Scottish Government Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund

Document research last revised 2026-08-24.

Expected Number of Awards

Up to 10 third sector organisations

Next Opening Date

Not announced. The Scottish Government states that funding is expected to continue and move to a multi-year basis from 2027/28, subject to future confirmation.

Funding Period

Funding is available for 2026/27. Future multi-year funding from 2027/28 is subject to confirmation.

Partnership Applications

Partnerships are eligible. All partner organisations must meet the eligibility criteria, and the partnership should have an agreement or memorandum of understanding setting out each partner's role.

Geographical Eligibility

Activities must take place in Scotland. Organisations must be able to deliver services across at least two local authority areas or demonstrate an operating model capable of reaching large or multiple communities. (Scottish Government)

Eligible Beneficiaries

Families living in poverty or at risk of poverty, with a particular focus on children and families most at risk of poverty.

Eligible Activities

Whole Family Support including practical help, financial advice, emotional support and joined-up support delivered at the right time and in the right places. (Scottish Government)

Key Programme Focus

Early intervention and prevention, holistic whole-family support, partnership working, community-based delivery and support addressing the drivers of child poverty.

Key Organisational Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to operate nationally or across multiple local authority areas, reach significant numbers of children and families living in or at greatest risk of poverty, and provide evidence of existing capacity and capability or access to capacity through partners. (Scottish Government)

Targeting Requirements

Proposals must target low-income households and families most at risk of poverty and demonstrate a positive impact on one or more of the six priority family types.

Policy Alignment

Proposals must align with the third Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures, and the National Principles of Holistic Whole Family Support, Getting it right for everyone, Getting it right for every child, the Place Principle and the National Standards for Community Engagement. (Scottish Government)

Objectives

To increase third sector capacity to deliver Whole Family Support, provide joined-up support to families living in or at risk of poverty, improve outcomes for children and families, and contribute to the Scottish Government's goal of ending child poverty. (Scottish Government)

Environmental & EDI Requirements

Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of community needs and ensure that services are shaped by place, community and existing provision. Applicants must also consider the needs of families experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

Monitoring & Evaluation Requirements

Applicants must provide robust monitoring and evaluation plans with clearly defined measures. Successful organisations must capture and share learning generated through delivery with the Scottish Government and partner networks. (Scottish Government)

Value for Money

Applications must fully cost proposed plans and demonstrate value for money in accordance with the Scottish Public Finance Manual. (Scottish Government)

Important Notes

The fund is closed to applications. The Scottish Government expects funding to continue and move to a multi-year basis from 2027/28, but this is subject to future confirmation. The application window closed on 7 May 2026, and the fund received 88 applications. Funding awards were expected to be confirmed over summer 2026. (Scottish Government)

Application deadline in source document

7 May 2026 at midnight

Official source

Read the funding authority guidance