Shetland Charitable Trust
About This Funder
Shetland Charitable Trust, established in 1976 from oil industry compensation funds for the Sullom Voe Terminal, is a major Scottish grant-maker dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Shetland's people through sustainable stewardship of its endowment. Its mission emphasizes long-term community benefits, promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities, and fostering resilience via strategic investments in social welfare, arts, culture, sport, recreation, environment, natural history, and heritage. Guided by values of fairness, transparency, impact, and generational equity, the Trust—overseen by independent trustees and advisory committees—has disbursed over £320 million, prioritizing ongoing sustainability and collaboration to address chronic local needs.
It funds charities and community groups tackling disadvantage, including mental health, disability, children/young people, poverty relief (e.g., Citizens Advice Bureau, Rape Crisis), education/health (Voluntary Action Shetland), heritage/environment (Shetland Amenity Trust), and sports/leisure infrastructure (Shetland Recreational Trust). Support spans project funding, core/revenue costs (salaries, seasonal staff), capital bridging loans, innovation, and multi-year grants, but excludes statutory services, commercial ventures, or duplicative activities.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups with Shetland-specific benefits; small grants target turnovers up to £100,000, while main/large schemes require £50,000+ average over three years. Applications via online forms (EOI for main grants; direct for small/innovation) face quarterly board decisions, with Small/Innovation Grants open until 23 January 2026. Awards range from £3,000 (innovation) to £5,000 (small, up to 90% costs) and substantial multi-year sums (total pot ~£9m annually). Distinctive for its oil-origin windfall focus, hyper-local Shetland exclusivity, and emphasis on voluntary sector capacity-building, it stands out in enabling island resilience without broader UK priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shetland Charitable Trust
How much funding does Shetland Charitable Trust provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Shetland Charitable Trust directly for current funding levels.
Is Shetland Charitable Trust accepting applications?
Yes, Shetland Charitable Trust is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Shetland Charitable Trust fund charities?
Shetland Charitable Trust funds charities operating in Shetland.
How do I apply for funding from Shetland Charitable Trust?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Shetland Charitable Trust, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.