First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited

Could First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £5,000 – £40,000
Where they fund: Scotland, Sunderland, South Tyneside
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Online form

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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firstport.org.uk

About First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited

Firstport for Social Entrepreneurs Limited is Scotland's dedicated development agency for social enterprise start-ups. Driven by values of innovation, empowerment, inclusivity, self-determination and social responsibility, they take a person-centred, partnership-driven approach. They support motivated individuals with credible business models who are committed to addressing local needs. Firstport believes that lasting change comes from equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge, confidence and networks. Their funding encourages individual-led, early-stage social enterprises rather than established groups, reaching urban, rural and remote communities across Scotland as well as Sunderland and South Tyneside.

What First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited funds

They fund a wide range of social and environmental ventures. Areas include community regeneration through local high-street cafés and hubs; mental health promotion such as school-based wellbeing programmes, counselling and peer support groups; environmental sustainability initiatives; inclusive education and skills training; social inclusion projects for marginalised communities, ethnic minorities, refugees and LGBTQ+ individuals; digital access programmes; youth employability; rural isolation relief; and employment pathways for people with learning disabilities or complex needs. Their geographic focus is Scotland, with additional reach to Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Who can apply

Firstport supports individuals launching start-up social enterprises as well as registered charities, social enterprises and community groups. They prioritise motivated entrepreneurs with a credible business model and a strong commitment to local needs. Beneficiary groups include young people, those experiencing mental health challenges, marginalised communities, ethnic minorities, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, unemployed adults, older people, and people with disabilities. Applicants should have a clear social or environmental mission and be based in Scotland, Sunderland or South Tyneside.

What First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited doesn't fund

They do not fund subsidiary projects of established organisations, non-independent ventures, or activities that lack direct measurable benefit and sustainability beyond grant funding. Organisations that are not independently led or cannot demonstrate a clear, direct benefit to their target community are excluded.

How they like to fund

Firstport welcomes unsolicited applications. They provide funding alongside mentoring and peer networks, taking a person-centred, partnership-driven approach. Their support is designed for the start-up phase, equipping entrepreneurs with both financial resources and the confidence, knowledge and connections needed to build sustainable social enterprises.

How much does First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited give?

£5,000 – £40,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthMental healthEducationCommunityEnvironment

How to apply to First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited

First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited takes applications via online form.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited provide?

First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited typically provides grants of £5,000 - £40,000.

Where does First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited fund charities?

First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited funds charities operating in Scotland, Sunderland, South Tyneside.

Does First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited accept unsolicited applications?

First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited 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 First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited?

First Port for Social Entrepreneurs Limited takes applications via online form. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.