts, film or other creative work, we prioritise those that:

  • remove barriers and increase access for people across society
  • reach into diverse communities and places we don’t usually fund
  • come from groups or areas that haven’t received funding from Creative Scotland
  • pay artists at least the recommended industry rate

We’re less likely to prioritise projects that only ask for equipment or materials.

You cannot apply to this fund and another Creative Scotland fund for the same project.

If your organisation already receives funding from Creative Scotland, email Communities@creativescotland.com before applying.

Projects that support the environment

We want communities across the UK to take action for a healthier, more sustainable planet. We fund projects that protect and improve the local environment, help people connect with nature, and support communities to respond to the impact of climate change.

We’re looking for projects that:

  • help organisations or communities improve their impact on the environment
  • support people to adapt to climate change
  • create better access to nature

If your project is environmentally focused, select 'My project supports communities to be environmentally sustainable' in the 'Extra details' section of the application form.

Bank statements

We need a bank statement from the last 3 months to check the account where we will pay the grant. We can only assess your application if your bank account and statement meet our requirements. If you are unsure, contact us to check.

Your bank statement must:

Other documents we accept

If your bank account was opened in the last 3 months, you can send a welcome letter instead of a statement. It must show the date the account was opened and all account details.

We can also accept a transaction listing. It must include:

  • bank logo
  • your organisation’s legal name
  • address used by the bank
  • bank’s name
  • account number and sort code
  • date range covered

If you’ll be working with children, young people or vulnerable adults

You need to have a policy in place that explains how they’ll be safe. If you get funding you’ll need to follow our expectations on safeguarding children and adults at risk.

Find more safeguarding advice and information on the SCVO website.