Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Bairdwatson Charitable Trust provides grants of up to £20,000 to organisations that support disadvantaged young people in education, vocational training, and employment. The fund prioritises initiatives that help disengaged youth re-enter education, develop skills, and move towards sustainable employment.
The Bairdwatson Charitable Trust offers targeted funding to organisations working with disadvantaged young people, particularly those who are disengaged from education or leaving school without a clear pathway to further education or employment.
The trust aims to help young people re-engage with learning, develop vocational skills, and transition into sustainable work opportunities.
Focus Areas
The fund supports projects in the following areas:
• Training for Employment: Vocational and work-related skills development
• Employment Support: Guidance, mentoring, and assistance in finding job opportunities
• Re-engagement with Education: Initiatives that help young people return to school or progress to further education and training
Priority is given to young people who are furthest from the labour market and need additional support to achieve positive outcomes.
Grant Details
• Maximum grant amount: £20,000
• Funding duration: up to 12 months
• Targeted organisations: annual income of up to £2,500,000
• Current funding round: up to £150,000 available for projects aligning with the fund’s purpose
• Smaller grants below £5,000 may be more suitable for alternative funding sources
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
• Registered charities
• Constituted voluntary and community organisations
• Community companies, including:
– Companies limited by guarantee
– Community benefit societies
– Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs)
Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to deliver programs that support young people in re-engaging with education, developing skills, and moving towards employment.
Why This Fund Matters
The Bairdwatson Charitable Trust grants help:
• Address youth disengagement and social exclusion
• Support vocational skill development and employability
• Enable smooth transitions from school to work or further education
• Strengthen local organisations that provide targeted youth support
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation is legally registered and operates within the fund’s income criteria.
Step 2: Define Your Project
Your project should clearly demonstrate:
• How it helps disadvantaged or disengaged young people
• Plans for skills development, education re-engagement, or employment support
• Expected outcomes and measurable impact
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Include:
• Organisational details (registration, governance, financials)
• Detailed project plan and timeline
• Budget and justification for the funding request
• Evidence of experience in supporting young people
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit a complete application that clearly aligns with the fund’s focus areas and demonstrates impact, feasibility, and sustainability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying without meeting the eligibility criteria
• Requesting funding for general organisational costs unrelated to youth support
• Submitting incomplete or unclear project plans or budgets
• Not demonstrating measurable impact or outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount?
£20,000 per project.
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered charities, constituted voluntary/community organisations, and community companies such as SCIOs or companies limited by guarantee.
How long can funding be used for?
Up to 12 months.
Can organisations with income above £2,500,000 apply?
The fund primarily targets organisations with income up to £2,500,000, though larger applications may be considered if relevant.
Can small grants below £5,000 be applied for?
Such requests may be better suited to other funding programmes.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects that re-engage disadvantaged youth with education, provide vocational training, or support sustainable employment.
Conclusion
The Bairdwatson Charitable Trust empowers organisations to help disadvantaged young people reconnect with education and the labour market. By funding projects that focus on skills, training, and employability, the trust supports sustainable outcomes that improve young people’s futures and strengthen community-based youth support initiatives.
For more information, visit Foundation Scotland.