New Scottish Fundraising Resources

SCVO has recently published two publications on funding for the third sector in Scotland.

• The Scottish Directory of Funding for Third Sector Organisations 2011 is a funding resource for charities, community groups, social enterprises, and voluntary organisations of all shapes and sizes. It contains details of over 250 sources of funding, indexed by main subject area. With descriptions of grant-making policies and practices, provided by the trusts and foundations themselves, this Directory provides a valuable insight on where organisations in Scotland's third sector can access much-needed funding. Cost: £25.00 (£20.00 for SCVO Members).

• How to Raise Funds: A Guide for Scottish Voluntary Organisations explores some common funding misconceptions and sets out the practical steps required before you start fundraising. It looks at how to find funders and write effective proposals, and includes practical exercises and detailed guidance on how to plan your fundraising activity. Cost: £20.00 (£16.00 for SCVO Members).

Contact: SCVO, phone: 0131 474 6168 [ e-mail | website ]

 

Big Lottery

Community Spaces

The Community Spaces Scotland Programme supports communities to become more involved in their local environment, communal spaces and places. Funding is available to improve the appearance, functionality, accessibility, effectiveness and sustainability of local spaces and places. Projects must bring communities together to:

• Make better use of local spaces and places;

• Improve their environment;

• Get healthier and more active.

The types of projects funded can include those involving village halls, meeting spaces, recreation and community green spaces.

Applicants should first check if their project is in an eligible area (check this on the Big Lottery Fund website).

Grants of between £10,000-£250,000 available.

The deadline for applications is 2 December 2011.

Contact: Big Lottery, phone: 0300 123 7110 [ e-mail | website ]

BT Community Connections

Community and charitable organisations, working in any field of community benefit from anywhere in the UK or republic of Ireland can apply for a laptop and a year's worth of broadband connection.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 15 September 2011.

phone: 0845 257 6792 [ e-mail | website ]

Dewar Arts Awards

The Dewar Arts Awards were set up in 2002 as a fitting memorial to Scotland's first First Minister, Donald Dewar. Their aim is to give exceptionally talented young people of meagre means some assistance in fulfilling their potential in any branch of the arts.

Any young person under the age of 30, who is living and working or studying in Scotland, can apply for an award regardless of their country of origin, if their financial circumstances make it difficult to progress fully in their chosen field.

Contact: Dewar Arts Fund, [ website ]

People's Postcode Lottery

The People's Postcode Trust aims to make the UK a better place for both people and the planet. They want to make a real difference to small organisations and community groups through grants ranging from £2,000 to £10,000.

The Trust acts within six fields of operation:

• Poverty prevention

• Advancement of health

• Community development

• Public sports

• Human rights

• Environmental protection

Applications for grants of under £2,000 are considered on a rolling monthly basis in Scotland and on a quarterly basis in England and Wales.

For grants of over £2,000 the next round for applications will open on Monday 11 July and will close on Friday 26 August 2011.

[ website ]

Ross & Liddell Community Bursary

This fund has been developed to provide financial backing and support to vital and valuable community initiatives. Community groups, clubs and charities can apply for up to £500 of funding in order to buy equipment and kit or to fulfil projects. To qualify for funding support, you must be based in Scotland and be a community group, charity or not-for-profit organisation. Sports teams and voluntary groups are also eligible.

The deadline for applications is Friday 15 July 2011.

Contact: Ross & Liddell Community Bursary, phone: 0141 204 7350 [ website ]

The North Face Explore Fund

The Explore Fund will support organisations that encourage youth outdoor participation, focusing primarily on creating more connections of children and young people to nature, increasing access to both front and backcountry recreation, as well as providing education for both personal and environmental health.

Financial support will be given up to £2,500, and to maximise the impact of The Explore Fund, The North Face limit their financial support to those applications that comply with these guidelines.

The deadline for applications is Monday 8 August 2011.

Volant Charitable Trust

This trust was set up by the author J K Rowling to support charitable causes. The Scottish Community Foundation works with the Volant charitable Trust to make awards of up to £10,000 per annum on its behalf to charities and community groups in Scotland. The fund's primary focus is to support women, children and young people who are at risk and facing social deprivation.

Projects must tackle serious issues and help people to turn their lives around are given priority. Trustees meet twice a year, in March and September.

The deadline for the meeting in March is Friday 28 July 2011.

Contact: Scottish Community Foundation, phone: 0141 341 4964 [ e-mail | website ]