Royal Caledonian Education Trust

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET), established in 1815 as Scotland's only charity dedicated exclusively to the education and wellbeing of children and young people from current and former Scottish Armed Forces families, empowers these beneficiaries to reach their full potential amid challenges like frequent relocations, deployments, and civilian transitions. Operating as Forces Children Scotland, RCET's mission integrates equity, resilience, and empowerment through evidence-based interventions, direct support, and systemic advocacy, collaborating UK-wide to shape policy and practice for Armed Forces children.

RCET funds educational attainment, mental health/wellbeing, and youth participation initiatives, including direct financial aid for school, college, and university costs; crisis intervention; family respite breaks; and support for young carers. It backs individuals via grants like term-time allowances and one-off expenses, while organisations receive funding for projects enhancing outcomes—such as educator training, resources, and forums amplifying youth voices—delivered through its Children & Family Support Service, Education Programme, and Youth Participation Programme.

Eligible applicants include individuals from Scottish Armed Forces families (serving or veteran) studying anywhere in the UK, and Scotland-wide organisations serving this group; no religious restrictions or specified entity/income rules apply, with unsolicited applications welcomed. Typical individual grants for the University and College Fund range from £500–£2,000 annually, scaled by household income (£30,000–£62,000 threshold); organisational amounts unspecified publicly.

Applications use an online form in a single annual round (next deadline: 8 August 2025, midnight; decisions by 22 August), with no rolling basis or EOI stage—incomplete/late submissions rejected. RCET distinctly avoids general causes, focusing solely on this niche beneficiary group with a holistic blend of immediate aid and long-term capacity-building, setting it apart as Scotland's strategic leader for Armed Forces youth.