Later this year, the National Lottery Community Fund will open our new Scotland funding programmes. We’re developing these to align with the ambitions of our UK wide strategy – ‘It starts with community’ whilst being guided by the needs of the communities we serve in Scotland. 

To prepare for the opening of our new programmes, we will close three of our existing funds – Community Led, Improving Lives and Cost-of-Living Support Scotland – to applications at noon on 21 August 2024. 

Our experience tells us that demand for funding in the lead up to this deadline will be high so it’s important that you talk to us well ahead of time.  

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What programmes are closing?  

We are closing Improving Lives, Community Led and our Cost-of-Living Support Fund only. But don’t worry, our other funds - Young Start, National Lottery Awards for All and the Scottish Land Fund – will all remain open to applications with no closing date. 

When is the last time I can submit an application for funding? 

We will accept Community Led, Improving Lives and Cost-of-Living Support Scotland applications up until noon on Wednesday 21 August 2024. 

I’m considering making an application to one of these funds, what should I do?  

If you are planning to apply to one of these funds but haven’t discussed this with us or requested an application form yet, you should contact us at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or 0300 123 7110 as soon as possible so the Funding Officer in your area can advise you. We’ll have an informal chat with you about the idea you need funding for and can send you out an application form. 

Is there a cut-off date for requesting an application form?  

No, but we would advise you speak to us as early as possible to give yourself enough time to work on an application.  

Will this affect my existing grant from any of these funds? 

The closure of these funds will not affect your current grant which will continue as normal.  If, however you have a grant that is coming to an end before March 2025 that you wish to continue, please contact your Funding Officer, if you’ve not already done so. 

I have just submitted an application, what does this mean for me?  
If you have recently applied to either Community Led, Improving Lives or Cost-of-Living Support Scotland your application will be assessed as normal.  
  
Why are you closing these programmes?  

Our current funding offer has been delivering for communities since 2015 with some revisions and additions over the years to ensure that we have remained responsive to the needs and challenges facing local communities. Now, with the launch of our new UK wide strategy, It starts with community’ and with feedback from customers and stakeholders here in Scotland, we are developing new programmes that reflect the emerging needs of the communities we serve. We are closing these existing funds to allow us to open this new funding in November 2024. 

Who can I speak to if I need more advice or have other questions? 

If you have any questions about our Community Led, Improving Lives or Cost-of-Living Support Scotland programmes please contact us on 0300 123 7110 or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk 

We’re always happy to help.