The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) has partnered alongside the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations Scotland (CEMVO) to develop and create the Ethnic Minority Development Fund (EMDF).

Organisations can apply for funding of from £500 up £15,000 using accessible, easy to read application forms.

 To be eligible to apply groups must be ethnic minority led, based in Scotland and meet at least one of the following outcomes: –

• Bring Ethnic Minority people together and build strong relationships across communities
• Help more Ethnic Minority people to be the best they can be, by supporting them as soon as possible
• Improve places and spaces that matter to Ethnic Minority communities

CEMVO’s research, backed up by the Fund’s own learning and experience shows that there are often significant barriers which prevent ethnic minority groups accessing funding as Shaista Asghar, Head of Operations, explains. She said: “After the pandemic, many Ethnic Minority (EM) organisations struggled or sadly disbanded leaving people without this vital support. 

“We approached TNLCF to deliver a three-year programme of funding and support.  As a trusted organisation in the community, we knew that our role was to bridge the gap to ensure EM organisations were able to engage, share their experiences and provide accounts of their needs to TNLCF. 

“After one year of running the programme, we have helped 13 community organisations and groups receive £142 386.  This is a real boost to the sector, but we know there is a greater need as we received 137 applications with over £2m requested.  Check out CEMVO Scotland’s website and social media for updates, as the next round opens in January 2024.”

The Wing Hong Centre

One of the first projects to receive funding the Strathclyde Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Group who will use an award of £11,830 to provide a range of vital support for Chinese residents in and around Glasgow.

Thanks to the funding the charity has launched The Lantern Project to provide a safe, friendly and relaxed environment in the city centre where members of the Chinese community can gather to socialise and take part in a range of leisure and social activities.  The project also aims to promote social inclusion, preserve Chinese heritage and culture and help empower people to access mainstream services and embrace the cultural and social opportunities that Glasgow has to offer.

Interested in learning more about EMDF?

The next round of funding is open to applications in January 2024. To find out more email: emdf@cemvoscotland.org.uk.