The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations is a funding programme for artistic, creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland.

Organisations can apply for between £1,000 and £100,000 to support creative activity that lasts up to 18 months. 

The types of activity eligible for funding are: 

• a specific one-off project or production
• a period of creative research and development 
• a longer-term programme of work 

The funding programme can also help organisations to undertake business and organisational development that will:

• enhance business sustainability through the development of new or more diverse income streams
• consider broader organisational development costs

The funding programme is open all year round, with no deadlines - organisations can apply at any time.

Yes, if you are an artistic, creative or cultural organisation based in Scotland. 

This is a free service.

Artistic, creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland. 

The funding programme is open all year round, with no deadlines - organisations can apply at any time.

Applicants for less than £20,000 will receive a decision within 8 weeks of submission. 

Applications for between £20,000 and £100,000 will receive a decision within 12 weeks of submission. 

These timelines will change between October and December to account for the Christmas public holidays. More information is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

This money for this funding programme comes from the National Lottery and is intended to support activity that maximises public benefit. Therefore, any organisation looking for funding to support commercial activity, where the primary purpose is profit, is unlikely to be successful.

Visit the Creative Scotland website for more information and to read the full guidance.