New site is a boon for smaller organisations, which can search for funding opportunities for free
A massive £350 million-worth of cash is available to Scots third sector groups via a new online resource launched this week.
Fundingscotland.com brings together over 800 different funders enabling users to track down funding they need to make a difference in their communities.
The ambitious project is the first time diverse sources of funding have been brought together in one resource.
The brainchild of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the free resource will be continually updated and aims to increase its database of funders over time.
The site lists funders with a track record of supporting projects in Scotland and includes grants, loans, prizes and other support, but excludes funding opportunities for individuals or businesses.
Sandra Hogg, one of the project officers behind the development, said she expected the site to become an essential resource for smaller charities constantly searching for funding.
“Our own research shows sourcing funding is often the number one priority – and problem – for small-to-medium sized organisations,” she said.
Fundraising is hugely time consuming, so we want to help you save as much time and effort as possible through using the site
“We wanted to create a simple, free, easy to use resource which anyone can use, and I think we’ve achieved that.”
“Fundraising is hugely time consuming, so we want to help you save as much time and effort as possible through using the site.”
Once registered, users can search for funds and filter their searches by a variety of criteria, such as local authority area, amount or even types of fund (i.e statutory, grants, trusts.)
Users can also search in terms of interest group – for example children and young people, welfare and the like.
Joe Hope who is manager of Cardross Games Centre – a youth group – said funding remained the biggest issue the group faces and he looks forward to using and promoting the site.
He said while his last funding bid from Fife Council took one month from application to receiving the grant, it took him a year to source.
“Searching for funds individually is difficult because a lot are hidden, little known or just badly publicised,” he said.
“As a community resource, we ourselves often get asked by other groups how to source funds.
“Fundingscotland is a boon because it’s taken the hard work out of this.
“We can use it ourselves and direct others to it at the same time.”
Hogg added: “We encourage people to register and get used to the site. Aslo if you know of funds not on the site, or your a funder and your information isn't there, please get in touch so we can add you on.”
Further information on resourcing funding is available from SCVO's information team.
