HIV Scotland
promoting positive change
promoting positive change
There are a range of funding sources that can provide grants to fund a particular activity, from local charitable trusts, central government and private companies, to the Big Lottery Fund. Local authorities often have specific streams of funding that voluntary organisations and community groups can tap into.
Bear in mind that if you raise funds for a particular project, the money can only be used for these purposes, so you need to be clear about what you want to do from the start.
The golden rules of grant fundraising are:
If your project changes, check with the funder first – most funders are willing to be flexible if you talk to them. Don’t forget to thank your funder. Even better, if you’re running an event, why not invite them along, so they can see for themselves what a great project they are supporting?
There are a range of websites and directories available listing trusts and grants available by category. Most directories will also say which geographical area the funding applies to, for example, it may only be to a specific city or region. Some locally based trusts may not have websites.
It can be time consuming finding a category of funding your project will fit. Councils for Voluntary Services, or a Community Learning and Development Officer at your local council may be able to assist identifying appropriate funders and perhaps even help with the writing of an application or proposal.
Information about new funding streams and the priorities of grant making trusts, etc, can be found in the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) weekly newspaper Third Force News or from your local Council of Voluntary Service.
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