The Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Energise Programme is now open for applications, offering unrestricted funding of up to £40,000 to small Scottish charities supporting vulnerable people.
The programme has been designed to help charities respond to the pressures facing the people and communities they support, while providing flexibility over how funding is used.
Funding available
Two levels of funding are available, based on an organisation’s annual income:
- Charities with an income below £50,000 can apply for £20,000 over two years (£10,000 per year).
- Charities with an income of £50,000–£150,000 can apply for £40,000 over two years (£20,000 per year).
Funding is unrestricted, meaning successful charities can use their award towards core costs, service delivery, projects or general running costs according to their needs.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, organisations must be registered Scottish charities that:
- Put supporting vulnerable people at the heart of their work
- Operate in Scotland and benefit people living in Scotland
- Have an annual income of £150,000 or less
- Have at least one year of accounts lodged with OSCR
- Have up-to-date records with OSCR and Companies House, where applicable
- Deliver their own activities or services
Organisations should review the full eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
Applications
Opens: Monday 28 September 2026
Closes: Wednesday 7 October 2026
For full guidance, eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, visit the Bank of Scotland Foundation Energise Programme.
