GRANTS FOR ARTISTS — Hope Scott Trust

Guidance for Applicants

Group applications are welcomed but we can only consider one coordinated application per group project. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate clear evidence of forward planning.
Funding can be requested up to a maximum of £2,000. Applicants should be aware that grants very rarely exceed £2,000 and more commonly are for lesser sums.
Applicants whose projects span both visual art and music should choose which fund to apply for. Please do not apply to both music and visual art.
Please note that the Trust operates a strict no repeats policy and will not consider applications from applicants who have been successful within the last 3 years. For example, if you were made an award in March 2023, you would not be able to reapply until June 2026.

The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017

To comply with these regulations, if your application is successful, we will require photographic ID of the applicant/payee of the award to verify full name and date of birth. Recent proof of address (must be dated within the past 3 months) will also be required. No payments can be made until this has been received and agreed as satisfactory. Any payments will be issued to the individuals full stated name, not an artist’s stage name.
Please also bear in mind that the Trust has limited funds. The trustees would like to use the money at their disposal to help people and projects where there is a serious financial need.
The trustees meet three times a year, usually in March, June and October. Applicants will be informed of the trustees’ decision as soon as possible after each meeting. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot provide feedback for unsuccessful applicants.

The next deadline is Monday, September the 14th at midnight. The next Trustees meeting is on Monday, October the 12th. You will be informed of your outcome by Monday, 19th October. Please note late applications will not be accepted.

Grants for Artists – Hope Scott Trust

Grants for Artists

Application Form

You will be advised on the outcome of your application in October.

Guidance for Applicants & Eligibility ▸

Group applications are welcomed but we can only consider one coordinated application per group project. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate clear evidence of forward planning.

Funding can be requested up to a maximum of £2,000. Grants very rarely exceed £2,000 and more commonly are for lesser sums.

Applicants whose projects span both visual art and music should choose which fund to apply for. Please do not apply to both.

The Trust operates a strict no repeats policy — it will not consider applications from applicants who have been successful within the last 3 years.

Money Laundering Regulations 2017: If successful, we will require photographic ID and recent proof of address (within the past 3 months). Payments are issued to the individual's full stated name, not a stage name.

Trustees meet in March, June and October. Grants are given to artists whose practice may include painting, sculpture, printmaking, performance, photography, and moving image. Preference is given to early career applicants born in or living permanently in Scotland.

Grants ARE given for:

Production of new work
Exhibition related publications
Travel where clearly defined outcomes are specified
Exhibition costs and related activities
Residencies

The Trust CANNOT fund:

Ordinary educational/course fees
Documentary film making
Crafts
Book Illustration
Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies

Section 1: Applicant Details

Full Name *

Primary / Correspondence Address *

Please put the one you would like to be contacted on

Email Address *

Mobile No *

The one you would like to be contacted on

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) *

Place of Study / Qualification received (if applicable)

When? (if applicable)

Please tell us how you or the project relates to Scotland *

E.g. Were you born here / do you live here?

0 / 50 words

Registered Charity Number (if applicable)

Preferred method(s) of contact *

By telephone to your mobile By email to the address given above

Please provide a summary of your application *

50 words maximum

(What is the funding actually for?)

0 / 50 words

Section 2: Details of the Application

Name of group / event / venue (if applicable)

Amount you are requesting from the Trust *

Maximum £2,000

Have you applied to this Trust before? *

No Yes

When did you apply?

Were you successful?

If successful, when was the award made?

How much was the award for?

Principal collaborators

Tell us who else will be working on the project. If any have received Hope Scott Trust awards previously, include the amount and date.

Name	Award Amount (if previous)	Award Date (if previous)

Please provide a synopsis of the project *

500 words maximum

0 / 500 words

Estimated total cost of the project with breakdown of costs *

Item / Expense	Cost (£)

Total Project Cost: £0.00

Amount Requested from Trust: £0.00

Cost Remaining (other funding needed): £0.00

Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion Checklist

Tick each category you have addressed and add brief notes.

✓	Category	Notes
	1. Physical Access Wheelchair access, ramps, lifts, step-free entry Accessible toilets available Good lighting, clear signage and seating provided
	2. Sensory & Communication Large-print labels and plain language used Audio guide or descriptive content available BSL, captions or non-English provision considered
	3. Representation in the Work Diverse perspectives represented Avoids stereotypes and cultural bias Community consultation undertaken where relevant
	4. Participation & Access Open and fair artist selection process Free or low-cost entry option available Accessible location, transport links and welcoming environment
	5. Socioeconomic Inclusion Financial barriers for artists considered Staff briefed on inclusive welcome Community or outreach events planned
	6. Digital Accessibility Website meets accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) Alt text on images, captions on video Social media posts include image descriptions

Section 3: Other Funding

Have you applied to any other bodies for financial support for this project? *

No Yes — please complete the table below

Who	How much?	Status

Section 4: Examples and Reviews

Link to images of your work *

Upload up to 6 images to Google Drive (or Dropbox / WeTransfer), set sharing to Anyone with the link can view, then paste the link here. PLEASE NOTE: If not set to share then your application may be rejected.

Relevant web links to work and other projects

Up to 4 links (e.g. own website, YouTube, Instagram, press reviews etc.)

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Link 4

Link to your CV *

References or letters of support (optional)

Maximum 2 links. If you graduated within the last two years, you must include one academic reference link.

Reference / Support Letter Link 1

Reference / Support Letter Link 2

Section 5: Data Protection & Consent

Date of Submission

Please correct the highlighted fields before submitting.

✓ Your application has been submitted successfully. You will be notified of the outcome in October.

There was a problem submitting your application. Please try again or contact Amandahstrust@gmail.com.

Registered Scottish Charity No: SC016262