The Learning Disability Support Fund aims to sustain and support organisations working directly with people in Scotland with learning disabilities to build a more inclusive society, reduce inequality and provide opportunities for fulfilling lives.
It replaces the Inspiring Inclusion Learning Disability Fund.
Organisations can apply for grants of between £75,000 and £250.000.
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said:
“We are pleased to be managing the application process for the new phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Disability Support Fund.
“We know from the past few years managing the Inspiring Inclusion fund the positive impact that empowering third sector organisations can have to deliver support for people in Scotland with learning disabilities to lead happy, healthy lives and create a more inclusive society.”
The fund will run for 30 months from October 2025, with a total of £325,000 available for the first year and £650,000 per year for the following two years.
Commenting on the £1.6million fund, the Scottish Government Minister for Wellbeing, Social Care and Sport Maree Todd said:
“The last 30 years have seen enormous changes in how people with learning disabilities are supported in society, however we recognise there is more work to be done.”
“We know the third sector plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and this fund will support organisations to enable those they work with to lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives as equal citizens.
“The grants will be used to provide people with education and information on matters such as accessing health services and developing safe relationships.
“In developing the fund, we have taken into account the views expressed by people with learning disabilities in recent consultation and research and we will work closely with the third sector to ensure it makes a difference.”
Key information: Learning Disability Support Fund
- The Learning Disability Support Fund will run from October 2025 to March 2028 (30 months)
- Total funding available is £1,625,000: £325,000 for the first six months October 2025 to March 2026, and £650,000 per year for the following two years.
- The total minimum award per organisation will be £75,000 over the award period and the total maximum award per organisation will be £250,000.
- To apply for this funding, you must be a Scottish not-for-profit organisation
- The deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 26th February 2025.