Development trusts sit at the heart of communities across Scotland, responding to market failures, protecting vital assets and sustaining places where community life can flourish. Yet many remain under increasing pressure, navigating rising costs, insecure funding and growing expectations.

In 2025, an opportunity from Foundation Scotland prompted us to reflect on what meaningful support for development trusts should look like. One think was clear to us, short-term funding cannot address long-term organisational challenges.

Working closely with members, partners and staff, DTAS developed the Recovery and Resilience Programme, a holistic funding programme built around six pillars of organisational resilience. Launched in October 2025, the programme combines tailored support, training and grants of up to £100,000, providing a clear pathway for participating organisations to build long-term resilience.

This programme is open only for DTAS full and provisional members. Read more about the programme’s development in the below report:

Our Journey as a Funder – Recovery and Resilience Programme Report