Funding
How to apply
Through our partnership, Foundation Scotland manages all applications to the Essentia Foundation. All applicants must meet Foundation Scotland’s Common eligibility criteria, please check this list before starting your application. Our next round of applications for the mid-sized grant programme, focused on providing funding to medium sized charitable organisations that align with the Essentia Foundation’s objectives, is now open.
Key Dates:
- Open for applications on 14th April 2025
- Deadline for applications is 6th June 2025
- Decision to applicants 15th August 2025
The fund looks to support projects that:
- Support the participation in mainstream society for individuals with learning disabilities or long-term life limiting health conditions.
- Support young people who face long-term challenges living in poverty and inequality.
- Support those who have been excluded from school to access or return to education or training opportunities.
- Provide skills and training to those who are furthest from the labour market.
- Aim to improve the health and welfare of children and young people (being those under 25).
Please note the above are all in relation to supporting young people up to the age of 25 only.
Additional Criteria
The trustees have decided to award grants of £50,000. This is a fixed amount, not a minimum or maximum, and all grants will be made at this level. Funds can be spent in 12 months or can be spread over 2 or 3 years if preferred.
Please note, that this fund is only open to organisations with an annual income of between £250,000 and £2million. The trustees are keen to receive applications from organisations that have the capacity to match the grant or be contemplating projects at multiples of the grant size. Those in a position to meet this matching or bettering are more likely to be considered for an award, however the Essentia Trustees stress that they want to see the maximum benefit to the end beneficiaries as possible from the awards made
This current funding round has around £1 million for grant distribution. As a result, this is a highly competitive fund, with only 20 applicants going on to receive funding.
To learn more about the medium sized grants and apply please use the link below to apply via our Funding Partner Foundation Scotland.
