Sometimes the activities that make the biggest difference to quality of life—like a weekly 5-a-side game or a creative writing class—are the hardest to secure long-term funding for.
Today’s resource is The Weir Charitable Trust. This is a great opportunity because it explicitly recognises the value of sport, culture, and recreation alongside health.
Who is this for?
You must be a Charity or a Not-for-Profit Community Group.
You must be based and operate in Scotland.
You must provide services that improve the quality of life for the people of Scotland.
What do they fund? Your application must meet one of their five “Qualifying Categories.” Four of these are highly relevant to the work many recovery communities do:
Sport: Perfect for recovery football teams, boxing clubs, or outdoor pursuit groups.
Health: Supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
Culture: Ideal for art therapy, music groups, or drama projects.
Recreational Facilities: Funding for community hubs or meeting spaces. (They also fund Animal Welfare).
Why This Matters for Recovery: Our Recovery Communities Research found that shared activities are the glue that holds recovery communities together.
Social Connection: Activities like sport and culture provide a “hook” for social interaction, breaking the isolation that often accompanies addiction.
Holistic Health: Physical activity and creative expression are proven to build self-esteem and resilience.
Safe Spaces: Funding for “Recreational Facilities” can help secure the safe, substance-free venues that are so scarce in many communities.
The Details:
Grant Size: You can apply for up to £25,000.
Average Award: The average grant is typically around £3,500, so be realistic with your ask unless you have a major project.
Deadline: The next closing date is Friday 6th February 2026. Strategic Tip: This gives you the whole of January to prepare a strong bid. Don’t rush it before Christmas; use the time to get your quotes and evidence ready.
