Deadline: 04-Sep-2024
The Scottish Connections Fund offers funding to set up new projects to promote Scotland’s reputation and interests.
Funding Information
- You can bid for a grant between £2,000 and £5,000, from an available total sum of £50,000 in 2024 to 2025. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2025.
Uses of the Funds
- You can use funding to pay for things directly related to the project, for example:
- venue rental
- IT hardware and software
- learning materials
- equipment and implementation costs
- travel and accommodation costs where justifiable
Eligible Projects
- Funding must be used for new projects only. You cannot apply for funding for an existing project.
- You must also be able to demonstrate that your project:
- has a clear link to at least one commitment in the Scottish Connections Framework
- brings together or contribute to interests across sectors of activity (live/work, study, visit, do business, culture) – those multiple links will attract additional weighting during the scoring process
- will increase vibrancy, visibility or connectivity between Scottish diaspora communities outside Scotland, or with Scotland itself
- has a credible communications plan that promotes Scotland’s reputation as a place to live, work, visit, study, and do business
- promotes inclusion and diversity, for example working in historically marginalised communities and groups, such as with minority ethnic Scots and LGBTQ communities, or encouraging participation of women and young people
- is co-funded, where possible
- will be completed by 31 March 2025, and within budget
Who can apply?
- The fund is open to individuals or organisations who consider themselves to be Scottish diaspora or have a Scottish connection, including:
- those with a heritage link, including Caledonian, St Andrew’s or other Scotland-linked community or heritage organisations.
- alumni of Scottish institutions or educational institutions with a focus on Scottish studies.
- cultural, musical, theatrical, sporting, linguistic, religious or related bodies with Scottish links.
- those with a business or professional relationship, such as promoting trade and investment connections between Scotland and another country.
- organisers of major Scottish themed events, such as Highland Games or cultural festivals.
For more information, visit Scottish Government.