sportscotland

sportscotland, established in 1972 as the Scottish Sports Council by royal charter, serves as Scotland's national agency for sport and an executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its core mission, embodied in the 'Sport for Life' strategy, is to foster widespread participation in sport and physical activity for all Scots, maximising benefits like social inclusion, wellbeing, skills development, and economic growth while pursuing excellence. Guided by the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework, it emphasises inclusivity, accountability, collaboration, and reducing inequalities—tackling racism, cost barriers, and underrepresentation of women, girls, disabled people, and BAME communities—through a system-wide, data-driven approach partnering with local authorities, governing bodies, and communities.

It prioritises capital grants for community sports facilities, including new builds, upgrades, inclusive changing rooms, accessibility modifications, equipment, floodlighting, and infrastructure in deprived (SIMD) or rural areas. Key focuses include expanding access for children and young people via Active Schools, physical literacy, community sport hubs, grassroots clubs, volunteering, and pathways to elite performance, supporting both urban and rural projects nationwide in Scotland.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, social enterprises, sports clubs, schools, and public bodies with strong governance and community benefit; no income thresholds apply, favouring non-profits targeting underrepresented groups. Grants range up to £250,000 (typically £200,000 max, covering 75% of costs in high-deprivation areas), excluding revenue, core, or unrestricted funding. Unsolicited applications via the MySport portal require pre-contact (facilities@sportscotland.org.uk); biannual deadlines are 5pm on 1 April and 1 September (next: 1 April 2026), with single-stage for under £250,000 or two-stage above. Distinctive for its statutory remit, National Lottery channeling, and integration with health/education agendas.