The Scottish Connections Fund aims to promote increased visibility or connectivity between Scottish diaspora communities outside Scotland, or with Scotland itself. The fund supports innovative initiatives “that bring together those with a connection to Scotland, promote Scotland’s reputation and interests, and build greater connections back to Scotland itself.”

The fund supports innovative initiatives “that bring together those with a connection to Scotland, promote Scotland’s reputation and interests, and build greater connections back to Scotland itself.”

Funding Information

• You can apply for a grant between £2,000 and £5,000. The total available budget for the fund in the 2025 to 2026 financial year is £75,000.

Eligible Projects

• You must also be able to demonstrate that your project:
  • has a clear link to at least one commitment in the Scottish Connections Framework
  • brings together or contribute to interests across sectors of activity (live/work, study, visit, do business, culture) - those multiple links will attract additional weighting during the scoring process
  • will increase vibrancy, visibility or connectivity between Scottish diaspora communities outside Scotland, or with Scotland itself
  • has a credible communications plan that promotes Scotland’s reputation as a place to live, work, visit, study, and do business
  • promotes inclusion and diversity, for example working in historically marginalised communities and groups, such as with minority ethnic Scots and LGBTQ communities, or encouraging participation of women and young people
  • is co-funded, where possible
  • will be completed by 31 March 2026, and within budget

Eligible Costs

• You can use funding to pay for things directly related to the project, for example:
  • venue rental
  • IT hardware and software
  • learning materials
  • equipment and implementation costs
  • travel and accommodation costs where justifiable

Ineligible Costs

• You cannot use funding to:
  • buy or repair buildings
  • buy land
  • buy vehicles
  • pay per diems or attendance allowances
  • carry out revenue-raising activities
  • pay for religious services or religious materials
  • pay for material that is designed to support political activity, a political party or a specific movement/group (such as an environmental activist group/local lobby group)
  • fund ordinary ongoing costs of public sector organisations
  • overhead costs
  • pay for consultancy fees (if consultancy firms are included in an application, their time must be funded from other sources)
  • pay for alcohol
  • repeat projects

Eligibility Criteria

• The fund is open to individuals or organisations who consider themselves to be Scottish diaspora or have a Scottish connection, including:
  • those with a heritage link, including Caledonian, St Andrew’s or other Scotland-linked community or heritage organisations
  • alumni of Scottish institutions or educational institutions with a focus on Scottish studies
  • cultural, musical, theatrical, sporting, linguistic, religious or related bodies with Scottish links
  • those with a business or professional relationship, such as promoting trade and investment connections between Scotland and another country
  • organisers of major Scottish themed events, such as Highland Games or cultural festivals

For more information, visit Scottish Government.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-fund-how-to-apply/pages/overview/