The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust exists to help children, young people and young adults in Cumbria and the Lancaster District overcome barriers and fulfil their potential.
One of the Trust’s key funding routes is the Main Grants programme, which supports organisations working locally to improve outcomes for young people who may be excluded from opportunities due to challenging life circumstances.
About the Main Grants Programme
The majority of these awards are multi-year grants, helping organisations deliver sustained support for children and young people up to the age of 25.
The Trust’s mission is to act as a catalyst for positive change by investing in work that improves the life chances, experiences and outcomes of local young people.
The Trust prioritises work that:
- Contributes to wider services for children and young people locally
- Reduces gaps in provision and avoids duplication
- Demonstrates evidence-informed practice and positive outcomes
- Supports early intervention and preventative approaches
- Reaches young people who are vulnerable due to circumstances such as care experience, caring responsibilities, domestic violence, minority status or other barriers beyond their control
These priorities reflect an emphasis on interventions that help young people thrive through sustained support, resilience building and inclusive engagement.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Before applying, organisations should check that they can answer yes to the following:
- Is your organisation a registered charity or pursuing charitable objectives and acting in the interest of the community?
- Is your project based in Cumbria or the Lancaster District?
- Does your project support the development and aspirations of children or young people (up to age 25) who may be excluded from opportunities?
- Can you provide a copy of your most recent signed accounts?
The Trust encourages potential applicants to contact its team for an informal discussion before submitting an application, especially to help clarify fit with priorities and refine project proposals.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Main Grants typically support projects with requests over £5,000, and most awards are multi-year revenue grants.
Last year they awarded 28 grants totalling £1.1m at an average of £39k.
Application Timeline for 2026
The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust runs its Main Grants programme with set deadlines linked to Trustee meetings. For 2026, the key rounds include:
Deadlines
- Expression of Interest deadline: Friday 1 May 2026
- Invitations to full applications: Friday 8 May 2026
- Full application deadline: Friday 29 May 2026
- Trustee meeting: Friday 10 July 2026
Organisations are encouraged to submit early and follow the two-stage process to increase their chances of success.
What Makes a Strong Application?
A strong proposal to the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust will:
- Clearly explain how the project improves the lives of young people
- Demonstrate why the work is needed locally in Cumbria or the Lancaster District
- Show evidence of effective practice and measurable outcomes
- Reflect collaboration with other local services to maximise impact
- Include thoughtful planning and realistic budgets
Early contact with the Trust’s grants team can help refine applications and ensure they align well with the Trust’s priorities.
Is This Right for Your Organisation?
If your organisation works with children, young people or young adults up to age 25 in Cumbria or the Lancaster District, and you can show that your work contributes to their development and aspiration, the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust’s Main Grants programme could be a valuable source of multi-year financial support.
By investing in sustainable, evidence-informed programmes, the Trust supports long-term positive change — helping young people to thrive, not just survive.
Useful Links
Here is the link to the Charity Commission
Here is the link to the funders website.
Here is the link to search for similar grants on our free grant database.
