#ShiftThePower Comic Relief Fund Reopens in Scotland

Funding is available for grassroots charities and organisations in Scotland to support young children and people with mental health issues.

Grants of up to £20,000 are available for grassroots charities and organisations in Scotland that are working to make a difference in their local communities.

In 2022, the #ShiftThePower Scotland Comic Relief Fund will award grants to projects that fit within one of the following two criteria:

• Children Survive and Thrive – Projects that support young children (under five years old) at risk of or currently experiencing disadvantage, including:
  • Supporting parents, carers, and communities to be active champions and develop an understanding of positive early childhood development.
  • Testing new ways of supporting young children to achieve their potential before they go to primary school.
  • Reducing harm by working with children and families who are at a high risk of neglect, abuse, adverse childhood experience, and inequality.
  • Providing training and development for staff and volunteers in early years settings.
• Mental Health Matters – Projects that have a focus on addressing mental health issues alongside preventative approaches supporting people before mental health issues escalate, including:
  • Improving the mental health and support networks of people experiencing, or at risk of, poor mental health, especially those from marginalised groups.
  • Increasing the accessibility and relevance of mental health support services to the people who need them.
  • Peer-led research on good practice in mental health recovery and support.
  • Work that shifts the attitudes that create stigma and discrimination.

Registered charities and constituted voluntary and community organisations with an annual turnover of less than £250,000 can apply. Priority will be given to projects initiated and led by people with lived experience.

Funding can be used to cover running costs and project costs, and all funding must be spent by the end of October 2023.

The deadline for applications is 8 March 2022 (noon).

(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)