Applications open for Lintel Trust’s Small Grant Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 04-Nov-2026

The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund is inviting applications from not-for-profit organisations in Scotland that have a strong connection with social housing providers. Grants of £500 or £1,000 support local projects that help people maintain their tenancies, improve quality of life, and participate more fully in community life. The fund focuses on grassroots projects connected to housing associations, housing co-operatives, local authorities, and other social housing providers across Scotland.

About the Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund

The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund is designed to support community-based initiatives that make a positive difference to people living in social housing.

The fund aims to help people:

- Maintain their tenancies. - Improve their quality of life. - Become more involved in community life. - Access local support and opportunities. - Strengthen connections within their communities. Priority is given to projects where the grant provides a meaningful contribution toward the overall project cost. What Does the Fund Support? The fund supports grassroots community projects that are closely connected to social housing providers. Projects should demonstrate a clear local benefit and show how the proposed activities will help people maintain their tenancies or participate more actively in their communities.

Applicants should explain:

- What community need the project addresses. - Who will benefit from the project. - How the project will improve quality of life or community participation. - How the project is connected to a social housing provider. - How the grant will contribute to the overall cost of the project. Funding Available The Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund provides grants of either: - £500 - £1,000 Successful grants must be used within 12 months of the award date. The grant must make up at least 30% of the total project cost. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that the requested funding represents a meaningful contribution to the proposed project budget. Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

- Not-for-profit organisations. - Organisations based in Scotland. - Organisations with a strong connection to a social housing provider. The social housing connection may include links with: - Housing associations. - Housing co-operatives. - Local authorities. - Other social housing providers. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their organisation or project is connected to the social housing sector. What Projects Are Eligible? Eligible projects should be locally focused and contribute to improving the lives of people connected to social housing communities.

Projects may support activities that:

- Help people sustain their tenancies. - Improve quality of life. - Encourage community participation. - Strengthen local connections. - Address community needs. - Provide practical or social support to local residents. The proposed project should align with the relevant funding streams of the Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund. What Funding Is Not Available For?

The fund does not support:

- Individuals. - Staff salaries. - Capital projects. - Vehicles. - National campaigns. - Holidays. - Retrospective costs. - Projects taking place outside Scotland. Applicants should ensure that the requested grant is used for eligible project activities and costs. Key Requirements for Applicants Applicants should make sure their proposal clearly demonstrates: - The organisation is not-for-profit. - The organisation is based in Scotland. - There is a strong connection with a social housing provider. - The project benefits the local community. - The project aligns with the fund’s relevant streams. - The grant will account for at least 30% of the total project cost. - Funding can be fully used within 12 months of the award. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong application should clearly explain the need for the project and the difference the funding will make.

Applicants should focus on:

- Clearly identifying the local problem or need. - Explaining who will benefit. - Showing the connection with a social housing provider. - Providing a realistic project budget. - Demonstrating that the grant will represent at least 30% of total project costs. - Explaining how activities will help people maintain tenancies or participate in community life. - Showing the expected benefits for participants and the wider community. Why This Fund Matters Small community projects can provide practical support and create stronger connections among people living in social housing. By providing grants of £500 or £1,000, the Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund enables local organisations to deliver targeted initiatives that can improve quality of life, support tenancy sustainability, and encourage greater participation in community activities. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Lintel Trust Small Grant Fund? It is a small grants programme supporting grassroots community projects in Scotland that are closely connected to social housing providers. How much funding is available? Applicants can apply for either £500 or £1,000. How long can the grant be used for? The funding must be used within 12 months of the award date. Who is eligible to apply? Not-for-profit organisations based in Scotland with a strong connection to a social housing provider can apply. Do projects need to be connected to social housing? Yes. Applicants must demonstrate a strong link to a housing association, housing co-operative, local authority, or another social housing provider. What percentage of project costs must the grant represent? The grant must constitute at least 30% of the total project cost. Can individuals apply? No. The fund is not open to individuals. Can the grant pay staff salaries? No. Staff salaries are among the costs excluded from funding. Can projects outside Scotland receive funding? No. Projects must be based in Scotland. Can retrospective costs be funded? No. Retrospective costs are not eligible fo