Skip to main content

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

How to apply

Sample application form

To see the questions we ask when you apply, download our sample application form (PDF, 447 KB).

Talk to us before you apply

We’d like to hear about your idea before you apply. This helps us:

  • give you the right advice
  • offer extra support if you need it
  • check if this funding is a good fit for your project

If you have any questions or want to talk through your idea, email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or call us on 0300 123 7110, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).

We know people, communities and organisations are facing increased pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis. If your project responds to this, we’re especially keen to hear from you.

Send us your application and budget

Once you’ve talked to us, you can send us your application by email. Use the email address listed on the application form.

Make sure to include a budget that shows how you plan to use the funding.

What happens after you apply

We’ll assess your application to decide if we can award funding. We’ll look at:

  • how well your project fits one or more of the Young Start outcomes
  • whether your organisation designs the work with the children and young people you support
  • your organisation’s capacity to deliver the project

We’ll get in touch to discuss your application and may ask for a bit more information before we make a decision. You’ll usually hear from us within 3 months.

If you’re successful, we’ll send you an offer letter and talk through the next steps. If you’re not, we’ll let you know by letter or email. You can also contact us for feedback.

See what we've funded before

Want to get a better idea of the kinds of projects we support?

Read our latest Young Start annual report (PDF, 7 MB).

Budget template and guidance

You do not have to use our budget template, but it can help you plan and present your project costs.

It includes tips on how to:

  • include realistic costs, like inflation, staffing changes or project closure
  • show how your budget links to your activities
  • plan for the full cost of delivering your project

Download our budget template (Excel, 103 KB).

Make your project more environmentally friendly

We encourage projects to think about their impact on the environment. Making small changes can help reduce your footprint and even save money.

Learn how to make your project more sustainable – and more cost effective.

Already got funding?

Download the Young Start logo and read the guidance on how to acknowledge your grant.

Scottish Land Fund logo
Young Start logo