Funding

Funding is a key concern for most third sector organisations – and understandably so. The funding landscape in Scotland can be a bit of a ‘moveable feast’, however many websites allow you to search for specific grants to suit your needs and to sign up for bulletins about new funds as and when they arise.

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is now closed but will re-open for Year 2 applications later in 2022. We are waiting on confirmation from the Scottish Government regarding when exactly this will be.

The Fund is being used to promote community mental health and wellbeing in Midlothian through activity led by local third sector organisations, voluntary groups, and social enterprises. An update on all recipients will be published on our website this summer, along with information about how projects are getting on with the work that’s been funded. More to follow on this soon.

Find other funding opportunities

Probably the best known funding page is that of SCVO, which includes FAQ’s, a search engine and information about COVID-19 funding. You can view the page here.

National Lottery Community Fund provides regular updates and details of funds which are over or under subscribed. For newer organisations we recommend Awards 4 All as a great way into National Lottery Community Fund funding.

Often the best way to keep tabs on funding is by signing up to networks operating in your sector. Social Enterprise Network Scotland and DTAS, for example, all send out regular alerts with funding news, sometimes only available for their members.

Midlothian Council also has a regular small grants programme which you should keep an eye on.

Get one to one support

If you want to discuss funding, get in touch and we can point you in the right direction. We also run training sessions about funding and financial sustainability – sign up to our training and funding bulletin to be kept up to date about these.

Fundraising resources

There are a number of current priorities that have been set by Midlothian and the Scottish Government which can support your funding application, we advise that you spend some time researching the relevant links below and look at our good practice guides to evaluation.

Accessibility

Equality Act 2010

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Template

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Community Engagement / Consultation

National Standards for Community Engagement

Place Standard Tool

Using Co-production

Evaluation

Evaluation approaches

Impact Measurement

Setting outcomes and indicators