Find answers to frequently asked questions when applying to our Big Change Grants.
These FAQs are designed to help you understand whether the Big Change Grants are right for your idea and what to expect at each stage of the application process.
They are split into two sections:
We recommend reading the guidance in full before applying. If you’re unsure whether your proposal is a good fit, you’re welcome to contact us at programmes@therobertsontrust.org.uk.
By big change that lasts, we mean work that tackles the underlying causes of poverty and poverty‑related trauma and has the potential to deliver long‑term, systemic change beyond the lifetime of the grant.
We want to change the systems and structures in Scotland that cause or keep people in poverty and that cause poverty-related trauma. The projects we fund will be focused on taking purposeful, long‑term steps to change how these systems work or building better alternatives.
That’s fine. Projects should contribute to at least one priority, but we expect most applications to focus on achieving specific change within a priority rather than addressing all aspects of it.
You can apply if your organisation:
o a registered charity
o an asset‑locked CIC limited by guarantee
o a housing association
o a credit union
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can contact us before applying.
We will only consider applications that align with the theme(s) currently open for this Fund. Proposals focused primarily on other themes will not be progressed at this time. We are taking a phased approach to opening up across all four of our thematic areas.
Yes, as long as you can clearly demonstrate that the focus, delivery and use of funds are all centred on Scotland, and that your organisation has a strong understanding of the Scottish context.
No. Big Change Grants are open to registered charities, asset‑locked CICs limited by guarantee, housing associations and credit unions, provided they meet the Fund’s eligibility criteria.
Yes. Organisations already in receipt of another grant from us can apply, as long as the proposed work is different and/or additional to what we currently fund.
Please note that organisations can only have one live application at a time as the lead applicant for Big Change Grants.
No. We can only accept one application at a time per organisation as the lead applicant, unless you have been invited by a member of the team to submit a further application.
Big Change Grants may be awarded for a period of up to five years; however, most grants are made for one to three years.
The length of funding offered will depend on a range of factors such as the nature of the work, how well it aligns with our priorities and available funding.
Our process has two stages:
If you are invited to Stage 2, we will agree a deadline with you. This allows time to develop a strong proposal while reflecting the urgency and scale of the work.
Applications for Big Change Grants are accepted on a rolling basis. We aim to:
Yes. We welcome partnership working. One organisation must act as the lead applicant and meet our eligibility criteria. The lead organisation will be responsible for the application and any grant awarded.
If you wish to apply as a formal partnership, please nominate a lead organisation who will complete the application on behalf of all the partners. We will also require a signed copy of your Memorandum of Understanding, which includes the contact details for all partners.
Overall, we will not fund work unless it can demonstrate a high potential for delivering big change that lasts, beyond the funding term and beyond the direct beneficiaries of the work. This will need a well-thought through plan for how the proposed work links to delivering long-term change on poverty and trauma.
We will not fund work through the Big Change That Lasts Fund that could be funded through Our Funds, including Large Grants. Please see here for more information about our other funding programmes.
The following is not an exhaustive list but provides broad examples of the type of work we would be unable to fund within Big Change Grants:
Yes. You can check your eligibility using our Funding Checker. If you’re still unsure, you can contact us at programmes@therobertsontrust.org.uk before applying.
Our eligibility criteria reflect where we believe we can have the greatest impact in preventing and reducing poverty and trauma, and how we manage risk and accountability as a funder.
Please see here for more information about our other funding programmes.
Annual income is based on the money your organisation received in its most recent financial year, as shown in your latest set of approved accounts.
Good governance relates to how your organisation is run and how decisions are made. We expect organisations to have appropriate oversight, transparency, financial controls and arrangements to manage conflicts of interest.
OSCR and SCVO have useful resources on good governance. Your local Third Sector Interface may also be able to provide some guidance around this.
Through the Big Change That Lasts Fund we will ordinarily make grants for up to five years or less, and a total grant amount of between £20,000 and £500,000. Most of the grants we will make through this Fund will tend to be between £50K-£100K per year.
We expect the funding request to align with the scale of your proposal and your organisation’s size.
No. You do not need to have match funding secured at the point of application. If you are seeking match funding from other funders then we will ask for further information about this.
Applications are made using our online application form. Please read the relevant guidance carefully before starting an application.
Yes. Downloadable versions of the application questions are available here.
Whilst we appreciate it can be helpful to view the questions in advance, please note that we can only accept applications that are completed using the online form.
Once you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt and outlining next steps and timescales.
Your decision email will explain whether and when you may be able to reapply. Where appropriate, it will also signpost other sources of funding or support.
If you’re considering reapplying, we recommend reviewing the current fund guidance to check our priorities. Your grant manager at the Trust will discuss this with you too.
You may use AI tools to support your application, but your final submission must reflect your organisation’s own thinking, plans and evidence. You are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is accurate and appropriate. You can view our full guidance on the using AI in funding applications here.
If your question isn’t answered in the guidance or FAQs, you can contact us by email at programmes@therobertsontrust.org.uk.
We’ve done our best to make sure the above guidance is clear, however, if you have any feedback on this, we’d welcome the chance to talk to you about it.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please email us at: programmes@therobertsontrust.org.uk.