The Robertson Trust offers both Small Grants and Large Grants to support charities working to prevent and reduce poverty and trauma across Scotland.
These programmes provide flexible, multi-year revenue funding to organisations delivering frontline services that improve financial security, wellbeing and long-term outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage.
The Trust is one of Scotland’s largest funders, committing at least £200 million over its current strategy to tackle poverty and trauma.
About the Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust funds work that addresses the root causes and impacts of poverty, supporting organisations that deliver both immediate support and long-term change.
All funding is aligned to four key themes:
- Financial Security
- Education Pathways
- Work Pathways
- Nurturing Relationships
Projects must clearly demonstrate how they reduce poverty and associated trauma.
Small Grants Programme
The Small Grants programme is designed for smaller charities delivering community-based support.
Funding available:
- £5,000 to £20,000 per year
- Typically for 3 years (up to 5 years in some cases)
Funding is primarily for revenue costs and can be used flexibly, including core costs such as salaries, running costs and service delivery.
Eligibility:
- Registered charities
- Delivering work in Scotland
- Annual income between £30,000 and £200,000
- Supporting people experiencing or at risk of poverty and trauma
This programme is particularly suited to grassroots organisations delivering direct support in local communities.
Large Grants Programme
The Large Grants programme supports more established charities delivering services at scale.
Funding available:
- £20,000 to £50,000 per year
- Typically for 3 years (up to 5 years in some cases)
Funding is flexible and can be:
- Unrestricted (core costs such as salaries and overheads)
- Restricted (specific projects or services)
Equipment costs that support delivery can also be included.
Eligibility:
- Registered charities
- Delivering work in Scotland
- Annual income between £200,000 and £2 million
- Supporting people experiencing or at risk of poverty and trauma
Organisations can only hold one revenue grant from the Trust at a time.
What the Funding Supports
Across both programmes, the Trust supports work that:
- Improves financial stability and reduces hardship
- Supports access to education and learning pathways
- Helps people move into employment or training
- Strengthens families, relationships and community support networks
This includes services such as advice provision, employability support, mentoring, family support and wellbeing services.
The Trust prioritises work that combines immediate support with longer-term impact.
Application Process and Timeline
- Applications are open year-round
- Rolling application process (no fixed deadlines)
- Decisions typically made within 8–12 weeks
This flexible approach allows organisations to apply when ready.
What Makes a Strong Application
Strong applications will:
- Clearly demonstrate how the work reduces poverty or trauma
- Align directly to one or more of the Trust’s themes
- Show measurable outcomes and impact
- Provide a clear delivery plan and realistic budget
Projects that address both immediate needs and long-term change are particularly well aligned with the Trust’s priorities.
