Pounds for Purpose

You are never too young to put a good idea into action, especially if you can make a difference to your community or environment in the process. And this is what Pounds for Purpose is all about.

We know that young people care about and engage with climate change, poverty, inequalities, and conservation issues. If you have an idea for a project or business with a positive social or environmental impact, a Pounds for Purpose grant can help you make it a reality.

---

Eligibility

To apply, you must meet the eligibility criteria:

• You are aged 16-26.
• You are a permanent resident of Scotland.
• Your idea operates primarily for the benefit of people or communities in Scotland.
• Your idea and its activities do not involve political campaigning or the advancement of religion.
• Your idea is not already up and running.
• You (and/or a small team) are developing the idea independently and not applying on behalf of an established organisation. This means we cannot fund college/university projects.
• You can spend the award and report on the idea within six months.

---

What is the funding for?

Pounds for Purpose can you help cover the costs of getting your idea up and running up to £500. Costs can include hiring a venue, producing promotional materials, or insurance, amongst others. It all depends on what your idea is about.

We want to support ideas that are fully formed and ready to put into action, and ideally, those that could generate some income and become social enterprises.

We can also provide one-to-one support if you decide to turn your idea into a social enterprise.

---

Start-up support

You can get free business advice for your idea by accessing our start-up support through Just Enterprise. You can get advice at any stage, but we find that applicants who work with Business Advisors before applying submit stronger applications, giving them a better chance of securing an award.

Register for one-to-one support.

---

Funding priorities

The panel are looking for strong ideas that can spend the grant within six months. The panel will also prioritise those ideas that have the potential to generate income and become social enterprises.

---

How we assess your application 

When we receive your application, a member of the Awards Team will arrange a short chat to gather more information about yourself and your idea ahead of a decision-making panel. You should receive a decision within 6-8 weeks of applying.

If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll tell you why and give you feedback. If you can address the feedback, you can apply again.

---

Ready to apply? 

Pounds for Purpose is an open, rolling programme so you can apply at any point. If you are ready to apply, make sure you first read the guidance notes in full and follow the link at the top of the page to complete your application.

If your question isn’t covered by the guidance or our FAQs, please get in touch via our Contact Us page or by phone on 0131 564 0331.

---