Funding
Who and what we fund
Examples of what the Essentia Foundation is looking to support (please note these are all in relation to those up to the age of 25 only).
- Projects that support the participation in mainstream society for those with learning disabilities or long-term life limiting health conditions.
- Projects that support those facing long-term challenges living in poverty and inequality.
- Projects that support those who have been excluded from school to access or return to education or training opportunities.
- Projects that provide skills and training to those who are furthest from the labour market.
- Projects that aim to improve the health and welfare of children and young people.
What can’t be funded
Please read through the what we can’t fund page, these exclusions apply to all Foundation Scotland funds. In addition, the Essentia Foundation cannot support the following:
- Projects outside Scotland.
- Grants to charities whose turnover is above £250k.
- Projects starting before the decision date.
- Projects benefiting those over the age of 25 years old.
- Grant requests that are less than 25% of the total project cost.
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How The Essentia Foundation can help
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How To Apply
Foundation Scotland manages all applications to the Essentia Foundation. The next round of funding for the 12-month small grants programme will reopen in October 2024
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Foundation Scotland
To assist in the funding of charitable projects, The Essentia Foundation has partnered with Foundation Scotland.
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Case Studies
Read about some of the organisations we have helped to support across Scotland.
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News and Activity
All the latest news and activity from the Essentia Foundation.
Case Studies
Some of our success stories
Case Study
'From Tools to Triumph'
Why buy when you can share?
Case Study
'Striking a Chord'
Promoting traditional music and Gaelic culture.
Case Study
'Rural Routes to Qualifications'
Promoting, organising and delivering rural learning, training and career opportunities.
Case Study
'Stepping Stones to Success'
Essentia Foundation provides a grant to support the YMCA 'Support my Independence' project.
Case Study
A Journey through the Central Belt
Our final journey in the series to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
Case Study
A Journey to the East
Our third journey in the series to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
Case Study
A Journey to the South
Our next journey to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
Case Study
“We are not glass"
"Young Bloods" project, which aims to empower children and teenagers living with bleeding disorders.
Case Study
A Journey to the North
A journey to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
Case Study
Broke Not Broken
Tackling the effects of poverty across Kinross.
Case Study
Glasgow Girls & Women FC
Providing football activities to girls, young and adult women, living in Glasgow, as a healthy, safe and fun means of sport and recreation.
Case Study
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA
Harnessing the power of relationships with horses to support the learning, health and well being of children and adults with additional support needs (ASNs) across Central Scotland.
Case Study
Make Do and Grow
Make Do and Grow remains committed to reducing waste and encouraging reuse across their community.
Case Study
The Sunshine Kitchen
Making delicious food from locally-sourced produce in a supportive work environment.
Case Study
I Am Me Scotland
I AM ME SCOTLAND - DISABILITY HATE CRIME. Changing attitudes and behaviors so that disabled and vulnerable people can feel safe within their communities.
Case Study
OutLET: Play Resource
OutLET: Play Resource are a community project providing Forest School, Outdoor Play & Learning and Training in Lanarkshire and further afield.
Case Study
Live Learn Earn
R-Evolve is youth centred employability project operated by Live Learn Earn CIC, a social enterprise incorporated in November 2020 to deliver practical and life skills to young people in the Scottish Borders.
Case Study
Project 31
Project 31 began in early 2011 as an idea between two experienced community workers who were looking to develop an innovative organization for children aged 0-12 years.
Case Study
bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy
bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy was established in 2017. The charity works with adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to improve their quality of life by providing specialist occupational interventions, trampoline rebound therapy and activity-based play sessions.
Case Study
Families First St Andrews
Families First St Andrews (FFSA) was established in 2001. As a registered charity and community group, the organisation works alongside children and their families to overcome the personal challenges they face in life.
Case Study
Caithness KLICS Young Carers
Caithness KLICS (Kids Living in Caring Situations) was established in 2013. Based in Wick, the organisation supports young people aged between 5-18 who have a caring responsibility at home
Case Study
Hillhouse
For 45 years, Hillhouse has been working with young people and families in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. As a registered charity, the organisation offers a service to individuals who are at risk of financial hardship and poverty.
Case Study
People Know How
People Know How was established in 2013. Delivering services across Edinburgh and East Lothian, the organisation works collaboratively to deliver projects and social change with projects reaching children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Case Study
RDA Group Glasgow
Funding from the Essentia Foundation is currently helping RDA to roll out their ‘Quiet Corner’ initiative.
