Page Loading

National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations - Creative Scotland

Support provided by Creative Scotland

What does this involve?

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

You can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 to support creative activity that runs for 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 can also support business and organisational development that will:

  • increase business sustainability by developing new or more diverse income streams
  • address broader organisational development costs

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

Am I eligible?

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

What does this cost?

This is a free service.

You can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. You'll need to cover any additional costs through other sources.

Who is this for?

Artistic, creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland. 

How long does this take?

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

If you're applying for less than £20,000, you'll receive a decision within 10 weeks after you apply. 

If you're applying for an amount between £20,001 and £100,000, you'll receive a decision within 14 weeks after you apply. 

These timelines will change between October and December to account for the Christmas public holidays. You can find more details on the Creative Scotland website. 

Important information

This money for this funding programme comes from the National Lottery and is intended to support activity that maximises public benefit. Any organisation looking for funding to support commercial activity, where the main purpose is profit, is unlikely to receive a grant through this fund.

Next steps

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

Support provided by Creative Scotland