This Carers Week, we are highlighting funding available to support long-term, system-level change to improve the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers in Scotland.

The ‘National Lottery Community Fund – Supporting Change: Carers’ is designed to fund projects that make meaningful and lasting changes to the way services and support systems work so carers can stay healthy and thrive in their caring roles. Projects must:

Reduce health inequalities experienced by unpaid carers
Make long-term changes to systems that affect carers’ health
Involve carers in shaping and influencing decisions
Collaborate with other organisations
Use learning and evidence to inform and adapt the project

Grants range from £500,000 – £2million for projects lasting 5 – 10 years. Eligible applicants include: voluntary and community organisations; public sector organisations; or community benefit society. Those interested in this fund can also apply for up to £50,000 in development funding to help prepare a full application.

The fund is not for expanding existing services or reducing waiting lists, but for
transformational work that shifts how carers are supported.

Applications must be submitted before Thursday 28 August 2025.

Application process:
1. Contact the fund to discuss your idea
2. If eligible, you’ll be sent a PDF application form
3. Submit your application to: applicationsscotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
4. You’ll be contacted by a funding officer within 10 days

To apply or learn more, visit the Supporting Change: Carers webpage (linked for your convenience).