Scottish Government Opens Childcare Support Fund With £15 Million Available
Grants will support third sector projects providing short-term childcare help for low-income families in Scotland
The Scottish Government has opened the Childcare Support Fund, offering grants to third sector organisations to widen access to flexible and affordable childcare for families on low incomes.
A total of £15 million is available through the fund. Individual grants will range from £250,000 to £1 million. Successful applicants must spend the money by 31 March 2027.
The fund is intended to contribute to the Scottish Government priority of eradicating child poverty. It aligns with the principles set out in Bringing Hope, Building Futures, including Whole Family Support. It focuses on drivers of child poverty, particularly increasing earned incomes, while recognising that access to childcare can reduce living costs and support improved outcomes for children and families.
Support is designed to be short term and targeted at key points in a family’s life when the cost or availability of childcare becomes a barrier. Projects are expected to engage with families living in poverty or at risk of poverty, agree timely and flexible support with them and then match families with childcare services that meet identified needs. Work should complement existing provision rather than duplicate it.
Eligible applicants must be based in Scotland or delivering services in Scotland.
Applications are open to third sector organisations, including voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives, as well as partnerships of third sector bodies.
Funding can be used to pay Care Inspectorate-registered childcare providers for services delivered to participating families, resulting in a subsidised or fully funded childcare place. It can also cover certain staff costs linked to engaging and supporting families, assessing childcare requirements and co-ordinating provision and payments, alongside other reasonable delivery and equipment costs.
