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2025 Funding Windows Closed

The Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust (SCLT) 2025 funding windows have now closed as of 12 noon on Friday, 3rd October 2025.

For charities that applied during the final 2025 funding window, decisions will be shared with applicants in mid to late November 2025.

We would like to thank all applicants for their submissions and the vital work they do to improve the lives of children and young people across Scotland..

Looking Ahead – 2026 Funding Windows

Please Note: The 2026 funding window dates outlined on this page have been confirmed at the time of publication; however, they are subject to change. Any updates to opening or closing dates will be clearly communicated here, so we encourage applicants to check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information before submitting an application.

The Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust (SCLT) is pleased to announce the opening dates for its 2026 funding windows, continuing our mission to support charities across Scotland working to improve the lives of children and young people.

Our funding windows in 2026 are as follows:

First Funding Window – Medium Fund

• Opens: Monday, 9th March 2026, 12 noon
• Closes: Friday, 27th March 2026, 12 noon
• Grant Available: Up to £10,000 (Medium Fund)
• Funding Announcements: By the end of May 2026
• Funding Distributed: Late June / early July 2026

Second Funding Window – Small Fund & Bright Futures Fund

Opens: Monday, 14th September 2026, 12 noon

Closes: Friday, 2nd October 2026, 12 noon

Grants Available:

• Small Fund: Up to £5,000
• Bright Futures Fund: Up to £1,000
• Funding Announcements: Mid-November 2026
• Funding Distributed: Early January 2027 (earlier if activity is Christmas-related)

This window supports smaller-scale projects and activities, alongside initiatives designed to create brighter futures for children and young people in Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust grant, applying organisations must:

• Be a registered charity in Scotland with a charity bank account.
• Have up-to-date annual accounts.
• Deliver projects within Scotland.
• Work with the most vulnerable children, young people and families at a demonstrably high risk of being negatively impacted by poverty.
• Demonstrate involvement of individuals and communities with lived experience of the issues being addressed.
• Work outside, or supplementary to, statutory responsibilities.
• Clearly demonstrate positive impacts and commit to delivering end-of-grant analysis reports.
• Have a level of match funding in place to support their project or activity.

What We Will Not Fund

We will not accept applications from:

• Statutory agencies or projects that are a statutory responsibility.
• Local Authorities, Arms Length External Organisations (ALEOs), Housing Associations or their charitable arms.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs).
• Projects or activities taking place outside Scotland.
• Retrospective or deficit funding, or repayment of loans.
• Administration costs (including marketing and IT).
• Projects requiring funding for more than one year.
• Charities already in receipt of an active grant award from SCLT.

Examples of Projects We May Fund

• Practical family support (food, clothing, shelter).
• Support for single parents, including parenting skills, health and nutrition.
• Accessible and affordable daycare or play facilities.
• Support for vulnerable parents with preschool children, or families with young children with disabilities.
• After-school or holiday cover with additional educational support.
• Provision of IT/educational equipment for socially deprived children or children with disabilities.
• One-to-one mentoring for children struggling at school due to family circumstances.
• Community libraries, learning spaces, leisure, and sporting programmes.
• Local youth clubs and recreational activities.
• Employability and skills training within a local community.
• Mentoring or support to build self-confidence and skills for entering employment.

How Funding Decisions Are Made

Applications that meet our guidance and are submitted before the closing deadline will be presented to and assessed by the Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust Board of Trustees. Final funding decisions are made by the Trustees.

Application Milestones

• Interested parties complete the application form.
• Applications are reviewed and a shortlist prepared.
• Further information may be requested (including interviews or visits).
• Shortlist presented at a quarterly meeting of the Trustees.
• Successful applicants issued terms of funding to accept.
• Funding distributed.

Please note:

• Successful applicants must wait 12 months from their initial project funding start point before reapplying.
• Unsuccessful applicants will be informed of when they can reapply.
• We will work with all successful applicants on an appropriate marketing and media plan.
• All successful applicants will be required to complete impact analysis at the end of their funding award period.

How to Apply

Eligible charities can apply for funding by completing and submitting an online application form during the relevant funding window. Applications will only be available on the platform once the window officially opens.

Access the Online Platform: here

Important Information

• Applications must be completed and submitted before the deadline.
• No extensions will be granted — we strongly recommend submitting early.
• Each application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Trustees before final decisions are made.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for updates, reminders about funding windows, and announcements. We are committed to supporting your vital work in improving the lives of children and young people across Scotland. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.