The Wellbeing Fund aims to support organisations across the third sector that are providing important services to people who are most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This forms part of a £350 million package from the Scottish Government.  

This round of funding opened for applications on 8th May 2020. To be considered for funding, applications must be received by noon on 22nd May 2020.

1. Your activity should be focused on working with at risk groups with new needs which are not currently being met by existing services 

2. Your activity should be focused on providing vital wellbeing support on issues such as mental health, personal finances, employment, housing, food, physical health and home life. 

3. Your activity should be focused on immediate and emerging forms of support 

Organisations that were unsuccessful in the previous round are allowed to apply again if the issues that made the application unsuccessful have been resolved and the project meets the criteria of the fund.

VANL is working closely with SCVO and other funders on the Wellbeing Fund process. Below are some tips that have been based on issues that has made applications in the previous round ineligible or unsuccessful. 

• Don’t apply for less or more than what is stated in the guidance notes. This will make your application ineligible.
• Make sure the documents you upload match the information in your application. If you are applying under the name of ‘group A’ don’t upload a constitution for ‘group B’.
• If you are applying as a new group and do not have a full set of signed accounts yet. Upload your draft accounts. If you do not have a draft set of accounts then upload a financial projection of income and expenditure.
• Make sure the bank statement you upload is the group’s bank statement. A personal bank statement is a big no.
• If possible, it is best to include an estimate of how many people you think your service will benefit. This makes the level of reach clear to the assessor meaning that the assessor doesn’t have to draw on any conclusions.
• It is good to demonstrate partnership working. The funder expects the Covid-19 response to be coordinated with minimal duplication. It is difficult to tick this box if you are working in isolation.
• Be sure to read and understand the guidance notes.