The Improving Access Fund is a £1.5 million Scottish Government initiative running from April 2026 to March 2027 that supports projects improving disability equality and reducing barriers for disabled people. It funds community-focused, user-led initiatives that enhance financial security, digital inclusion, civic participation and mental health. Priority is given to Disabled People’s Organisations and groups led by disabled people.

Overview

The Improving Access Fund is a key action under Scotland’s Disability Equality Plan. Its goal is to remove social, financial and environmental barriers that restrict the full participation of disabled people in civic, cultural and community life. The fund is grounded in the social model of disability and shaped directly by Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

Purpose of the Fund

The fund addresses urgent challenges including poverty, social isolation, high disability-related costs and limited access to services. It aims to increase equality, improve wellbeing and embed disabled people’s leadership in decision-making processes.

Funding Scope and Budget

Total budget: £1.5 million
Delivery period: April 2026 – March 2027
Grant amounts:
- Up to £80,000 for incorporated organisations
- Up to £5,000 for unincorporated, volunteer-led groups (activity from March 2027)

Core Priority Areas

1. Financial Security for Disabled Households

Projects that reduce disability-related costs, support income stability or enhance digital inclusion through devices, connectivity and assistive technology.

2. Participation in Civic, Cultural and Community Life

Initiatives that increase access to essential services, expand community involvement and integrate disabled people’s voices into policy and service design.

3. Mental Health and Wellbeing

Programmes led by disabled people such as peer-support networks, safe social spaces and anti-stigma initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs)
Third-sector organisations
Community groups and grassroots initiatives
Unincorporated volunteer-led organisations
Groups targeting rural or marginalised disabled communities

Eligibility Requirements

Must demonstrate strong leadership by disabled people
Must be legally constituted (incorporated or unincorporated depending on grant size)
Must deliver activity within the defined timeframes
Must provide evidence of community support

What the Fund Will Not Support

Staff salaries
Vehicles or transport fleets
Ongoing maintenance or operational expenses
Projects already underway
Activities in schools, hospitals or local-authority leisure centres
Non-distinct phases or projects lacking clear deliverables

Why It Matters

The Improving Access Fund is a major investment in disability equality. It strengthens community resilience, supports independent living, advances digital access and empowers disabled people to shape decisions affecting their daily lives. It is a cornerstone programme for achieving long-term social inclusion in Scotland.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organisation is user-led, community supported and aligned with one or more priority areas.

Step 2: Define Your Project

Prepare a short concept outlining:

The specific barrier your project addresses
Target communities (especially rural or marginalised groups)
Planned activities and expected outcomes
How disabled people will lead and shape the work

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

Depending on organisation type, gather:

Constitution or governing document
Financial records
Evidence of community support
Timeline and deliverables

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete the official application form during the funding window. Ensure all information is accurate, concise and aligned with the fund’s aims.

Step 5: Deliver and Report

If approved, implement the project within the required timeframe and maintain full documentation for auditing and transparency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting projects without clear disabled-led leadership
Proposing activities that fall outside approved locations (schools, hospitals, etc.)
Including staff costs or maintenance expenses
Failing to demonstrate community support
Lack of measurable outcomes
Overlapping with existing or ongoing projects

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who gets priority for funding?

Priority goes to Disabled People’s Organisations and user-led groups, especially those supporting rural and multiply-marginalised disabled people.

2. Can organisations apply for staff costs?

No. Staff salaries and operational staffing expenses are not eligible.

3. Can an unincorporated group apply?

Yes, but only for grants up to £5,000 and only for activities beginning in March 2027.

4. What types of projects are most competitive?

Projects that clearly remove specific barriers, use disabled-led decision-making, and deliver measurable improvements in access, wellbeing or digital inclusion.

5. Are digital inclusion initiatives eligible?

Yes. Projects providing devices, connectivity or assistive technology are encouraged.

6. Can a project span multiple phases?

Yes, but each phase must be distinct, independently deliverable and separately justified.

7. Does the fund support mental health programmes?

Yes, especially peer-led and community-designed initiatives that address stigma, isolation or wellbeing gaps.

Conclusion

The Improving Access Fund is a strategic investment aimed at removing structural barriers for disabled people across Scotland. By prioritising disabled-led leadership and community-rooted initiatives, the fund supports meaningful improvements in financial security, digital inclusion, civic participation and mental health. Organisations that design clear, inclusive and measurable projects have a strong opportunity to drive long-lasting positive change through this funding programme.