Member exclusive updates
All members of Circular Communities Scotland can sign up to receive our member-exclusive monthly Policy & Funding update email, with news of the latest funding available for our sector. To receive your copy email Matt@circularcommunities.scot
Recurring Funding Opportunities
The National Lottery
The National Lottery has two funding programmes – Community Action and Fairer Life Chances – which are now open to applications. Building on the best of what’s gone before but also responding to where communities are now, these new programmes are focussed on helping communities to tackle poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. They replace the previous funds, Community Led, Improving Lives and Cost-of-living Support Scotland.
Material Focus Electricals Recycling Fund
The Electricals Recycling Fund aims to grow existing methods or test new creative and practical ones for recycling small household electricals. If you have a project that would make it easier for the public to repair, reuse or recycle their electricals, then please consider applying. Funding applications are currently open on a rolling basis, which means there is no deadline for them.
The People’s Postcode Lottery
The People’s Postcode Lottery Community Programmes Trusts is now offering, multi-year, unrestricted grants to smaller good causes. This change brings them in line with the wider People’s Postcode Lottery philosophy of longer-term, unrestricted grant-making, with a focus on contribution rather than attribution.
Community Learning Exchange
Scottish Community Alliance’s Community Learning Exchange programme has had its funding confirmed for another year. It continues to be a fantastic opportunity for communities who are planning new ventures or thinking about future possibilities to learn from the experience of others. It offers a blended approach to learning, both online and face to face. Contact jill@scottishcommunityalliance.net for all enquiries.
Esmee Fairbairn – Various Funds
The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation makes unrestricted, core and project grants for charitable work across the UK.
Accelerate Programme – Community Enterprise
Accelerate is a support programme for the Third Sector and community organisations. Support is FREE and aims to help groups and organisations become more sustainable and enterprising. Full details here.
Foundation Scotland – Various Funds
Foundation Scotland has a wide portfolio of funding and support programmes. Here is a quick reference guide to all their funding application deadlines coming up.
National Lottery
Always worth checking out the National Lottery UK website for their wide portfolio of funding and support programmes including Awards For All, Climate Action Fund and the Scottish Land Fund.
FIRSTPORT
Firstport offer a range of grants and investments to start and grow a social enterprise. Worth checking them out.
Other sources of advice
SCVO
SCVO offer a practical guide to the key steps to think about if you’re looking to bring in income through grants or other fundraising methods.
Third Sector Interface
Most local Third Sector Interface organisations offer support for fundraising. This can be in the form of newsletters or targeted funding searches and support for proof-reading applications. Visit TSI Scotland website to find your local office.
Funding Scotland Website
The Funding Scotland website offers a free online funding search so that voluntary sector organisations can find information on funding and grants from across Scotland.
Facebook groups can be helpful for mutual support, advice and news.
Advice on How to Be Fundable
Impact Ed have published a fascinating report that seeks to understand what charities can do to truly impress funders. Access the report here: Be Fundable: Bridging the Gap Between Charities and Funders