Creative Scotland
Could Creative Scotland fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £100,000
- Where they fund
- Scotland
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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creativescotland.comAbout Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland, established in 2010, is Scotland's national development agency for the arts, screen, and creative industries. Operating as a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Scottish Government and funded by government and National Lottery sources, it is based in Edinburgh. Its mission is to champion quality and excellence in creativity, foster widespread participation, enrich Scottish culture, and bolster the creative economy through advocacy, development, and partnerships. Core values emphasise diversity, inclusion, fair work, sustainability—particularly climate response—and international collaboration, with a statutory remit focused on artistic ambition, sector resilience, and equitable access across urban, rural, and island communities.
What Creative Scotland funds
The agency funds thematic priorities in visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, film and TV, and creative industries including crafts, design, digital media, and publishing. Supported activities span individual practice, organisational development, festivals, exhibitions, commissions, touring, outreach, education, research, and infrastructure, prioritising inclusive, innovative projects that enhance wellbeing, representation, and economic impact. Funding is available for organisations across Scotland, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, as well as rural and island communities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are Scotland-based organisations, including registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, and community groups. The agency supports artists, practitioners, cultural organisations, audiences, and underrepresented groups. Organisations must be based in Scotland to apply.
What Creative Scotland doesn't fund
Creative Scotland does not fund non-Scottish entities or for-profit organisations. It also excludes activities that fall outside its arts, screen, and creative industries remit, such as general community projects without a creative focus.
How they like to fund
Creative Scotland welcomes unsolicited applications and provides funding through open and targeted programmes. It supports projects, programmes, capacity building, and limited core costs, with a focus on partnership and development across the sector.
How much does Creative Scotland give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland takes applications via online form.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Creative Scotland could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Creative Scotland provide?
Creative Scotland typically provides grants of £1,000 - £100,000.
Where does Creative Scotland fund charities?
Creative Scotland funds charities operating in Scotland.
Does Creative Scotland accept unsolicited applications?
Creative Scotland accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Creative Scotland?
Creative Scotland takes applications via online form. Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Browse related grants
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Could Creative Scotland be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.