Supporting small Scottish charities to create lasting change.

At The Fuze Foundation, we believe that even a relatively small grant can make a life-changing difference when placed in the hands of people who are passionate about improving their communities.

That’s why we’re delighted to launch The Fuze Foundation Making a Difference Grant.

This year, we’ll be awarding up to £1,000 to a small Scottish charity whose project best demonstrates community need, meaningful impact and alignment with the values of The Fuze Foundation.

Whether you’re launching a new initiative, expanding an existing project or looking to make a great idea become a reality, we’d love to hear from you.

The grant may fund all or part of a project and must be used within 12 months of the award being made.

Our Values

As a Humanist organisation, The Fuze Foundation believes in creating a kinder, fairer and more compassionate society.

We’re looking to support projects that reflect our values of:

• Compassion

• Dignity

• Equality

• Inclusion

• Education

• Community support

Projects do not need to be Humanist in nature, but they should demonstrate these values through the work they do and the difference they make.

Why are we doing this?

Since The Fuze Foundation was established in 2012, we’ve believed that giving back should be at the heart of everything we do.

Giving back has always been part of The Fuze Foundation’s story.

Over the years, we’ve donated more than £130,000 to charities, community groups and individuals across Scotland, supporting causes that reflect our values of compassion, dignity and equality.

The Making a Difference Grant is the next chapter in that story, giving us the opportunity to invest directly in small Scottish charities whose projects are transforming lives and making a real difference within their communities.

We know that £1,000 won’t solve every challenge, but we also know that, in the right hands, it can spark new ideas, reach more people and create lasting impact.

About the Grant

Grant Value

Up to £1,000 of grant funding is available.

The funding may contribute towards the whole cost of a project or form part of a larger project.

Projects must begin within 12 months of the grant being awarded.

The Foundation expects to award one grant of up to £1,000.

However, where appropriate, the Foundation reserves the right to divide the available funding between two or more exceptional applications where this is considered to deliver greater overall community benefit.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, organisations must:

• Be a Scottish registered charity.

• Operate primarily within Scotland.

• Have an annual income of no more than £250,000.

• Have appropriate governance arrangements in place.

• Deliver the proposed project within 12 months.

• Demonstrate a clear benefit to individuals or communities in Scotland.

• Agree to provide an impact report upon completion of the project.

Funding Priorities

Applications are particularly encouraged from projects that demonstrate:

• A clearly identified community need.

• A measurable and lasting impact.

• Good value for money.

• Support for vulnerable or disadvantaged people.

• Promotion of equality, dignity and inclusion.

• Sustainable outcomes beyond the life of the grant.

• Strong alignment with the charitable purposes and values of The Fuze Foundation.

Eligible Costs

The Fuze Foundation recognises that every project is different.

We’re interested in supporting the costs that will enable your project to succeed, so long as they are directly related to delivering the work described in your application.

Funding may be used towards:

• Project staff costs, including associated employer on-costs where these relate directly to the funded project.

• Sessional workers or freelance specialists.

• Volunteer expenses.

• Equipment and resources.

• Materials and consumables.

• Venue hire.

• Training directly related to the project.

• Travel and transport costs.

• Marketing and publicity specifically for the project.

• Reasonable project-related overheads that are essential to delivery.

We Are Unable to Fund

Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications for:

• Projects that have already been completed.

• Costs that have already been incurred before the grant is awarded.

• General organisational running costs unrelated to the proposed project.

• Existing salaries or staffing costs not directly linked to the project.

• Debt repayment or loan repayments.

• Political campaigning or lobbying.

• Organisations whose primary purpose is the advancement of religion, gambling or adult content.

• Statutory or public sector organisations.

• Individuals seeking personal funding.

• Activities that conflict with the charitable purposes and values of The Fuze Foundation.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are independently reviewed by members of The Fuze Foundation and scored against the following criteria:

Applications must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 100 to be considered for funding.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted using our online application form.

Please answer every question as fully as possible and provide accurate information throughout.

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 7 September 2026.

👉 Apply Here

Grant Conditions

Successful applicants agree to:

• Use the funding solely for the purposes outlined in their application.

• Complete the project within 12 months.

• Notify The Fuze Foundation of any significant changes to the project.

• Obtain written agreement before making substantial changes to the approved use of the funding.

• Submit a short impact report upon completion.

• Provide evidence of expenditure or project delivery if requested.

• Acknowledge The Fuze Foundation’s support where appropriate.

The Foundation understands that projects can evolve. If circumstances change, we encourage grant recipients to contact us as early as possible so that any reasonable amendments can be considered.

Publicity and Impact

Successful applicants may be invited to share photographs, testimonials or case studies demonstrating the difference the grant has made.

Any publicity will always respect confidentiality, safeguarding requirements and appropriate consent.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applicants should declare any significant use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preparing their application.

Using AI will not affect the assessment of an application, provided the information submitted is accurate, truthful and genuinely reflects the organisation and proposed project.

Applications containing false, misleading or fabricated information may be rejected.

Important Information

The Fuze Foundation reserves the right to request further information at any stage of the assessment process.

The Foundation also reserves the right not to award the grant if no application is considered to sufficiently meet the required standard or charitable aims of the Foundation.

The Fuze Foundation reserves the right to determine whether any proposed expenditure represents appropriate and reasonable use of the grant. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that all requested costs will be funded.

The Foundation expects to award one grant of up to £1,000.

However, where appropriate, the Foundation reserves the right to divide the available funding between two or more exceptional applications where this is considered to deliver greater overall community benefit.

All decisions made by The Fuze Foundation are final.

Good luck!

We know that behind every application is a group of passionate people working hard to make life better for others. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your work. We look forward to reading your application and wish every organisation the very best of luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

The grant is open to Scottish registered charities that:

• Operate primarily within Scotland.

• Have an annual income of £250,000 or less.

• Deliver projects that benefit people or communities in Scotland.

How much funding is available?

The Foundation expects to award one grant of up to £1,000.

However, where appropriate, the Foundation reserves the right to divide the available funding between two or more exceptional applications where this is considered to deliver greater overall community benefit.

The funding may cover the entire cost of a project or contribute towards a larger project.

What kinds of projects can be funded?

We’re looking for projects that make a genuine, positive difference to people and communities.

Funding may support a wide variety of activities, including:

• Community programmes

• Educational initiatives

• Wellbeing projects

• Equipment and resources

• Training

• Volunteer-led activities

• Events

• Pilot projects

• Improvements that directly benefit those you support

We’re interested in the impact your project will have, rather than simply what the money will purchase.

What costs can be included?

Funding may contribute towards costs directly related to delivering your project, including:

• Project staff costs (including associated employer on-costs where these relate solely to the funded project)

• Sessional workers or freelance specialists

• Volunteer expenses

• Equipment and resources

• Materials and consumables

• Venue hire

• Training

• Travel and transport

• Marketing and publicity specifically for the project

• Essential project-related overheads

Applicants should clearly explain how every cost contributes to the successful delivery of the project.

What won’t be funded?

Unfortunately, we cannot fund:

• Projects already completed.

• Costs already incurred before the grant is awarded.

• General organisational running costs unrelated to the project.

• Existing salaries not directly linked to the proposed project.

• Debt repayment or loan repayments.

• Political campaigning or lobbying.

• Activities whose primary purpose is the advancement of religion.

• Gambling or adult entertainment.

• Activities taking place primarily outside Scotland.

Can we apply if our project has already started?

Yes.

Provided the funding will support future elements of the project and the costs have not already been incurred before the grant is awarded.

Can we apply for staffing costs?

Yes.

The Foundation recognises that people are often the most important part of delivering a successful project.

Applications may include project staffing costs, including associated employer on-costs, provided these relate directly to delivering the proposed project and are clearly explained within the application.

Can we apply for equipment?

Yes.

Equipment and resources may be funded where they are necessary to deliver the project and represent good value for money.

Can we apply for general running costs?

The grant is intended to support a specific project rather than the day-to-day running of an organisation.

However, reasonable project-related overheads may be included where they are essential to delivering the project.

Can our charity submit more than one application?

No.

Each charity may submit one application per funding round.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are independently assessed by members of The Fuze Foundation using the published scoring criteria.

Applications are scored against:

• Community need

• Potential impact

• Alignment with Foundation values

• Value for money

• Deliverability

• Sustainability and legacy

Applications must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 100 to be considered.

Does achieving 60 points guarantee funding?

No.

A score of 60 means your application is eligible for consideration. Funding will be awarded to the application that best meets the assessment criteria.

The Foundation reserves the right not to award the grant if no application is considered to sufficiently meet the required standard or charitable aims of the Foundation.

Will we receive feedback?

Due to the anticipated number of applications, we’re unable to provide detailed feedback to every applicant.

Where possible, brief feedback may be provided upon request.

When will we hear the outcome?

All applicants will receive confirmation that their application has been received.

Following assessment, every applicant will be notified of the outcome by email.

The successful charity will also be announced on The Fuze Foundation website and social media channels.

Do we need to declare if we’ve used Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Yes.

If AI has been used to significantly assist in preparing your application, please tell us.

Using AI will not affect your chances of success, provided the information submitted is accurate, truthful and genuinely reflects your organisation and proposed project.

What happens if our project changes after receiving the grant?

We understand that projects can evolve.

If significant changes are required, please contact The Fuze Foundation as soon as possible.

We’ll consider reasonable amendments, provided the revised project remains aligned with the original purpose of the grant and the Foundation’s charitable objectives.

What happens if we don’t spend all of the grant?

Please let us know as soon as possible.

The Foundation may agree an alternative use that remains aligned with the original purpose of the grant, or ask for any unspent funds to be returned.

Can we discuss our application before applying?

We’re happy to answer questions about eligibility or the application process.

However, to ensure fairness for all applicants, we’re unable to advise on individual projects or review draft applications before submission.

Please email morag@fuzeceremonies.co.uk

What will successful applicants be asked to do?

Successful applicants will be asked to:

• Deliver the project within 12 months.

• Use the funding for the agreed purpose.

• Submit a short impact report.

• Provide evidence of expenditure if requested.

• Share photographs, stories or case studies where appropriate and with the necessary consent.

• Acknowledge support from The Fuze Foundation where possible.

Who makes the final decision?

Applications are independently reviewed and scored by members of The Fuze Foundation.

All funding decisions are final.

The Fuze Foundation reserves the right to determine whether any proposed expenditure represents appropriate and reasonable use of the grant.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that all requested costs will be funded.