Deadline: 06-Feb-2026

The Weir Charitable Trust is accepting applications from Scottish-based charities and community groups for grants up to £25,000. Funding supports projects that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and community development under five categories: Sport, Health, Culture, Animal Welfare and Recreational Facilities. Only organisations operating entirely within Scotland are eligible.

The Weir Charitable Trust provides financial support to community-focused organisations across Scotland. Its grant programme strengthens local wellbeing, fosters inclusion and helps charities deliver meaningful services within their communities.

Programme Focus

• Support community-rooted organisations across Scotland

• Strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and community development

• Provide targeted funding aligned with five qualifying categories

• Enable small to mid-sized charities and groups to deliver local impact

Funding Categories

Applicants must align their project with at least one of the following Trust-defined categories:

1. Sport

Projects that promote participation, physical activity or access to local sports.

2. Health

Initiatives that improve physical or mental wellbeing, or support vulnerable groups.

3. Culture

Activities that celebrate local heritage, arts, creativity or community identity.

4. Animal Welfare

Projects that protect, rescue or enhance the welfare of animals within Scottish communities.

5. Recreational Facilities

Improvements or activities that support accessible recreation, leisure or community spaces.

Who Is Eligible?

• Registered charities operating entirely within Scotland

• Not-for-profit community groups based and active in Scotland

• Organisations delivering services that directly benefit Scottish communities

• Projects fitting at least one of the Trust’s five funding categories

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Individuals

• Commercial or for-profit entities

• Sponsorship for fundraising events

• Any project requesting more than £25,000

• Projects outside the qualifying categories

Grant Amount

• Applicants may request up to £25,000

• Applications exceeding this threshold are automatically rejected

• Funding decisions are made solely by the Trustees and are final

Key Requirements

• Projects must show clear community benefit

• Applications must demonstrate relevance, impact and alignment with funding categories

• All submitted information is handled under the Data Protection Act

• Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation:

• Is a Scottish-based charity or community group

• Operates exclusively within Scotland

• Fits one of the five funding categories

2. Prepare Your Proposal

Include:

• A clear project description

• Expected community impact

• Justification for the requested amount

• Alignment with one or more qualifying categories

3. Submit Your Application

Follow the Trust’s official application procedure. Ensure all supporting documents are complete and meet the guidelines.

4. Await Trustee Review

Trustees assess applications based on strength, relevance and potential impact. Their decisions are final.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting more than £25,000

• Submitting projects that do not clearly fit a funding category

• Applying as an individual or for-profit entity

• Proposing activities outside Scotland

• Providing vague or incomplete project information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

The maximum award is £25,000. Requests above this amount are automatically rejected.

2. Do applicants need to be registered charities?

Yes, applicants must be registered charities or not-for-profit community groups operating entirely within Scotland.

3. Can organisations outside Scotland apply?

No. Only organisations based in Scotland and delivering services solely within Scotland are eligible.

4. What categories must projects align with?

Projects must fit at least one of five categories: Sport, Health, Culture, Animal Welfare or Recreational Facilities.

5. Are funding decisions appealable?

No. Trustee decisions are final.

6. Does meeting all criteria guarantee funding?

No. Meeting criteria allows consideration, but funding is at the discretion of the Trustees.

7. Does the Trust fund individuals or commercial activities?

No. The Trust funds only non-profit organisations delivering community benefit.

Conclusion

The Weir Charitable Trust offers valuable support to Scottish charities and community groups committed to improving wellbeing, inclusion and community life. By funding projects in Sport, Health, Culture, Animal Welfare and Recreational Facilities, the Trust strengthens local resilience and helps build vibrant, connected communities across Scotland.

For more information, visit The Weir Charitable Trust.