Supporting Change | Carers Fund Opens for Applications

24 Jun 2026

The National Lottery Community Fund has launched Supporting Change – Carers, a programme designed to tackle the health inequalities experienced by unpaid carers across Scotland.

Grants of £500,000 to £2 million are available for projects lasting five to ten years. Organisations can apply for up to £50,000 development funding to help shape proposals, then after you’ve spent this money, you can apply for up to £1,950,000 to run your project.   

The fund supports systems-change projects that create long-term improvements for carers rather than direct service delivery. Priority areas include:

• Supporting carers through major life transitions.
• Improving identification of carers and access to support.
• Addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged carers.
• Increasing recognition and value of unpaid care.

Applications must be submitted by a partnership of organisations, with strong involvement from people with lived experience of caring.

The programme operates through a two-stage application process, and organisations must discuss their proposal with the Fund before applying.

Deadline for Stage 1 is 15 July 2026.

Further guidance and eligibility details are available from the National Lottery Community Fund.