Deadline: 12-Aug-2026
The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund provides £500–£1,000 to support community-led projects in Scotland that reduce social inequality and promote inclusion. The fund targets housing communities, focusing on wellbeing, independence, and participation. Applications are open throughout 2026, with quarterly decisions and a 12-month project delivery period.
Programme Overview
The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund supports grassroots, community-driven initiatives that improve quality of life within housing communities.
It prioritises projects that:
- Reduce social isolation
- Strengthen community engagement
- Support vulnerable individuals in maintaining stable housing
Purpose and Core Objectives
Core Objectives
- Reduce social inequalities in housing communities
- Promote inclusion and participation
- Support independent living
- Improve wellbeing and quality of life
- Build community capacity
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
- £500 or £1,000 per project
Application Timeline
- Open throughout 2026
- Decisions made quarterly
Project Duration
- Funds must be used within 12 months of award
Key Focus Areas
Social Inclusion and Wellbeing
- Reducing isolation in housing communities
- Improving mental and emotional wellbeing
Digital Participation
- Enhancing access to digital tools and skills
- Supporting digital inclusion initiatives
Independent Living
- Supporting older people to remain at home
- Enabling people with disabilities to live independently
Housing Stability
- Assisting individuals transitioning from homelessness
- Supporting secure tenancy and housing retention
Community Capacity Building
- Strengthening local groups and networks
- Encouraging community participation
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Registered charities
- Voluntary organisations
- Community groups
Key Requirements
- Must be not-for-profit
- Must be based in Scotland
- Must have a clear link to:
- Housing associations
- Housing co-operatives
- Local authorities or social housing providers
Eligible Projects
Projects must directly benefit housing communities.
Examples
- Community engagement and support groups
- Digital literacy programmes
- Independent living support initiatives
- Wellbeing and social inclusion activities
- Support for people moving into secure housing
Ineligible Costs and Activities
The fund does not support:
- Applications from individuals
- Staff salary costs
- Capital or building projects
- Vehicle purchases
- National appeals
- Holidays or respite care
- Retrospective funding
- Multi-year funding requests
- Projects outside Scotland
- Projects where grant is less than 30% of total cost
Why This Programme Matters
Addressing Social Inequality
- Supports vulnerable populations in housing communities
- Reduces exclusion and isolation
Strengthening Communities
- Encourages local participation
- Builds stronger, more connected communities
Supporting Independence
- Helps individuals maintain stable and secure housing
- Promotes dignity and self-sufficiency
How to Apply / What to Do
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm organisational eligibility
- Identify a clear community need
- Design a small, impactful project
- Ensure alignment with fund priorities
- Prepare a simple budget (grant ≥ 30% of total cost)
- Submit application
- Await quarterly decision
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without a housing sector connection
- Requesting ineligible costs (e.g., salaries, capital works)
- Weak link to community impact
- बजट not aligned with funding rules
- Proposing projects outside Scotland
Best Practices for Applicants
- Focus on clear, achievable outcomes
- Demonstrate strong community need
- Show direct benefits to housing residents
- Keep project scope realistic
- Ensure compliance with funding rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the grant amount?
£500 or £1,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations based in Scotland with housing sector links.
What types of projects are supported?
Community-led initiatives improving wellbeing, inclusion, and housing stability.
Are individuals eligible to apply?
No, only organisations can apply.
Can funding be used for salaries?
No, staff salary costs are not eligible.
How often are decisions made?
Quarterly throughout 2026.
What is the project duration?
Up to 12 months from the award date.
Conclusion
The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund provides targeted, small-scale funding to strengthen housing communities across Scotland. By supporting inclusive, community-led initiatives, the programme helps reduce inequality, improve wellbeing, and enable individuals to live independently and actively participate in community life.
For more information, visit Lintel Trust.