Tag: funding

£314,000 to support community-led dementia projects across Scotland

Over a quarter of a million pounds has been given to 25 dementia projects across Scotland to support the growth of community-led support for people living with dementia, their carers and family members.

Age Scotland’s dementia ‘Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity’ (ESGA) fund is providing a total of £314,662 in community grants to groups across Scotland. 

These grants have been supported by Scottish Government funding, allocated via a National Dementia Resilient Communities Programme Board made up of lived experience voices, local and national partners.

This funding, and the work of the Board, supports the aims of the new National Dementia Strategy, particularly in building resilience and sustainability in community support for people living with dementia and unpaid carers.
 
Funding decisions were made in collaboration with a lived experience panel of people living with dementia and unpaid carers, ensuring that those with first-hand insight played a key role in shaping the allocation of grants. 

The 25 successfully funded projects are:


Beith Community Development Trust (North Ayrshire)
 
Big Hearts Community Trust (Edinburgh)
 
Feniks (Edinburgh)
 
Networking Key Services (Edinburgh)
 
Boots and Beards (Glasgow)
 
Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre (Glasgow)
 
Central Wellbeing (Falkirk)
 
Cobhair Bharraigh (Western Isles)
 
Community Connectors (Moray)
 
Connecting Carers (Highland)
 
Raddery House / Inverness Openarts (Highland)
 
Craignish Community Company (Argyll and Bute)
 
Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy (Perth and Kinross)
 
Dementia Friendly Prestwick (South Ayrshire)
 
Friends of Dundonald Castle (South Ayrshire)
 
DG Voice (Dumfries and Galloway)
 
Forget Me Not Club (Aberdeenshire)
 
Inchgarth Community Centre (Aberdeen city)
 
Friends of Kilsyth (North Lanarkshire)
 
North Lanarkshire Muslim Women & Family Alliance (NLMWFA) (North Lanarkshire)
 
Inspiring Communities (Stirling)
 
Lyle Gateway (Inverclyde)
 
Montrose Connections (Angus)
 
Past Times (South Lanarkshire)
 
Peebles Old Parish Church (Scottish Borders)
 
 
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 will be distributed by April 2026 and will allow communities to deliver projects and realise the benefits and impact of their work as soon as possible. 


 
Anna Clements, Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, said: “We were blown away by the number of applications and are proud to announce the recipients of one of our largest allocations of ESGA funding to date.
 
“From towns and cities to islands and remote areas in different corners of Scotland, it’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding to help people living with dementia, their carers, and families stay connected and supported in their communities.
 
“This year we made a conscious effort to ensure a broad spread of grant holders across Scotland, particularly in rural areas and projects supporting people from ethnic minority communities, where access to dementia services can be especially limited and underrepresented.
 
“We look forward to seeing the funding in action across the country and are confident the projects will play a vital role in empowering people to live well with dementia.”

Funded grassroots dementia projects thriving:

The Forget Me Notes Project is a singing group which aims to create inclusive choirs for everyone, including people living with dementia.

The organisation is based in Edinburgh and hosts weekly sessions alternating between Saughton Park and The Salvation Army on Gorgie Road.

It also runs an online Zoom choir which attracts participants from across the UK.

While these choirs had already been running for two years, it was only when funding from About Dementia was secured last year that the choirs became weekly offerings, enabling them to recruit new volunteers to provide assistance to members.

Alan Midwinter, chief executive of The Forget Me Notes Project, said: “The grant was used to consolidate our work and make it consistent, we wouldn’t be able to keep it going as much without it.”

On a warm sunny day Alan says between 70 to 80 people usually turn up at the outdoor Choir In The Park, including many people living with dementia and unpaid carers.

On colder or wet days, the group move into the park’s glasshouse to sing.

Alan added: “People with dementia who attend our choirs get a sense of achievement, community involvement, its inclusive for people who might be genuinely isolated.”

More charities closed than opened in Edinburgh in 2025

THIRD SECTOR FACES GROWING PRESSURE

Charities across Edinburgh entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established.

According to the register, 101 charities were registered in Edinburgh during 2025, while 122 were removed from the register.

Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.

This local picture mirrors UK trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.

Photo of a group of friends studying together at home

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Edinburgh has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become.

“Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”

To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:

  1. Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
  2. Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
  3. Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.

Despite the pressures, the registration of new charities in Edinburgh during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.

Adam Tier added: “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions.

“The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”

https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-local-giving-report-2025#interMap

£1 billion rise in Scottish school spending

19.7% increase over the decade

Spending on schools across Scotland has increased by more than £1 billion in real terms over the past decade, official statistics show.

Data published this week shows that local authority funding across Primary, Secondary and Special schools rose to £7 billion in 2024-25, up 19.7% from £5.8 billion in 2014-15.

Average spending per pupil across Primary and Secondary schools also rose by more than £1,000 in real terms over the same period, reaching £8,683.

Local government education expenditure in Scotland in 2024-25 was £8.3 billion, which is 27% higher than in 2014-15 in real terms – a cash terms increase of 71%.

Pre-primary education expenditure has more than doubled in real terms over the past decade to £1.1 billion in 2024-25, up from £516 million in 2015-16, with 95% of this going on the delivery of the 1140 hours early learning and childcare offer.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This investment underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to education, working in partnership with councils, and means Scotland has the best paid teachers in the UK, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the highest education spending per head in the UK.

“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with a record low attainment gap for literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools. Attendance has improved, class sizes are smaller, and there are more teachers in Scotland’s classrooms.

“Last year’s exam results also showed there were more passes at every level compared to 2024, while the total number of Higher entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010.  We have also made strong progress on widening access to higher education regardless of background or circumstance, with record numbers of young Scots in 2025 securing university places in Scotland who will benefit from free tuition.

“As we reflect on progress over the past ten years we are also looking to the future with local authorities and headteachers, to agree how best we might collectively go further and faster.”

Creating opportunities for care experienced young people

First Minister announces funding on anniversary of ‘The Promise’

Projects that support the education and wellbeing of care experienced children and young people will receive a share of £9.5 million this year, First Minister John Swinney has announced on the sixth anniversary of The Promise.

The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund, which is part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge Programme, was introduced in 2018-19, in recognition that care experienced children and young people require additional support for their attainment.

Mentoring and extra-curricular activities are among the range of ways that local authorities are investing the funding to support children and young people across Scotland.

The First Minister visited the City of Edinburgh Council’s Corporate Parenting Hub to meet young people supported by charity MCR Pathways and other services and assistance offered at the Hub – including through the We Matter Team and the Edinburgh Champions Boards.

Mr Swinney said: “Ensuring that all children grow up feeling loved, safe and respected is a top priority for my government and we want to continue to reduce the number of children and young people who are living away from their families.

“The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping The Promise by 2030, and we are seeing good progress across Scotland from education to justice – including a 18% reduction since 2020 in the number of children identified as ‘looked after’.  

“The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund is improving outcomes for young people across Scotland in a range of different ways – driving not only education improvements, but building broader confidence, resilience and well-being.

“The funding we are announcing today, on the sixth anniversary of The Promise, takes the Scottish Government’s total investment in the programme to just over £80 million since 2018 – showcasing how we are delivering for Scotland’s care experienced young people and helping them get the best start in life.”

Chief Executive Officer and Mentor at MCR Pathways Sharon McIntyre said: ““MCR Pathways commends today’s announcement about the continued investment in The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.

“It is critically important that care experienced children and young people feel the direct benefits from this significant commitment. Everyday, together, with partners, we see the real benefits of the power of personalised relationship based mentoring across Scotland.

“We work side by side with dynamic communities, Schools and Local Authorities like Edinburgh City Council, to bridge the opportunity gap for care experienced young people through consistent, encouraging trusted adult relationships. 

“No two trusted adult relationships are the same, they are bespoke to each and every young persons’ needs.  These relationships empower young people to believe in themselves, value their own unique talents, build ambitions for their future careers – shaping their future fulfilling lives.  That way, confidence is built, self belief instilled, skills are developed and engagement in learning achieved.

“On this poignant 6th anniversary of The Promise, collectively we are deeply committed to working towards Scotland becoming the first to commit to a life changing Trusted Adult Guarantee for every care experienced young person in Scotland.”

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “I warmly welcome additional funding for projects that support care experienced children and young people.

“We are committed to doing all we can to support children and young people who are care experienced in Edinburgh, acknowledging their experiences and providing the appropriate support to ensure they grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential.

“We were pleased to welcome the First Minister John Swinney to our Corporate Parenting Hub in the heart of Edinburgh, showing how care experienced children and young people in the city have helped to create a welcoming space where they can meet, make friends and have fun.”

Scottish Government confirms extension of support from Investing in Communities Fund following letter from Ian Murray MP

Following reports that the Scottish Government’s proposed spending plans will cut funding to community organisations doing vital work across Edinburgh, Ian Murray, the MP for Edinburgh South, wrote to the Shona Robinson, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, at the end of January to urge her to reverse the decision.

A reply from Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, confirmed that the Scottish Government have now agreed to transitional funding of up to a year for affected groups (as reported by NEN last week– Ed.).

Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, said: “While this transitional funding is welcome, it’s not enough – all it really does is delay the financial cliff edge facing local organisations who are supporting some of our most vulnerable communities.

“The financial pressures Kate Forbes mentions in her reply are completely of the SNP’s own making – a result of their mismanagement of the public finances over the last 19 years.

“The UK Labour government has provided the Scottish Government with an additional £10.3 billion in resources since coming to power. Where has the money gone?

“I am in touch with those affected by this locally and will continue to do all I can to support them.”

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Relief for community projects as continued funding confirmed

ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES FUND

The Scottih Government has confirmed that Investing in Communities funding will be continued for a further year.

The announcement comes as a huge relief to community projects facing massive cuts to their funding, with services being slashed and some organisations facing closure.

Scottish Greens raised concerns over the uncertainty faced by many of Edinburgh’s third sector projects at a council meeting last month.

A looming catastrophe has been averted with the announcement of one year’s transition funding while a replacement to the Investing in Communities Fund is developed.

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert took up the case of local community organisations and yesterday received welcome confirmation that fears have been allayed – at least for now.

She said: “Following budget cuts, I raised concerns with the Scottish Government about the future of the Investing in Communities Fund. Ministers have now confirmed a one-year transition extension for existing projects ending in March.

“This will help in the short term, but it falls short of the long-term certainty our community organisations need. I’ll keep pushing for sustained funding and stability for the services people rely on.”

Local MSP Ben Macpherson has also been on the case. He said: “This morning I visited Dr Bell’s Family Centre to discuss a situation that was of real concern.

“Using my decade of experience – including how to get things done for local organisations – I’d written to The Scottish Government about it on Monday and followed this up today, working actively as their/your local constituency MSP … I was therefore very pleased that shortly after the matter had been resolved.

“I know it’s been a worrying time for the centre and am relieved that immediate worries have been lifted. My team and I will keep working with the centre to explore more funding streams, and support the impactful work they do in our communities.”

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Edinburgh projects who received Investing in Communities funding (2023- 26) are:

  • About Youth, Calder Youth Action Project (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £105,822
  • Community Renewal Trust, Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, City of Edinburgh, £300,732
  • Dr. Bell’s Family Centre, Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith, City of Edinburgh, £348,067
  • Edinburgh Food Social Cic, Changing Craigmillar Food Culture, City of Edinburgh, £325,847
  • Fresh Start, Fresh Connections, City of Edinburgh, £280,201
  • North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Arts Link Up, City of Edinburgh, £331,400
  • Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, Together We Can, City of Edinburgh, £350,000
  • The Venchie Children And Young People’s Project, Family Support Service, City of Edinburgh, £208,732
  • Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, Investing in Gracemount, City of Edinburgh, £302,196
  • Whale, The Arts Agency, Creativity, Place and Enterprise in Wester Hailes (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £332,494.

LGIU: 2026 State of Local Government Finance in Scotland

No improvement to the financial sustainability of councils across Scotland with seven in ten saying they will be unable to balance budget within five years

The latest research from the Local Government Information Unit’s (LGIU) third annual State of Local Government Finance in Scotland report reveals that all councils who responded will be increasing council tax and decreasing their spending on services this year.

Yet, despite utilising these and other available measures, the new research found that seven out of ten senior council figures believe they won’t be able to balance their budgets within the next five years, and not one respondent expressed confidence in the sustainability of local government finance.

Chief Executives, Leaders and Directors of Finance representing 81% of Scottish local authorities took part in the research, which paints a picture of a sector pulling out all the stops available to them to respond to rising service needs with ever-diminishing resources. These responses provide an unparalleled look into the view from the inside when it comes to managing local government finances.

Adult social care once again topped the table for both immediate and long-term pressures that council finances face, and the majority of councils want more powers to raise revenue, including the freedom to levy other local taxes. Seventy per cent also supported a local share of national taxes being made available.

Some of the other key recommendations from the report include enshrining in legislation the principles of the Verity House Agreement as well as a full-scale review of local government finance, including sources of funding, the formulae for distribution, and the place of local government in the wider public sector.

A full list of recommendations from the report can be found below. 

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Local government finance in Scotland is still not fit for purpose. Despite recent changes, the underlying problems that threaten councils’ financial sustainability have not been resolved. 

“Financial pressures on councils continue to move in only one direction as service demands increase and local leaders have ever-diminishing budgets with which to respond. Local government is in a precarious position. With 70% of respondents indicating that they are close to effective bankruptcy, something has to give very soon.

“Our latest research, released as we approach the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, serves as a stark warning: councils overwhelmingly feel their current funding situation jeopardises their ability to protect vulnerable citizens, increases the risk of insolvency, and diminishes the quality of life in their communities.

“However, this negative trajectory is not inevitable. Councils across Scotland are ready and willing to collaborate with the Scottish Government to implement meaningful and lasting reform. Our research clearly defines the necessary changes and presents the sector’s solutions for achieving them. 

“While the complexities of local government finance mean there is no single simple fix, the sector shares near-universal agreement on the problems and offers a wealth of ideas on how they can be solved.”  

Summary of key recommendations

1) An agreed national convention between the Scottish Government and local government to outline procedures and actions for councils that are unable to pass a balanced budget. 

2) The next Scottish Parliament should agree to implement and enshrine in legislation the principles of the Verity House Agreement, and commit to an annual review by the Scottish Parliament covering the key principles.

3) In this election year, parties should commit to a full-scale review of local government finance, including sources of funding, the formulae for distribution, and the place of local government in the wider public sector. 

4) Scottish and local governments should be brought together in a standing commission or representative body, which should be defined in statute with a key role in pre-budget engagement processes, negotiation of the funding settlement, and any and all decisions that have an impact on councils.

The exact responsibilities and membership of this body should be a matter for future discussions, but should at a minimum include ministerial representation, and local elected representatives and senior officers from local government. 

First Minister announces additional funding for community projects

Supporting mental health and tackling loneliness

First Minister John Swinney has announced additional funding to help people with their mental health. A further £3 million will be made available so people can get early help close to home to improve their wellbeing and tackle loneliness.

Since 2021, more than 6,100 grants have been awarded from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults to projects, including those that deliver:

  • support groups for people with long-term health conditions
  • walking, cycling and fitness sessions to reduce stress
  • arts and music programmes to build confidence and social connection
  • befriending services for older adults and carers

The additional funding was announced by First Minister John Swinney ahead of a visit to the EATS Rosyth community hub and garden.

The First Minister said: “I am pleased to announce a further £3 million from the Scottish Government for projects to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.

“This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare that delivers prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.

“Local support for people who need a bit of extra help with their mental health is really important – projects close to home in familiar settings are often where people feel the safest and most comfortable.

“Offering that kind of support is particularly important at this time of year, which many find difficult. But the festive season also reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and caring for one another.

“Getting outside and spending time in the fresh air can really improve our physical and mental wellbeing, and the Fund that I am announcing today has supported projects that support people to do exactly that.

“After seeing the new community hub, I am looking forward to visiting the EATS Rosyth garden to see how local people are benefitting from the chance to enjoy valuable time outdoors.”

With the additional £3 million investment, total funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults in 2025-2026 will be £18 million, and the total provided by the Fund since 2021 will be £84 million.

Funding secures theatre’s future

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000

The Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, in North Lanarkshire, has been awarded £150,000 transition funding from the Scottish Government to help secure its future.

The funding will ensure the future of the Theatre as a going concern, so that it can continue its cultural programme and community work, while taking steps to enhance its financial sustainability and operations.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust was the only was the only organisation to lose regular funding when Creative Scotland announced successful bidders for Multi-Year Funding in January, as a result of its application which was unsuccessful.

A record number of cultural organisations were successful in applying for Multi-Year Funding, following a £34 million increase for culture in the arts in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget. Over half of these organisations were awarded multi-year funding for the first time, and all successful applicants who previously received regular funding got a significant uplift.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Cumbernauld Theatre is an important cultural asset for North Lanarkshire and the wider culture sector in Scotland.

“As a result of its failure to secure Multi-Year Funding, the Trust faced a critical funding gap for 2026-27, which would have required the Trust to consult on redundancies.

“Given the Theatre’s significance to the community and in order to protect the sector-specific skills it provides employment opportunities for, the Scottish Government has agreed to support the Trust with £150,000 in grant funding over 2026-27, and a potential further £150,000 in 2027-28 – subject to the Trust demonstrating its sustainability issues are being resolved.

“This funding should enable the Trust to move beyond a challenging period and take the necessary steps to secure Cumbernauld Theatre’s future.”

Alan Caldwell, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and the Scottish Government for our constructive conversations over the last few months and today’s announcement of its strategic investment in the future of this important cultural organisation.

“Their grant of £150,000 in 2026/27 and a potential further award in 2027/28 allows the Trust time to plan for a long-term sustainable future, while continuing to deliver its valuable work for residents in an area of Scotland which is under-served in terms of cultural and community opportunities.”

Creative Scotland has also agreed to give Cumbernauld Theatre Trust £99,557 in support of a programme of community engagement and work celebrating the town’s anniversary over the course of 2026.

BACKGROUND:

Multi-Year Funding Outcome Announcement | Creative Scotland

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Essentia Foundation invests record £3.5m in Scotland’s young people

Hundreds of young people across Scotland have benefitted from a record £3.5 million investment from the Essentia Foundation across 2025. 

This total includes their largest funding commitment to date, with £2 million recently awarded to eight leading charities across the country.

Funding will support these organisations to deliver programmes tackling youth unemployment, poverty, poor mental health and barriers to education.

Each of the eight charities, including Edinburgh-based Children First and Bethany Christian Trust, has received £250,000, enabling ambitious projects that are helping young people build resilience, develop new skills, and take steps towards brighter futures.

This major investment comes at a critical time. Young people have been disproportionately affected by recent crises, from the long-term effects of the pandemic to the pressures of the continuing cost of living crisis.

Many continue to face the lasting consequences of disrupted education and social development, alongside limited opportunities in training and employment.

Combined with ongoing mental health challenges and persistent inequality, these barriers mean that support for Scotland’s young people is more urgently needed than ever.

Brian Davidson, Trustee and Chairperson of the Essentia Foundation, said: “Scotland’s young people are facing some of the toughest challenges in generations, and the need for support has never been greater.

“These eight charities are already making a real difference in communities across the country. This funding will help create opportunities, build resilience, and give young people the skills and confidence to thrive.

“The impact of these projects will last well beyond the life of the programmes themselves, and we hope it also sparks further support from others who want to see Scotland’s young people flourish.”

Other grant recipients of £250,000 each from the Essentia Foundation include:

  • Aberlour Childcare Trust
  • Cyrenians
  • Sistema Scotland
  • The Outward Bound Trust
  • The King’s Trust
  • The Venture Trust

These awards, alongside the additional £1.5 million that has been distributed this year by the Essentia Foundation, underpin its commitment to support young people across Scotland through initiatives focused on wellbeing, education, skills development, and opportunities for employment.

The awards also mark a milestone moment for the Essentia Foundation itself. The Foundation has confirmed it will now wind up its activities, leaving a £1.5 million legacy fund to be administered by long term partner Foundation Scotland, who have been supporting the Essentia Foundation since 2017.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy & Quality, Foundation Scotland said: “We are honoured to continue Essentia Foundation’s legacy through the new fund. For the last eight years, our team has had the privilege of working alongside Essentia to ensure its resources reach young people who need them most.

“This next chapter will see us build on that partnership by supporting grassroots organisations across Scotland.

“We look forward to helping smaller charities deliver vital opportunities that improve wellbeing, education and future prospects for children and young people, ensuring Essentia’s legacy and impact endures for years to come.”

This future programme will provide small grants to grassroots charities, ensuring Essentia’s mission of supporting children and young people continues well into the future.

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/FoundationScotlandEssentia