Youth Scotland Grassroots Youth Work Fund

The Youth Scotland Grassroots Youth Work Fund is a small grants fund supported by the Scottish Government CLD Unit.

Who can apply?

Youth Scotland member youth groups and other local community-based youth work groups that: 

• Are based in Scotland.
• Can demonstrate that they are working with young people in SIMD 1–2 areas/young people experiencing multiple ACEs and impacted by poverty, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
• Work with young people aged between 11 and 25 years old.
• Want to try new things, enhance existing provision or increase their capacity to deliver a specific project or programme.
• Are able to spend the grant and complete all delivery by 31st March 2026.
• Are applying for up to £2,000. No match funding is required.
• Have turn-over of less than £500,000. 

For non members only:

Please note that if you are NOT a Youth Scotland Member group, you will need to evidence that you are a bona fide local community-based youth work group/organisation who operates to quality standards. This will include demonstrating that you: 

• Are a constituted, voluntary organisation with appropriate governance structures in place.
• Have appropriate Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and procedures in place, including PVG’s for staff/volunteers.
• Are a youth work organisation and not just a single activity sports/arts/thematic organisation delivering classes/workshops to young people.
• Have a bank account in the name of your group/organisation. 

Priority will be given to youth groups and projects working with young people in SIMD 1–2 areas and with those experiencing multiple ACEs and the impacts of poverty, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

Grants of up to £2,000 will support grassroots, community-based youth work groups to create or enhance safe spaces where trusted adults can help young people develop resilience, confidence, and skills for life, and to run a wide range of youth work activities addressing poverty, isolation, anti-social behaviour and mental health challenges.