Funding

Ready to RISE is a free eight week online programme designed to support for women and non-binary people across Scotland to explore whether social enterprise could be a way to create meaningful work, earn a living, and make a positive impact. The programme aims to help participants build confidence, develop practical skills, grow their networks, and explore potential ideas, with eligible participants able to apply for up to £1,000 in grant funding to help progress their idea. Firstport is hosting Information Sessions to provide an overview of the Ready to RISE programme details; sessions will take place on Monday 21 September 2026 (online), Friday 2 October 2026 (in Dunfermline), and Thursday 22 October 2026 (in Edinburgh).

The Community Learning Exchange (CLE), delivered by the Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) and funded by Scottish Government, provides small grants to help community groups across Scotland learn from one another through peer-to-peer exchange and collaboration. The programme supports visits, either in person or online, which enable groups to share experiences, develop new ideas, and learn…

The Henry Smith Foundation Holiday Grants Programme provides one‑off grants to schools, youth groups and not for profit organisations to help children younger than 13 years old take part in take part in recreational day trips or short residential breaks. The latest round opens for applications on Thursday 20 August 2026. The application deadline for trips taking place Thursday 1 October 2026 – Thursday 31 December 2026 is Thursday 19 November 2026.

The UK Government’s Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is a call to action for the third, private, and public sectors to come forward with ambitious, creative ideas to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into, and continue to, work. The Fund will open for bids in September, with organisations across the UK invited to apply for funding to test new approaches to employment support. Ahead of the Fund’s opening, DWP in Scotland (alongside DWP Pathways to Work Policy Teams) is hosting an information webinar on Tuesday 25 August, 2pm – 2:45pm.

The Alcohol and Drugs Fund – Local Support Grants, administered by Corra Foundation, provides funding for community-based third sector organisations across Scotland which deliver frontline support to people affected by alcohol and drugs, people in recovery, and their families. Funding is available to Scottish charities, social enterprises, constituted community groups and other third sector organisations with an annual income of up to £750,000. Organisations can apply for up to £60,000 per year for activity delivered up to April 2029.

The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund aims to inspire, encourage, and enable communities to explore and develop ambitious ecosystem restoration projects locally. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of local ecosystem restoration and address barriers faced by community-led efforts. Applications can be submitted to the Fund at any time through the Inspiring Scotland two stage application process.

The JustGiving Digital Learning Grant, delivered in partnership with Fundraising Everywhere, provides fundraisers with access to a comprehensive programme of digital fundraising training and support. The initiative aims to help third sector fundraisers strengthen their digital skills and increase their confidence in using online fundraising tools and techniques. A total of 250 fully funded places are available. Applications close at 5pm on Saturday 12 September 2026.

The LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF) provides funding for projects which strengthen communities and improve wellbeing along the LNER network. Grants of £1,000 – £10,000 are available to eligible organisations based within 15 miles of the LNER route in Scotland and England (this includes the entirety of Falkirk District). The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Monday 31 August 2026.

Applications are now open for the Earls Gate Community Fund. Part of its Community Support Initiatives, the Community Fund aims to reflect the Earls Gate Energy Centre’s commitment to supporting the communities surrounding its operations. Funding is available until the end of March 2027, with applications reviewed on a monthly basis.