Frequently asked questions

These questions may help you if you're stuck or want help with using Funding Scotland.

About Funding Scotland

Is Funding Scotland the right funding search for me?

Funding Scotland only lists funders that support organisations or activities in Scotland. If your activity or organisation is based elsewhere in the UK then try Funding Central for England, Funding Wales for Wales, and GrantTracker for Northern Ireland. Funding Scotland does not include funding opportunities for individuals or private businesses.

What's the difference between Standard and Local site accounts?

A standard account is free and allows you to search the complete Funding Scotland database to find funds. Our local sites, in partnership with Local Authorities and the Scottish Rural Network, provide a free Premium service in some local areas.

A Premium account gives you access to a range of tools to help you manage your funding information. We are in the process of changing our Premium accounts and are not currently accepting new subscriptions.

How often is Funding Scotland updated?

The Funding Scotland database is updated most weekdays to ensure that the information is as up to date as possible. However, information can change between reviews so please check the funder's website for the latest information. The date the fund was last updated is shown on the fund information page.

How do I sign up to the weekly bulletin?

In the weekly bulletin standard account members will receive funding news. Local account users will also receive information on any recently opened or updated funds. You can subscribe or unsubscribe in the Settings area of the My Account menu.

Premium features only

How do I save searches?

Enter your search words or phrase and/or any filters you want to use. Then click on the “save/email this search” button above the search list. Give your name a search and set an email alert if you want alerts for new funds matching this search. View your saved searches at My Account/My searches & alerts.

How do I save funds to a list?

Carry out a funding search. Click on the list icon in the fund information page or summary. You can create a new list to save the fund to or add the fund to an existing list. Lists can then be downloaded as a full report of each fund (including any notes you have made) as a PDF or CSV file. You can also subscribe to receive email updates about any changes to funds in each of your lists. View and manage your lists click in My Account/ My Lists & updates.

Tips for searching

My searches return a large number of funds, how can I make the search more relevant?

The key phrase search is very powerful and will return funds in order of relevance. However, sometimes you’ll need to use the filters to refine your search.

• For geographic area choose the areas that the work will take place in e.g. Fife, Scotland, and the UK. If you only want local funders then chose your council area only.
• Beneficiaries are the people or things that will benefit from the work you do. Choosing beneficiaries will refine your search further.
• Activities are the type of work you do, such as advocacy or health and social care. Choosing activities will refine your search further.

Applying

How do I apply for funds I’ve found on Funding Scotland?

You’ll need to check the application details on the funder’s website or contact them for details of how to apply.

Where can I get more help and support to make funding applications?

• SCVO's Step by Step Guide to making funding applications provides a good starting point. 
• Charities Aid Foundation have produced a series of videos with advice on how to write a great grant application.
• Inspiring Fundraising also provide great tips for fundraising and although aimed at the heritage sector is relevant to many other types of projects.
• The SCVO Training Programme also has some great opportunities for building your funding skills.
• Third sector interfaces (TSIs) provide a single point of access for support and advice for the third sector within local areas. There is a TSI in each local authority area in Scotland. Contact your local TSI to find out what funding support is available.

Problems and issues

How do I change my password or email address?

In the settings area of My Account you can change your password or email address. You can also update other profile information and unsubscribe from emails.

I’m having trouble accessing my account, what can I do?

Please contact us at fundingscotland@scvo.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

I have registered for bulletins but have not yet received one

Check your junk mail to see if the emails are going in that folder.

If you have an IT team check with them to see if the email is being blocked by your server - ask them to search for the email address fundingscotland=scvo.org.uk@mg.scvo.org.uk

If you are still not receiving a bulletin please get in touch with us.

I’ve spotted a problem with a fund entry, how can I report it?

We try our best to provide accurate information but sometimes we miss things. With your help we can make Funding Scotland the best it can be. Report the issue using the Report Inaccuracy link on the fund information page or contact us at fundingscotland@scvo.org.uk with the details and we’ll sort it out.

How can I add a funding opportunity to Funding Scotland?

We’d love to hear from you! Just contact us at fundingscotland@scvo.org.uk and we’ll get an entry arranged.