The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and the people who work and volunteer in Scotland’s voluntary sector to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.
Now in its 20th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.
Applications are now being accepted for 2026, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and people that reflect the diversity of Scotland’s essential voluntary sector.
All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work and volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter.
Last year saw the success of attempts to make the awards simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible.
There are nine award categories at the Scottish Charity Awards. Six recognise the achievements of organisations, and three recognise individuals.
The award categories are Small Charity of the Year (turnover under £100k), Medium Charity of the Year (turnover £100-500k), Large Charity of the Year (turnover over £500k), Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Campaign of the Year, and Climate Impact; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges. For 2026 organisations can only make one application across all categories.
SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.
This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow’s Radisson Blu on 11 June.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “Each year, the Scottish Charity Awards stand out as a real highlight for me.
“Across Scotland – and far beyond – voluntary organisations are transforming lives in countless ways, and it’s impossible not to be moved by both the scale of their impact and the diversity of their work.
“Past finalists and winners often share how meaningful it is to receive recognition on a national stage. We also take care each year to refine and refresh the awards, ensuring they remain timely and relevant.
“Whether you’re a small grassroots group powered entirely by volunteers, a large national charity, or anything in between, there’s a place for you. Don’t hold back — put forward a nomination or submit an entry for this year’s awards.”
Applications are open until 12 noon on Tuesday, 17 March 2025 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.
75 Participants Sought for Charity Challenge Across Five Victorian Pools This Easter Monday
Who’s ready for their next adventure? Edinburgh Leisure is calling on spirited individuals for the 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl!
It’s a one-of-a-kind aquathlon-style charity fundraiser, taking place on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026, across the city’s five beautiful Victorian swimming pools. Challengers will swim in each pool and then walk to the next, in doing so covering a half-marathon distance whilst raising essential funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
Applications are now open for one of the 75 available places.
Event Details & Registration
Participants will swim up to 1 km at each of the five Victorian pools walk a total of 16 km, in one challenging, inspiring day. Each applicant is asked to secure a minimum of £350 in donations, with all proceeds supporting Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure’s charity programme which supports people with barriers to being active.
Once accepted, a £20 registration fee secures your spot on the Pool Crawl. Every participant will receive an exclusive event t-shirt, swim cap, locker token, swim training plan, finisher’s goody bag, and entry to a prize draw for a year’s Edinburgh Leisure Swim Membership.
Why Support Active Communities?
Yearly, over 14,700 local people benefit from Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which offers activities and support to those facing poverty, disabilities, health challenges, and other inequalities.
This Easter Monday, your efforts will help create healthier, more active lives for our neighbours who need it most.
“Active Communities is at the heart of our mission to transform Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing. Every year we help thousands of people across the city overcome barriers to being active by accessing the support and activities they need for a healthier life” says Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding.
“The Victorian Pool Crawl is not only a celebration of our city’s heritage pools, but also a vital fundraiser. We’re excited to welcome a new group of participants to make a real difference this year.”
Returning participant Marek Bernat told us, “Completing the final lane last year was tough, but extremely rewarding.
“We all knew our efforts would help fund local community programmes, and that was a true highlight. It’s an unforgettable challenge.”
The Traditional Arts and Culture Fund, previously known as Tasgadh, will open for applications at 10am today (19 January 2026).
The fund, administered by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), offers small grants of up to £1,200 to artists, community groups, and grassroots organisations working across Scotland’s traditional music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, indigenous languages, and wider intangible heritage.
TRACS won the Creative Scotland tender to administer the fund in October last year, with traditional crafts included for the first time as a new addition to the fund.
In 2026, the total fund available is £43k and applications for the first round close on Monday 16 February, with a second round of funding due to open on 6 April and close on 4 May. Awards of up to £1,200 are available (an increase of 20% on previous years), enabling around 18 applicants in each round to be funded the maximum amount.
Applications can be submitted in Gaelic, Scots, and English language. All applicants are required to demonstrate a positive track record in and/or professional commitment to one or more traditional artforms, and awards are decided by a panel of traditional arts and craft specialists.
TRACS won the Creative Scotland tender to administer the fund in October last year, with traditional crafts included for the first time as a new addition to the fund.
In 2026, the total fund available is £43k and applications for the first round close on Monday 16 February, with a second round of funding due to open on 6 April and close on 4 May. Awards of up to £1,200 are available (an increase of 20% on previous years), enabling around 18 applicants in each round to be funded the maximum amount.
Applications can be submitted in Gaelic, Scots, and English language. All applicants are required to demonstrate a positive track record in and/or professional commitment to one or more traditional artforms, and awards are decided by a panel of traditional arts and craft specialists.
Funding is available for the creation, performance, touring, and showcasing of traditional arts and crafts in Scotland, and for professional development and learning projects.
Previous successful projects include music classes and workshops, dance development and collaborations, composition of new music, tours, personal development projects, internships, and festivals.
Previous applicants who received awards of between £250 and £1,000 include Sangstream Scots Folk Choir celebrating the heritage of Midlothian miners in song; puirt à beul workshops for Dundee Gaelic Choir; Cabraich Community Arts’ weekly song and story cèilidhs in Stornoway; storytelling development at Glenesk Folk Museum with the Grampian Association of Storytellers; and the creation of new work in Scottish stepdance by Deiseil Airson Dannsa.
Steve Byrne CEO of TRACS said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the new administrators of this important fund.
“Being able to provide support to artists and organisations at all stages of their development is essential to ensuring that Scotland has a buoyant traditional arts community, and experience shows that a nimble small grants programme like this can make a huge difference to grassroots activity.
“We look forward to announcing the successful applicants in due course.”
Catriona Hawksworth, Traditional Arts Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The newly redeveloped Traditional Arts and Culture Fund will directly benefit the tradition-bearers and communities upholding Scotland’s many traditions, and we’re delighted that the fund will support traditionalcrafts for the first time, alongside traditional music, storytelling and dance.
“With increased funding, more traditional artists and practitioners will be able to boost their offerings within their local communities thanks to National Lottery funding. TRACS are expertly placed as a custodian of this crucial funding as champions of Scottish traditions with their invaluable knowledge and networks.”
Helen Voce, panellist representing Traditional Craft said: “The Fund’s recognition of traditional crafts for the first time is welcomed and timely.
“A supporter of craftspeople in Scotland, including as a volunteer Regional Coordinator of Scottish members of Heritage Crafts,I know the Fund will make a difference to the practice of experienced and emerging practitioners alike.
“It arrives following a year that saw a number of traditional crafts practised in Scotland listed as endangered (e.g. Shinty Caman Making) and critically endangered (e.g. Highlands & Islands Thatching) on theRed List of Heritage Crafts 2025.
“And, as communities are poised to submit traditional craft practices to the Crafts Inventory of Living Heritage following the UK’s ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
The Traditional Arts and Culture Fund is administered by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), with support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
More information on the fund and a video guide to completing the application form is available at www.tracscotland.org/traditional-arts-and-culture-fund/
Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO announce the opening of applications for the Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign, the second nationwide match funding campaign dedicated exclusively to small charities.
Following the success of the inaugural 2025 campaign, Small Charity Week will expand in 2026, aiming to support more small charities than ever before. Building on last year’s support for small charities, the match funding campaign will, for the first time, include funding for UK-based organisations working internationally, with increased funding also available for eligible charities based in Scotland and Wales.
The match funding pot will help participating charities maximise donations, providing vital unrestricted income at a time when many small organisations are facing rising costs, increasing demand for services, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.
In just seven days, Small Charity Week 2025 raised £1.84 million, supporting 189 small charities through 9,208 donations. Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO provided a suite of free training, resources, and practical support to help charities successfully communicate their involvement in the campaign, and impact data from participating charities shows the campaign delivered benefits well beyond the week itself:
97% of charities reported increased confidence in digital fundraising, despite 90% having little or no prior experience.
97% received donations from new supporters, with 39% of the total donations from the campaign coming from completely new donors.
90% raised more, and larger donations, compared to other non-matched fundraising activity.
These results demonstrate that the power of match funding, combined with targeted support, helps small charities not only raise vital funds but also build long-term fundraising capability.
Alongside this, the campaign will again be supported by a multi-channel national marketing and PR approach, which last year achieved an estimated media reach of more than 66 million.
Amplification comes through Global’s radio brands and Out Of Home media, and NCVO’s digital channels, connecting charities with thousands of potential new supporters.
In 2026, partners aim to build on this momentum, helping even more small charities gain the resources, recognition and resilience they need to transform lives and strengthen communities.
The Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign will run from 22 June to 29 June 2026, aligning with NCVO’s national awareness week, which shines a spotlight on the essential role small charities play across the UK.
Thanks to match funding provided by a growing network of Champion funders, public donations made during the campaign will be doubled.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery will once again join the campaign as a headline Champion, doubling donations throughout the week, with conversations ongoing with additional funders set to further expand the available match funding pot for participating charities.
Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness, CEO of Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “Small Charity Week shows the incredible impact that match funding and national visibility can have for small charities.
“Last year, so many organisations saw new supporters, increased donations, and greater confidence in digital fundraising.
“So many more charities need our support, and Small Charity Week offers a powerful opportunity to boost income and strengthen long-term sustainability.
“We’re thrilled to continue partnering with Big Give, NCVO, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and more generous funders to support them.”
Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Small charities play a vital role in our communities, and while they may be small, the impact of their work is anything but.
“Small Charity Week exists to amplify and celebrate that impact, enabling charities to raise more through matched funding and reach wider audiences through national visibility and support.
“We’re delighted that the 2026 match funding campaign will benefit even more charities, including UK-based charities working internationally, recognising the important contribution many small organisations make overseas.
“At a time of rising costs and growing demand, this campaign offers much-needed support to help small charities reach new supporters and build long-term resilience.”
Alex Day, Managing Director of Big Give, said: “Small charities are the backbone of our communities, yet they often face the greatest challenges when it comes to fundraising.
“We’re proud to be continuing Small Charity Week in 2026 so that more charities can benefit from match funding and the generosity of the public.
“Thanks to the match funding available, this campaign offers a powerful opportunity for small charities to grow their impact and resilience.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Small charities play a vital role in communities, often delivering life-changing work with limited resources.
“Through Small Charity Week, funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, in addition to public donations, will provide small charities with vital flexible funding and the confidence to reach new supporters.
“It’s fantastic that player support will help even more charities to build stronger, more resilient futures.”
Applications for Small Charity Week 2026 are open now and will close at 17:00 on 11th February 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the Small Charity Week page.
Are you part of a local group in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Borders or Fife? Our Community Grants Scheme is available to help bring your ideas to life. Applications are open until Friday 31 October.
View details on how to apply and sign up for our information session: https://edin.ac/489uqJU
Since the scheme began in 2017, we’ve awarded over £822,000 across 330 projects, supporting 252 local organisations to create change that matters to them.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
• Archaeology Scotland brought together 130 local residents for The Big Dig Dalkeith community archaeology project at Newbattle Abbey.
• Leith Sea Cadets replaced old training equipment, boosting confidence and belonging among young people.
• Craigsfarm Community Development Project supported 54 adults with mental health challenges through creative art sessions.
These grants are part of how we deliver on our new Community Plan 2025–30, launching soon. A plan shaped by your voices and built on shared goals for thriving, equal, connected communities.
WELLBEING IN LEITH GETS LEITHCHOOSES 2026 FUNDING BOOST
LeithChooses is delighted to announce that applications are now open for funding bids for community projects across the wider Leith area!
Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 for a project that ‘enhances well-being for Leithers’ and applications will be put to the public vote on 24th January 2026 at Leith Community Centre, Kirkgate at the much-loved LeithChooses Community Vote Day.
This year saw 11 new projects receive funding, following an exceptionally busy vote day, including a new children’s running group, summer holiday workshops for children and parents, tea dances for seniors, a playground mural and a multicultural celebration day.
LeithChooses Chair, Councillor Susan Rae, said “Many organisations from Leith have benefited from our participatory budget fund in the past, and we are excited to see what innovative projects Leith groups come up with this time, on the theme of ‘well-being in Leith’.
“LeithChooses is entering its 15th year and we never fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and resilience of Leithers.”
“We are really excited to see what ideas come forward’ said Councillor Jack Caldwell, also on the Steering Group.
“From Newhaven to Broughton, Constitution Street to Hillside, LeithChooses has funded many groups and activities and this year should be no different.”
Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Council and Steering Group member, stressed the need to get applications in soon. “Participatory Budgeting allows communities to have a direct say in how community budgets are spent and to choose priorities for spending.
“The voting day is a great chance for organisations and the public to meet others who live, work, study or volunteer in the area. Get those applications in!”
Fund to support Scotland’s diaspora increased by 50%
Applications are now open for the Scottish Connections Fund 2025-26, which helps strengthen Scotland’s international diaspora.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for new projects that help to promote Scotland and bring together our diaspora around the world. This year’s total funding has increased by 50% to £75,000 – supporting a minimum of 15 projects in 2025-26.
The Fund aims to promote increased visibility and connectivity with and between Scottish diaspora communities. It offers funding to deliver new and innovative projects outwith Scotland that promote the nation’s reputation and interests around the globe.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Connections Fund has increased by 50% to £75,000 for this year – meaning that even more new and innovative projects will be able to benefit and engage Scotland’s diaspora community.
“The Fund is open to bids from any individual or organisation with a Scottish connection, whether that link is through heritage, education, business, culture, or a broader affinity.
“We see Scotland diaspora as an extension of Scotland itself – and we want to support this thriving community around the world.”
One of the Fund’s beneficiaries last year was the Africa Scotland Business Network which received funding to set up a new Future Leaders business network for under 30s.
Director Claire Alexander said: “The Scottish Connections Fund has played a pivotal role in launching a powerful legacy initiative that’s making a real difference in the lives of young people.
“Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) was honoured to receive a grant from the fund, which enabled the creation of ASBN Future Leaders – a dynamic, new, international and intercultural business network tailored specifically for the needs of young people.
“Today, ASBN Future Leaders is home to young people from Scotland, England, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya – and the community continues to grow every month.”
Applications for this year’s Fund will close on Tuesday 9 September 2025. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2026.
CashBack for Communities is now open for applications.
The next phase will run from April 2026 to March 2029. Up to £26m is available and organisations can apply for grants of between £150,000 and £1,500,000.
Applications are now open for the fifth year of the Marine Fund Scotland.
The fund will make £14 million available in 2025-26 to help deliver Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision, transform the way the marine environment is used and how Scotland’s ‘blue’ resources are managed.
Eligible individuals, businesses, and organisations can apply for funding for new projects that will contribute to an innovative and sustainable marine economy, support coastal communities, and help Scotland reach net zero emissions.
Last year, a total of 67 projects received funding, with grants ranging from under £1,000 up to £1.6 million. These projects included the modernising of seafood processing facilities to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency; the first Scottish facility to recycle mixed material from fishing and aquaculture nets and marine litter prevention; support for young fishers purchasing their first fishing vessel; and marine research and innovation to protect iconic wild salmon.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “Since 2021 the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more than £55 million in grants to 330 projects, facilitating a total of £121 million of investment and supporting jobs and communities right around our coastline and throughout our islands.
“I urge all those with ideas for projects to help marine industries to evolve and flourish to apply.
“We are backing Scotland’s marine economy, which is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities. They now need the UK government to do the same and to provide Scotland with its fair share of funding.
“The UK Government recently announced a new £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, and I am calling for a fair share of the budget allocation to be devolved. This multi-year funding will be key to delivering benefits for the marine economy and environment, as well as supporting coastal communities, for years to come.
“If this newly announced funding isn’t devolved to Scotland, it will duplicate the current funding programmes, causing stakeholder confusion and dilution of intended benefits.”
Donna Fordyce Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland said: “The Marine Fund Scotland funding has been vital to not only retain existing markets for our premium Scottish seafood but to develop new markets to achieve the highest value for the industry.
“Funding also allowed Seafood Scotland to further develop the Seafood in Schools programme launching the Scottish Seafood Ambassador scheme and Teach the Teacher curriculum-linked educational resources.
“The aim is to increase consumption of our delicious seafood and highlight the sector as a career of choice; this is very relevant given the labour shortage the industry is currently facing.”
YESTERDAY (Wednesday 26 March) we launched the first North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund. This is a flexible fund aimed at local third sector organisations working in North Edinburgh to help support their services.
There is a total of £10,000 available which has been provided by Cruden Group as part of their contract to deliver the Silverlea development, which will see 143 new homes for social and mid-market rent built on a site off Muirhouse Parkway.
