Funding programmes for development trusts in Scotland
DTAS manages three funding programmes for member development trusts in Scotland — the Strengthening Communities Programme, the Recovery and Resilience Programme, and Green Shoots. Each is designed to support a different stage or need.
paid out to members in 2025 to 2026
organisations supported through funding in 2025 to 2026
programmes, each with a different purpose and eligibility
How DTAS funding programmes work
DTAS manages a number of funding programmes on behalf of our funders. Our staff provide guidance, administer grants, and support members through the process — but all funding decisions are made by independent assessment panels based on each programme’s criteria.
Membership doesn’t guarantee access to funding. Each programme has its own eligibility requirements, and we’ll always be upfront with you about whether a programme is likely to be a good fit before you invest time in an application. These programmes work alongside our core member support and crisis support services.
Our three funding programmes
Strengthening Communities Programme
Funded by Scottish Government, delivered with HIE and CEiS
Funding for 1 full-time post, up to 3 years
The Strengthening Communities Programme supports organisations that need dedicated capacity to grow. It funds a full-time post for up to three years, giving your organisation the resource to build income, strengthen operations, and work toward long-term sustainability.
This might be right for you if:
You have a clear plan for how a funded post would help you grow capacity
Your organisation is ready to commit to a multi-year development journey
You want to reduce reliance on grants and build more sustainable income
Members only • Rolling programme • Subject to eligibility
Recovery and Resilience Programme
Funded by Foundation Scotland
Grants up to £100,000
The Recovery and Resilience Programme supports organisations to strengthen their foundations. Grants of up to £100,000 are available to support work across governance, strategy, finance, leadership, and people — the building blocks that help organisations become more resilient. This is not a service delivery fund.
This might be right for you if:
Your organisation wants to invest in its foundations — governance, strategy, finance, people
You’re recovering from a difficult period and need support to rebuild
You want to strengthen organisational resilience, not fund a new project or service
Members only • Subject to eligibility
Green Shoots
Funded by Acorns to Trees
Grants up to £10,000 per year
Green Shoots is a flexible small grants programme for full and provisional DTAS members. It’s designed to help when an unexpected cost puts your organisation at risk — financially, reputationally, or structurally — or when a small amount of funding would unlock a project that’s otherwise stalled.
This might be right for you if:
You’re facing an unexpected cost that could cause serious damage if not addressed
A small funding gap is the only thing holding back a project or plan
You’re a full or provisional DTAS member
Full and provisional members only • Up to £10,000 per year
Not sure which programme is right for you? Talk to your advisor — they can help you work out whether any of these programmes are a good fit before you start an application.
What DTAS doesn’t do on funding
Our staff are here to guide and support you through the process — but there are clear limits to that support:
We don’t write or edit funding applications or reports on your behalf
We don’t make funding decisions — these are made by independent assessment panels
Membership doesn’t guarantee access to any programme — eligibility is assessed on its own merits
Funding programmes FAQs
Other services that might help
Core member support
Ongoing advisory support across all areas of your organisation’s development and resilience.
Crisis support
Intensive short-term support when your organisation is facing a serious financial, governance or reputational crisis.
Workplace wellbeing
Support to build a healthier workplace culture and look after your team through pressure and change.