The Lens is a unique partnership between the Scottish Government, businesses and third sector, designed to create an enterprising culture within charities

Voluntary sector organisations are to get the chance to pitch for money from a new fund being set up in partnership between the Scottish Government, businesses and charities.

The Lens, which will launch in spring, will be open to the whole voluntary sector in Scotland but aims to support organisations looking to help some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people such as children, young people and families.

Details on the size of the fund and the maximum or minimum level of grants available is yet to be confirmed but funding will be made up by investment from a consortium of funders.

Originally piloted by Aberlour in 2014, The Lens will be hosted by the charity but managed by a separate programme board and led by a director, seconded to it full-time from Aberlour.

The projects pitched within The Lens will give children, young people and families the support they desperately need

Steve McCreadie, director of The Lens and children’s and families (business development) director at Aberlour, said the fund would reward innovation and creativity.

He added: “The third sector is faced with a number of challenges that threaten its ability to provide sustainable care for those who need it.

“The Lens is an opportunity for people to see these problems from a different perspective, and turn challenges into opportunities.

“The projects pitched within The Lens will give children, young people and families the support they desperately need.”

People interested in taking part in The Lens project should contact Steve McCreadie at The Lens via www.vimeo.com/thelens.