Finding funding that covers the breadth of work involved in recovery can be difficult. Often, our work intersects with health, poverty, education, and community support simultaneously.
Today’s resource is The Hugh Fraser Foundation. Managed by Turcan Connell, this foundation is notable for its broad remit and its specific interest in supporting organisations in Scotland where fundraising can be challenging.
Who is this for? This fund is open to Registered Charities. (Note: If you are a community group not yet registered as a charity, refer back to our Day 2 guide on getting your governance structure right).
What do they fund? The Foundation’s scope is deliberately broad. They support activities in sectors including:
Medical & Health: Vital for recovery services addressing physical and mental health.
The Under-privileged: Aligning with our work to support those facing poverty and deprivation.
Care and Support: For the young, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Arts, Culture, and Environment: Relevant for recovery groups using creative arts or nature-based therapies.
Why This Matters for Recovery: Our research consistently highlights the link between deprivation and substance use. Recovery is rarely just about “stopping use”—it is about rebuilding a life.
Holistic Support: Because this foundation funds “care and support” and “medical & health,” it is a potential route for the wrap-around services (like food, warmth, and social connection) that are essential for sustainable recovery.
Scottish Focus: The Trustees have a history of supporting Scottish charities, particularly in areas where the local economy makes community fundraising difficult.
The Details:
Grant Size: Awards typically range from £500 to £5,000, though larger grants are occasionally considered for exceptional projects.
Application Cycle: The Trustees meet quarterly (usually March, June, September, and December).
Next Deadline: To be considered for the March meeting, you should aim to have your application submitted by early February.
How to Apply: There is no complex online portal for this one. Applications are generally made via letter/email to the Secretaries at Turcan Connell, accompanied by your budget and most recent accounts.
