Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Name of fund: Awards for All

Brief description of fund

Awards for All gives grants of between £500 and £10,000 for people to take part in art, sport and community activities, and projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community. The application form is fairly straightforward and you'll get a decision within 6 weeks.

What activities does it fund?

• equipment hire or purchase
• feasibility studies for community building projects
• improvements or additions to playing facilities
• information technology equipment
• building, refurbishment, landscaping or property projects (including playgrounds and temporary buildings) costing £75,000 or less (including VAT)
• materials for use in your project
• publicity materials for use in your project
• sessional workers (those who work only as and when required)
• start up costs
• team clothing or kit
• training
•  transport costs
• updating equipment for health and safety reasons
• venue hire
• volunteer expenses
• VAT that you cannot recover

What can't be funded?

• day-to-day running costs (for example, utility bills, council tax, rent and insurance)
• existing activities and repeat or regular events, including those we have funded before
• fundraising activities for your organisation or others
• items that mainly benefit individuals (for example, equipment that is not shared)
• building, refurbishment, landscaping or property projects (including playgrounds and temporary buildings) costing more than £75,000 (including VAT)
• ongoing staff costs (including salaries of permanent or fixed term staff)
• political or religious activities
• projects or activities that the state has a legal obligation to provide
• projects that cannot be completed within 12 months
• registration and affiliation fees for existing clubs
• routine repairs and maintenance

Click here for the full list of will and won't be payed for.

Examples of projects that have recieved funding

• Newton Stewart Cinema Ltd were awarded £6,500 to purchase digital projection equipment which will allow increased flexibility in programming. This grant will fund the purchase of an alternative content switcher, a disability enhancement system and training costs.
• Fife Day Care Services were awarded £6874 to commission a consultant to research the feasibility of developing the groups current business plan of operating through 8 different community venues to a new plan where the group would operate from one dedicated day care facility in Lochgelly
• Trees for Life were awarded £9,994 to purchase furniture and equipment to provide accommodation space for people wishing to take part in conservation projects at the groups Dundreggan heritage site. The grant will fund bedroom/dining/lounge furniture, carpets, bedding, towels, conservation gardening tools, protective clothing and safety equipment.

How much funding is available?

Between £500 and £10,000 to be used within a year.

Who can apply?

You can apply to Awards for All if you are a not-for-profit/voluntary and community sector group, community council, school or health body. A range of organisations can apply but we prioritise smaller voluntary and community groups with an annual income of less than £20,000.

Is there a deadline?

You can apply to Awards for All at any time and you'll get a decision within six weeks.

Where can I find out more?

You can find out more on the Awards for All website.

Who do I contact?

If you want to discuss your project idea you can call the Information Team on 0870 240 2391 or email Scotland@awardsforall.org.uk.