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The Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) is a grant-funding and support programme that seeks innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges of our times.

They accept applications from anyone with an idea for a social enterprise project that can deliver a tangible, long-lasting, positive impact addressing the theme.

To fulfil their aim of supporting solutions to the deepest issues currently present in Scotland, they are looking for eligible applications addressing any one of the following four themes:

• Eradicating child poverty: innovative ideas which help the families of children living in deep poverty increase their long-term wellbeing and economic resilience.
• Growing the economy: projects providing innovative routes to meaningful employment for individuals facing significant barriers (such as disability, stigma or discrimination).
• Tackling the climate emergency: projects proposing innovative ways of reducing reliance on fossil fuels or delivering regenerative environmental solutions (such as increasing biodiversity, improving soil health or addressing water pollution).
• Ensuring high quality and sustainable public services: ideas that alleviate pressure on essential services by offering support to those who need it most, through innovative means.

The winner can use the funding to help with start-up fees, research and development, salaries and other essential costs, such as rent or buying critical equipment.

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Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Annually awarded:

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Notes on award amounts:

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Who can apply

Any Scotland-based individuals, groups or organisations with a groundbreaking idea for a new social enterprise project addressing one of the themes can apply.

Although the funding can only be released to incorporated social enterprises registered and operating in Scotland, any Scotland-based individual, unincorporated group or community organisation can apply, even if they are still at the idea phase (or pre-incorporation).

If an applicant who is not yet incorporated wins, they will support them with the incorporation process and governance requirements before they pay out the award.

When to apply

Currently closed for 2026 as of 28 August.

How to apply

The application process has two stages: an Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a full application.

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Last reviewed 16 days ago