Scottish Government Launches Global Solidarity Fund 2026: Apply for Grants of Up to £50,000 to Support International Development and Global Citizenship

The Scottish Government has officially launched the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF), a new funding programme designed to strengthen Scotland’s contribution to international development and global citizenship. Applications are now open for eligible Scottish-based organizations seeking financial support to expand their impact, strengthen their institutions, and build more equitable partnerships with communities around the world.

The Global Solidarity Fund has been created to make government funding more accessible, particularly for smaller organizations, community groups, and diaspora-led initiatives that may have limited experience applying for public funding. Through this initiative, the Scottish Government aims to empower organizations that are making meaningful contributions to sustainable development, global solidarity, and international cooperation.

With grants ranging from £2,000 to £50,000, the programme offers flexible funding opportunities across three different grant streams, allowing organizations to apply for support that best matches their goals and stage of development.

About the Global Solidarity Fund

The Global Solidarity Fund is a Scottish Government initiative that supports organizations working to address global challenges through international development and global citizenship activities.

Rather than focusing solely on financial assistance, the programme seeks to strengthen organizations, encourage locally led development, and promote greater public awareness of global issues. The fund recognizes the important role that small organizations, charities, community groups, and diaspora communities play in building lasting international partnerships and delivering sustainable development outcomes.

A key objective of the fund is to remove barriers that often prevent smaller organizations from accessing government grants. The programme has therefore been designed to be straightforward, supportive, and particularly welcoming to first-time applicants.

Funding Streams Available

Applicants may apply under one of three funding streams, depending on the nature of their organization and project.

1. Scottish Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Strengthening Grant

Maximum Grant: Up to £10,000

This funding stream is designed to strengthen the capacity of small Scottish-based civil society organizations.

The grant supports organizations in becoming:

• Safer
• More resilient
• Better governed
• More effective
• Better equipped to deliver their mission

The funding is available for Scottish-based CSOs working in countries classified as having medium or low levels of development.

Organizations may use the grant to improve their internal systems, governance, operational capacity, safeguarding practices, staff development, and long-term sustainability.

2. Global Citizenship Engagement Grant

Maximum Grant:

• Up to £5,000 for small charities and social enterprises
• Up to £2,000 for unaffiliated groups

This funding stream supports projects that increase public awareness and engagement with global citizenship.

The grant aims to encourage people—primarily within Scotland—to better understand global issues and become active participants in creating a fairer, more sustainable world.

Projects may focus on:

• Public education
• Community engagement
• Awareness campaigns
• Learning activities
• Events promoting global citizenship
• Educational initiatives that encourage international understanding

Although the primary focus is on Scotland, the programme is not limited exclusively to Scottish audiences.

3. Shifting the Power Grant

Maximum Grant: Up to £50,000

The Shifting the Power Grant is the largest funding stream available under the Global Solidarity Fund.

Its purpose is to encourage locally led development by supporting Scottish organizations as they work alongside international partners in equal and collaborative partnerships.

This grant specifically supports Scottish-based CSOs working with organizations in:

• Malawi
• Zambia
• Rwanda

Instead of traditional donor-led development approaches, this funding stream promotes local leadership, shared decision-making, and community ownership of development initiatives.

The grant seeks to strengthen partnerships where local organizations play a leading role in identifying priorities and implementing solutions that best meet the needs of their communities.

Who Should Apply?

The Global Solidarity Fund is intended for organizations that are committed to international development and global citizenship.

Eligible applicants include:

• Scottish civil society organizations
• Small charities
• Social enterprises
• Community groups
• Diaspora-led organizations
• Scottish international NGOs
• Organizations new to Scottish Government funding

The programme is particularly suitable for smaller organizations looking to expand their impact while building stronger institutional capacity.

Why This Fund Matters

Many smaller organizations face significant challenges when trying to access government funding due to limited resources or previous funding experience.

The Global Solidarity Fund seeks to address these barriers by providing an accessible funding opportunity that encourages wider participation across Scotland’s international development sector.

By supporting organizational growth, public engagement, and locally led partnerships, the programme contributes to:

• Stronger civil society organizations
• Sustainable international partnerships
• Increased public understanding of global issues
• Greater community participation
• More equitable development practices
• Long-term organizational resilience

Learn More Through the Official Webinar

To help prospective applicants prepare strong applications, the Scottish Government has made an official information webinar available online.

The webinar provides detailed guidance on:

• The purpose of the Global Solidarity Fund
• Eligibility requirements
• Available funding streams
• Application process
• Assessment criteria
• How to use the Flexi-Grant application platform
• Frequently asked questions from applicants

The session is led by representatives from the Scottish Government together with NIRAS, the appointed fund managers responsible for administering the programme.

Applicants who are unfamiliar with the funding programme are strongly encouraged to watch the webinar before submitting their applications.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Global Solidarity Fund’s online Flexi-Grant portal.

Applicants should carefully review the guidance notes, select the most appropriate funding stream, and prepare all required supporting information before completing their application.

Application Portal: APPLY HERE

For more grants opportunities visit OFY Website HEREQ

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for the Scottish Government Global Solidarity Fund is:

10 August 2026

Late applications may not be considered, so interested organizations are encouraged to begin preparing their applications as early as possible.

Conclusion

The launch of the Scottish Government’s Global Solidarity Fund represents an important investment in international development and global citizenship. By offering grants of up to £50,000, the programme provides Scottish-based organizations with the resources needed to strengthen their operations, deepen international partnerships, and support locally led development initiatives.

Whether your organization is seeking to improve its institutional capacity, educate communities about global citizenship, or build stronger partnerships with organizations in Malawi, Zambia, or Rwanda, the Global Solidarity Fund offers an accessible opportunity to secure meaningful financial support.

Organizations that meet the eligibility requirements should review the funding guidance, watch the official webinar, and submit their applications before the 10 August 2026 deadline to maximize their chances of receiving funding.