Investing in Communities

Apply for a grant

How to apply

Before you apply we strongly advise you to contact us on 0300 123 7110 or by email at enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk to discuss your idea. We will tell you if we think your project fits with our investment area outcomes.

Investing in Communities has a two stage application process Automatically imported binary.
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If we think that your ideas fits the next step is to complete a stage one application form Automatically imported binary.
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At stage one, we will assess and identify any development needs, and provide targeted development support where it’s needed. This may be in the form of advice from our staff or we may recommend other external sources of support. .

You may also be able to apply for funding to develop your project.   

Once we have assessed your stage one application, we will decide whether to invite you to submit a stage two application.

Who can apply for a grant?

A range of organisations can apply including voluntary and community organisations, local authorities and community councils, social enterprises and private companies (provided our grants do not contribute to the profits they distribute). We cannot fund individuals or sole traders.

Unless you are a statutory body your organisation must also be able to meet the following requirements:

• You must have a written governing document, for example a constitution, set of rules or trust deed unless you are a registered charity and/or company.
• There must be at least three unrelated people on your organisation’s governing body or management committee.
• You must have a bank or building society account in the name of your group which requires two unrelated signatories to make withdrawals.
• You must be able to provide your most recent approved annual accounts, signed and dated by your chair, secretary or treasurer, and by your auditor or independent examiner where appropriate. The accounts should be no more than 12 months old. If you are a new organisation you must send us signed and dated estimates of your income and spending for the first year of the grant.

Statutory bodies will be required to complete a bank details form if awarded funds.

If you are a branch of a larger organisation you may be eligible to apply if the larger organisation supports your application in writing.

There are additional requirements Automatically imported binary.
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Help - I’m still not sure if this programme is right for my project

Please call the information team on 0300 123 7110.

You’ll also need to read through the guidance notes carefully to make sure you can meet the outcomes of the investment area you are applying through.

If you’re still unsure, please call the information team on 0300 123 7110.

Who do I contact for more information?

Call our information team for advice at

Phone: 0300 123 7110

Textphone: 0141 242 1500

Email us at enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk