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 Musicians – Hope Scott Trust
Grants for Musicians
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. 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.

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 support a wide range of musical genres. Preference is given to early career applicants born in or living permanently in Scotland.

Grants ARE given for:

  • Production of new work
  • Costs towards musical performances and related events
  • Tuition and associated travel costs where clearly defined outcomes are specified
  • Residencies

The Trust CANNOT fund:

  • Ordinary educational/course fees
  • Purchase of instruments
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies
Section 1: Applicant Details
Please put the one you would like to be contacted on
The one you would like to be contacted on
E.g. Were you born here / do you live here?
0 / 50 words
50 words maximum
(What is the funding actually for?)
0 / 50 words
Section 2: Details of the Application
Maximum £2,000

Remember that you cannot be funded within 3 years of a previous award. For example, if you were awarded a grant at the meeting in October 2023 you cannot apply until the March 2027 meeting.

Please tell us who else will be working on the project. If any have received awards from the Hope Scott Trust previously, please include the amount and date of the award.
NameAward Amount (if previous)Award Date (if previous)
500 words maximum
0 / 500 words
Item / ExpenseCost (£)
Total Project Cost: £0.00
Amount Requested from Trust: £0.00
Cost Remaining (other funding needed): £0.00
Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion

Tick each category you have addressed and add brief notes in the right-hand column.

CategoryNotes
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
WhoHow much?Status
Section 4: Supporting Links & Documents
Up to 4 links (e.g. own website, YouTube, Instagram, Soundcloud, press reviews etc.)
If you are a musician and are the main recipient of the award, please provide a link to your CV. You may provide more than one CV — for example if you are a duo.
If you are currently studying or have graduated within the last two years, please provide a written academic reference link.
Please provide a link to a PDF of the budget for your project (with expected revenues and expenditure).
Section 5: Data Protection & Consent
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