Deadline: 23-Jul-2026
The Henry Duncan Grants Programme provides funding to charities and not-for-profit organizations delivering mental health support in very remote and sparsely populated areas of Scotland. The 2026 grant round focuses on strengthening community-based mental health services by providing flexible, unrestricted funding that organizations can use for projects, existing services, staff costs, rent, and core operational expenses.
Eligible organizations can receive up to £10,000 per year for up to five years, with a maximum total grant value of £50,000. The funding aims to help rural organizations respond to local mental health challenges and provide sustainable support for people experiencing mental ill health.
Overview of the Henry Duncan Grants Programme
The Henry Duncan Grants Programme has a long history of supporting Scotland’s voluntary sector and community organizations. Each funding round focuses on a specific theme that reflects changing social needs and challenges.
The 2026 funding round is dedicated to improving access to mental health support in very remote rural areas of Scotland, where communities often face barriers such as:
- Limited access to specialist services
- Geographic isolation
- Shortages of local support networks
- Transport and connectivity challenges
- Increased difficulty accessing timely mental health assistance
The programme supports organizations that are creating community-led responses to these challenges.
Purpose of the Henry Duncan Grants
The main goal of the programme is to strengthen local mental health support systems in remote rural communities.
The grants aim to help organizations:
- Provide accessible mental health support
- Maintain and expand community-based services
- Improve long-term organizational sustainability
- Respond flexibly to changing community needs
- Support people experiencing mental ill health
The funding recognizes that rural organizations often need flexible resources to continue delivering essential services.
What the Grant Can Support
The Henry Duncan Grants provide unrestricted funding, meaning successful organizations can decide how to use the money based on their operational needs.
Funding can support:
- New mental health initiatives
- Existing mental health projects
- Core organizational operations
- Staff costs
- Rent and facility expenses
- General running costs
- Other activities directly supporting people with mental ill health
The flexible nature of the funding allows organizations to adapt their approach during the five-year grant period.
Grant Amount and Duration
The programme provides:
- Maximum annual funding: £10,000
- Maximum funding period: Five years
- Maximum total grant value: £50,000
Organizations can apply for the funding amount and duration that best matches their needs.
Applicants do not need to request the maximum amount if a smaller or shorter grant would better support their work.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grant is open to charities and not-for-profit organizations operating in very remote and rural areas of Scotland.
Eligible applicants include:
- Scottish charities registered with OSCR
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Social enterprises
- Other registered not-for-profit organizations with appropriate governance structures
Organizations must demonstrate that they have a clear not-for-profit purpose and suitable systems for responsible management.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Location Requirement
Organizations must operate in very remote and rural areas of Scotland.
Their work should directly support communities where access to mental health services may be limited due to geographic isolation.
Income Requirement
Applicants must have:
- An annual income below £500,000
- Maintained this income level for the previous three years
Mental Health Focus
The majority of the organization’s work must focus on supporting people experiencing mental ill health.
Eligible activities may include:
- Emotional well-being support
- Community mental health services
- Peer support programmes
- Support networks for people facing mental health challenges
Governance Requirements
Organizations must have:
- At least three unrelated board members
- Appropriate governance structures
- Required asset lock provisions where applicable
Priority Considerations
Previous Henry Duncan Grants rounds have included targeted support for underrepresented communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic-led organizations.
The 2026 programme specifically focuses on organizations addressing mental health challenges in remote and sparsely populated Scottish communities.
Priority may be given to organizations that:
- Are deeply connected to local communities
- Provide accessible rural mental health support
- Address gaps in existing services
- Demonstrate strong community involvement
How to Apply for the Henry Duncan Grants
The application process takes place through a two-stage system.
Stage One: Eligibility Check and Initial Application
Applicants must first complete an online application form.
The first stage assesses:
- Organizational eligibility
- Location requirements
- Mental health focus
- Suitability of the proposed work
- Alignment with programme objectives
All stage one applications are reviewed to determine whether organizations meet the basic requirements.
Stage Two: Full Application
Organizations selected after stage one will be invited to submit a more detailed application.
The second stage may require information about:
- Organizational activities
- Community impact
- Use of funding
- Long-term sustainability
- Expected outcomes
Decision-Making Process
Funding decisions are made by an independent panel.
The panel includes individuals with:
- Professional experience in mental health
- Knowledge of rural communities
- Lived experience related to mental health challenges
The panel evaluates applications based on the organization’s ability to deliver meaningful support in remote rural communities.
Reporting Requirements for Successful Applicants
Organizations receiving funding must provide annual reports explaining:
- How grant funds were used
- Activities delivered
- Impact achieved
- Benefits for people experiencing mental ill health
Continued funding throughout the five-year period depends on satisfactory reporting and demonstration of effective use of funds.
Why This Grant Programme Matters
People living in remote rural areas often experience greater challenges accessing mental health support due to distance, limited services, and fewer local resources.
The Henry Duncan Grants help address these challenges by supporting organizations that provide community-based solutions.
The programme enables organizations to:
- Deliver local mental health support
- Maintain essential services
- Strengthen community resilience
- Provide flexible responses to emerging needs
- Improve access to support in isolated communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Not Demonstrating a Strong Rural Connection
Applicants should clearly explain how their work supports people living in very remote and rural areas of Scotland.
Focusing on General Community Work Without a Mental Health Link
The majority of organizational activity must relate to supporting people experiencing mental ill health.
Requesting Funding Without Explaining Long-Term Benefits
Applicants should describe how unrestricted funding will strengthen their organization over time.
Missing Governance Requirements
Organizations should confirm they meet requirements such as:
- Having at least three unrelated board members
- Maintaining appropriate governance structures
- Meeting asset lock requirements where relevant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Henry Duncan Grants Programme?
The Henry Duncan Grants Programme provides unrestricted funding to charities and not-for-profit organizations delivering mental health support in very remote rural areas of Scotland.
How much funding can organizations receive?
Organizations can receive up to £10,000 per year for up to five years, with a maximum total grant of £50,000.
Can the funding be used for core costs?
Yes. The grant is unrestricted and can support core operational costs such as staff, rent, overheads, and other expenses related to mental health support.
Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include Scottish charities registered with OSCR, CICs, social enterprises, and other registered not-for-profit organizations with suitable governance arrangements.
What income limit applies to applicants?
Organizations must have an annual income under £500,000 for the previous three years.
What type of mental health work is supported?
The programme supports organizations whose main activities focus on helping people experiencing mental ill health through community-based services and support.
How does the application process work?
Applications are completed in two stages. Organizations first complete an eligibility check and online application, and shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a second-stage application.
Conclusion
The Henry Duncan Grants Programme provides long-term, flexible support for organizations improving mental health access in Scotland’s most remote rural communities.
By offering unrestricted funding over up to five years, the programme helps charities and not-for-profit organizations build sustainable services, strengthen local support networks, and continue delivering vital mental health assistance to people who face barriers to accessing care.
For more information, visit Corra Foundation.