Trefoil Trust

The Trust funds personal development grants for individuals under 25 in Scotland with additional support needs, enabling participation in sports, arts, music therapy, life skills training, outdoor education, and therapeutic activities. They also offer organisational grants to Scottish charities that provide direct services such as after-school clubs, inclusive sports, peer support, and therapeutic programmes. Additionally, the Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund supports recreational holidays and activities for young people with additional needs across the UK. What makes the Trust distinctive is its focus on new developments, start-up costs, and projects that would not otherwise be available, rather than replacing statutory funding.

The Trust supports both individuals and organisations. Individuals must be young people in Scotland under the age of 25 with additional support needs. Organisations must be registered charities, community interest companies, or community groups operating within Scotland or for the benefit of people living in Scotland. The Trust will not consider applications from organisations with a turnover above a certain threshold. Priority is given to direct service providers that align with the Trust’s objects.

The Trust does not fund salaries, capital works, commercial purposes, general appeals, or organisations that should be funded by statutory bodies. They also do not support projects that replace statutory funding, disbursement to other agencies, or applications from commercial organisations.

The Trust provides grants that are typically one-off and focused on direct, practical interventions. They consider match funding with other sources such as local authorities and charities. Unsolicited applications are welcome, and the Trust favours projects that deliver measurable benefits to individuals with additional support needs.