Scottish Connections Fund

Overview

Who can apply

The fund is open to individuals or organisations who consider themselves to be Scottish diaspora or have a Scottish connection, including:

• those with a heritage link, including Caledonian, St Andrew’s or other Scotland-linked community or heritage organisations
• alumni of Scottish institutions or educational institutions with a focus on Scottish studies
• cultural, musical, theatrical, sporting, linguistic, religious or related bodies with Scottish links
• those with a business or professional relationship, such as promoting trade and investment connections between Scotland and another country
• organisers of major Scottish themed events, such as Highland Games or cultural festivals

Eligible projects

You can apply for a grant between £2,000 and £5,000. The total available budget for the fund in the 2025 to 2026 financial year is £75,000.

Funding must be used for new projects only. You cannot apply for funding for an existing project.

You must also be able to demonstrate that your project:

• has a clear link to at least one commitment in the Scottish Connections Framework
• brings together or contribute to interests across sectors of activity (live/work, study, visit, do business, culture) - those multiple links will attract additional weighting during the scoring process
• will increase vibrancy, visibility or connectivity between Scottish diaspora communities outside Scotland, or with Scotland itself
• has a credible communications plan that promotes Scotland’s reputation as a place to live, work, visit, study, and do business
• promotes inclusion and diversity, for example working in historically marginalised communities and groups, such as with minority ethnic Scots and LGBTQ communities, or encouraging participation of women and young people
• is co-funded, where possible
• will be completed by 31 March 2026, and within budget

If you received funding from the Scottish Connections Fund in 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025 please note the Scottish Government will not fund repeat projects. If you wish to apply for more funding, please show how your application is bringing something new and innovative.

What funding can be used for

You can use funding to pay for things directly related to the project, for example:

• venue rental
• IT hardware and software
• learning materials
• equipment and implementation costs
• travel and accommodation costs where justifiable

Read more information about the successful projects in 2023 to 2024.