The Robertson Trust

Total Value of Fund

During its 2020–30 strategy period, The Robertson Trust has committed to providing at least £200 million in funding to third-sector organisations in Scotland tackling poverty and trauma. In the 2024/25 funding year, the Trust awarded £18,110,250 to 550 organisations, and in 2025/26 so far has awarded £15,764,840 to 373 organisations.

Amount that can be applied for

Funding amounts vary by grant type:
• Wee Grants: up to £5,000 for small community groups with income under £30,000. 
• Small Grants: £5,000–£20,000 per year (typically 3 years, with up to 5 years possible). 
• Large Grants: £20,000–£50,000 per year (typically 3 years, with up to 5 years possible). 
• Transport Grants: £5,000–£20,000 per year for up to 3 years. 
• Community Spaces Grants: £5,000–£20,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Percentage that can be applied for

The Trust does not publicly specify a fixed percentage of project costs that must be matched, funding is generally awarded to cover identified needs within the eligible range and often represents up to 100% of the cost for smaller items (e.g., revenue costs, equipment). Eligible awards depend on strategy alignment, not a rigid cost percentage. 
 

Who can apply

• Registered charities and constituted community groups in Scotland working to reduce poverty and trauma are eligible for most funds. 
• Some funds (e.g., Transport Grants) are available to registered charities with incomes up to £2 million. 
• Community Spaces Grants are aimed at charities with annual income between £30,000 and £500,000. 
• Larger Programme Awards are open to organisations with income over £100,000 for wider systems-change work in Scotland.

Aims of the fund

The Trust’s overarching mission is to prevent and reduce poverty and trauma in Scotland by funding, supporting and influencing solutions that drive social change. 

Its funding targets include support for themes such as:
• Financial Security
• Education Pathways
• Work Pathways
• Nurturing Relationships
…and other areas that help people and communities facing systemic disadvantage.

Timing

Many of the grant types (Wee, Small, Large, Transport, Community Spaces) are on a rolling basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed continuously. Decisions on applications are typically made within approximately 10–12 weeks of receipt (though this may vary depending on volume and strategy focus). Programme Awards operate via time-limited open calls that are published separately when available. 
 

Examples of successful projects

The Trust regularly announces awards to organisations across Scotland, recent examples include:
• In November 2024, 29 organisations received a total of £138,200, including community transport and local running-cost support grants. 
• In 2023/24, 74 organisations received more than £2 million to tackle poverty and trauma, including large revenue grants and community vehicle support. 
• In November 2023, 61 groups received over £1.6 million, including transport and community support awards (e.g., Aberdeen Street Pastors for a project vehicle).

Contact info

• Website: https://therobertsontrust.org.uk/