Details

The Childcare Support Fund is a single-year grant for 2026 to 2027 designed to support low-income families who are living in poverty or at risk of living in poverty by helping them manage the cost of childcare and reduce financial pressures at key times.

This grant funds short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, to support low income families living in, or at risk of, poverty at key times when childcare costs create financial pressure or are a barrier to employment, training or learning.

Funding will be used to fund flexible, short-term childcare through registered childcare providers at key points of transition or challenge. This includes circumstances such as disruptions to existing childcare arrangements, changes in working or family circumstances, or where support is needed to access education or training.

You can use this funding for:

• paying a childcare provider who is registered with the Care Inspectorate, for services provided to families who are participating in this project. This payment will result in a subsidised or fully funded place for a child
• some staff costs, including those required to engage and support families, agree childcare requirements, and co-ordinate provision of and payment for childcare services
• other reasonable project delivery and equipment costs

All funding must be spent by 31 March 2027.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Annually awarded:

Premium information

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

• based in, or delivering services in Scotland
• a third sector organisation – this includes voluntary and community organisations (both registered charities and other organisations or associations who are incorporated or accredited by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator), social enterprises, mutuals and co‑operatives
• a partnership of third sector organisations (see partnership requirements)

When to apply

Now closed as of 9 July 2026.

How to apply

Apply via their website.

Contact information

Exclusions

Premium information

Activites funded: Respite and holidays Social care and welfare

Beneficiaries funded: Children Economically/socially disadvantaged Families People in poverty

Report inaccuracy

Last reviewed 16 days ago