The Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust will reopen its Medium Fund at 12pm on Monday 6 April 2026, offering grants of up to £7,500 to registered Scottish charities working with children and young people who are most at risk of the negative impacts of poverty. The Trust funds projects that directly support vulnerable families, improve children’s wellbeing, and create opportunities for young people facing disadvantage and deprivation across Scotland.
The Trust prioritises work with children and young people who are demonstrably at high risk due to poverty-related challenges. Projects must also demonstrate the involvement of individuals or communities with lived experience of poverty, ensuring that funded activities are shaped by those who understand the issues firsthand.
A wide range of activities can be supported, including:
- practical family assistance (such as access to food, clothing and shelter)
- support for single parents
- affordable daycare or play provision opportunities
- help for pre‑school children and families affected by disability
- after‑school or holiday programmes, and projects providing IT or educational equipment to children experiencing deprivation or disability
- community-based learning spaces and initiatives
- local youth clubs
- sporting and recreational activities
- employability training
- one to one mentoring to help children gain confidence and essential skills
Charities are encouraged to identify match funding to support their project.
In addition to the Medium Fund, the Trust offers two other grant levels: the Bright Futures Fund (up to £1,000), and the Small Fund (up to £5,000). Across these programmes, the Trust distributes approximately £600,000 annually.
To apply, organisations must be registered charities in Scotland, hold a charity bank account and be able to provide annual accounts. Projects must take place in Scotland and cannot be statutory responsibilities, retrospective work, or activities delivered by non‑charitable bodies. Funding is not available for administration, IT or marketing costs, nor for projects requiring funding beyond one year. Charities already holding an active grant from the Trust are ineligible to re‑apply until their current award has concluded.
The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday 24 April 2026.
For further information, including the full application guidance and the online application form, please visit the Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust website (linked for your convenience).
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