WIREDGOV

Increased funding for community projects in Programme for Government

Grassroots projects will be able to bid for a share of £500,000 to help build stronger communities this year as part of plans set out in the Programme for Government.

The Community Cohesion Fund, launched last year to help local community initiatives to address shared challenges such as social isolation, the cost-of-living crisis, inclusion, employment and housing, will be increased from £300,000 to £500,000 in 2026-27.

On a visit to the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said:

“The Programme for Government places a renewed focus on community cohesion, setting out practical actions to strengthen our collective response to shared challenges and build more resilient communities.

“Building on the success of last year’s launch in supporting the excellent work of local organisations like Big Hearts, we are increasing the Community Cohesion Fund to £500,000 this year. This will mean we can help even more grassroots initiatives that bring communities together, tackle division and promote inclusion.

“We will also establish a Ministerial Taskforce on Community Cohesion to identify priority areas for action and address emerging issues affecting communities.”

Craig Wilson, Chief Executive, Big Hearts Community Trust said:

“The universal language of football allows us to bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds, and offer them opportunities to build positive connections in their local community. We were pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government and the STV Appeal Community Cohesion Fund to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across our support services here in Edinburgh.

“This funding enables our charity to host more football-based activities as a neutral entry point of engagement for isolated adults and young people, and extend the support to their families. We are committed to make their local football ground a trusted and friendly space where they are welcomed, feel listened to and supported.”

The Fund sits alongside substantial funding which supports wider initiatives on areas such as advancing anti-racism, interfaith dialogue, integration, tackling social isolation and loneliness - helping to build connected, inclusive and resilient communities by fostering trust, belonging and support for people and communities across Scotland

Background

Full details of the 2026-27 Fund including routes to apply will be published shortly

The Big Hearts Community Trust was one of 38 beneficiaries of the Community Cohesion Fund in 2025-26. The Trust supports a wide range of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and families, with a particular focus on children and young people aged five to 18 experiencing poverty, trauma, neurodivergence, poor mental health, social isolation, or risk of disengagement from education and their communities.