Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 grants announced.
More than 100 grassroots organisations across Scotland will share
£2.2 million to recruit and support volunteers in their
communities.
Over the next two years, the Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27
will benefit small and medium sized third sector organisations
from the Highlands to the Borders with grants of up to £20,000 to
projects that are making a real difference to people's lives.
Projects receiving funding include the Inverness Tool Library
which enables people to borrow equipment they might not otherwise
afford and Toryglen Community Youth Project, a fully
volunteer-run charity improving the lives of children and
families in deprived communities.
Equalities Minister said:
"Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Day in, day out,
they give their time, energy and compassion to help others,
asking for nothing in return, and I want to thank every volunteer
for their selflessness.
"This £2.2 million investment recognises the incredible
contribution volunteers make across our country. From supporting
refugees to tackling loneliness, from running youth projects to
protecting our environment, volunteers are there making Scotland
a better place.
"I would also encourage anyone considering volunteering to take
that step whether you have a few hours a week or a few hours a
month. Volunteering offers the chance to learn new skills, meet
new people and experience the genuine fulfilment that comes from
helping others."
Toryglen Community Youth Project trustee Kay Wright said:
“The Volunteering Support Fund is helping us to remove barriers
and create opportunities for people in our community to get
involved. The support empowers us to do more, especially for
those who have lacked opportunities in the past, by creating
personalised and bespoke pathways into volunteering.”
Head of Operations and Development for the Impact Funding
Partnership Diane Wilson said:
“As the only fund specifically supporting volunteer development
programmes nationally, the Volunteering Support Fund is vital to
the 116 organisations receiving a grant. It enables them to
employ essential co-ordinator roles, develop and strengthen
policies and procedures, and provide bespoke support to engage
with people experiencing barriers to volunteering. This funding
will contribute to stronger organisations and more connected
communities.”
Background
The Volunteering Support Fund is managed by Impact Funding
Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. Following a
competitive application process, 116 organisations were selected
from 252 applications.
The full list of funded organisations is available here: www.gov.scot/publications/volunteering-support-fund-projects-funded
The 2025-27 fund specifically aims to increase diversity within
volunteering by helping recruit volunteers who may face barriers,
including people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds and
disabled people.
