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What this pillar covers

Sound financial management protects your trust and gives you the confidence to plan ahead. This section covers how to find funding, manage money well, and explore different ways to generate income. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, you’ll find practical tools, templates and guidance on funding options from grants and loans to community shares and social enterprise.

Finding and securing funding

• Funding Scotland databaseFree searchable database of grant funders across Scotland; register for email alerts on relevant funding rounds.
• Democratic Finance ScotlandFree support for community shares, bonds, and democratic finance — including governance, business planning and community engagement.

Managing finances and planning

• Social Investment ScotlandLoan funding and business support for social enterprises, charities and community groups.
• Scottish Land FundSubstantial funding for the acquisition of land and other assets; contact our Community Ownership Support Service for help.
• SCVO step-by-step guide to finding fundingComprehensive starting point for understanding funding landscape.
• CrowdfunderPlatform for donation-based crowdfunding to raise £5,000–£50,000 in a short timeframe.
• Beyond the Usual SuspectsGuide to diversifying funding beyond grants and loans — individuals, legacies, major donors, events, corporate support.

Financial systems and bookkeeping

• DTAS Xero Step by StepA step-by-step walkthrough for using Xero, covering the day-to-day tasks trusts need to manage their bookkeeping.
• Xero Accounting Software — member discountUse the DTAS member referral link to sign up to Xero and get the discount automatically.
• Management Accounts ToolkitGuidance on producing clear, useful management accounts to help your board understand and act on your trust’s finances.
• Management Report Template (Excel)A ready-to-use Excel template to accompany the Management Accounts Toolkit.

Financial governance and regulation

• Gift Aid guidanceClaim Gift Aid on donations to increase their value by 25%; charity requirement and donor declaration process.
• Code of Fundraising PracticeStandards for all UK charitable fundraising; compliance expected of all charities.
• OSCR fundraising guidanceSpecific requirements for registered charities fundraising from the public.

VAT support and accountant options

• VAT Webinar 1Recording of DTAS’s first VAT webinar for members.
• VAT Webinar 2Recording of DTAS’s second VAT webinar for members.
• VAT Jargon BusterA plain-English info sheet explaining common VAT terms, produced with CP.
• Accountants OptionsAn overview of accountancy support options available to development trusts.