Our 2022 to 2027 Grant Strategy sets out the work we fund, and includes information on criteria, outcomes, and exclusions.
The Gannochy Trust awards grants to registered charities for work in Perth and Kinross and across Scotland, that deliver the outcomes that the Trust hopes to achieve with its funding. Currently, a greater proportion of our annual giving of around five million pounds is awarded to charities based or working in Perth and Kinross.
We have different eligibility criteria for charities based or working in Perth and Kinross, than those across Scotland. We fund charities to deliver the following aims:
For Perth and Kinross:
To improve the quality of life
by delivery of at least one of these:
- Positive change in people’s lives and communities.
- Increased inclusion, enablement, independence, mental health and wellbeing.
- Increased access to employment, volunteering, learning, culture, sport, and leisure opportunities.
- Increased equality of opportunity and active citizenship.
To improve the availability or quality of the built and natural environment for wide community use
by delivery of at least one of these:
- Greater access to services and facilities.
- Improved infrastructure.
- More sustainable services and facilities that reflect local priorities.
To develop and inspire children and young people (From age 0 to 21 inclusive)
By delivery of at least one of these:
- Increased participation, opportunities, and experiences through culture, leisure, play, environment, and heritage.
- Increased access to sporting opportunities at all levels of participation and ability.
- Increased leadership or mentoring.
- Accredited non-formal learning through voluntary activity in the community.
For the Rest of Scotland:
Existing or recent Rest of Scotland grant holders only whose funding ended or ends between 1st January 2026 and 30th June 2027 only.
To develop and inspire young people (From age 11 to 21 inclusive)
We want to focus on quality work with young people to deliver at least one of these:
- Increased peer leadership or peer mentoring.
- Better employment options that can be measured.
- Accredited non-formal learning through voluntary activity in the community.
Programmes that lead to improved mental health or wellbeing are particularly encouraged.
Youth Panel Fund (Perth and Kinross only)
We have also established a Gannochy Trust Youth Panel Fund which was designed by young people and will provide grants of up to £10,000 for youth health, youth voice, and youth mental health and wellbeing in Perth and Kinross. Youth Panel members have delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees for assessing applications and approving funding of up to £120,000 per year. Click the link for further information about the outcomes of the Youth Panel Fund.
As of 1st July 2026, applications for Rest of Scotland funding will only be accepted from existing or recent Rest of Scotland grant holders whose funding ended or ends between 1st January 2026 and 30th June 2027. Our grant funding within Perth and Kinross is unaffected by these changes.
All applications should be completed using our online application portal.
We strongly recommend that you read the Grant Strategy and Guidance Notes for Applicants carefully. Applications that require significant clarification may need to be delayed to a subsequent grant making meeting for consideration.
Perth and Kinross applicants can start an application by clicking here. Eligible Rest of Scotland applicants should contact the grants team grants@gannochytrust.org.uk for further instructions.
NOTE FOR CAPITAL FUNDING ONLY:
Before applying, please email grants@gannochytrust.org.uk to request a Stage 1 Capital Project Summary Template to complete and return. Our Trustees will review your submission and decide if your project will progress to Stage 2 – which is the submission of a full funding application.
The Gannochy Trust Board meet three times a year to consider grant applications. We aim to deal with your application as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is important your application is submitted by the deadline date so we have time to discuss your application or receive additional information if required.
The deadlines for applications in 2026 are:
- 2nd October 2026 at 12 noon, for consideration at the grant-making meeting on 2nd December 2026 *Application portal opens on 3rd August 2026*
We aim write to you within three weeks of the meeting with a decision about your application.
Gannochy Trust Youth Panel Fund deadline dates are different and are listed on the Youth Panel page.