The Gateway Exchange Fund

About this fund

This fund was created to continue the work of the original Gateway Exchange - a centre in Edinburgh which in the 1980s offered help and support to those returning to the community from prisons and mental health institutions or recovering from drug addiction. The emphasis was on recognising that each individual has potential. This was encouraged particularly through use of the arts and creative self-expression, also through building a strong and connected sense of community. 

The Gateway Exchange Fund seeks applications which are in line with this spirit of creating innovative solutions to situations which challenge the individual’s sense of worth and identity.  

No matter what path we have walked in life we all have within us a seed of innate potential.  Through partnership and working together this seed can be helped to blossom and benefit both present and future generations.

Purpose of this fund

This fund will support activity across Scotland that empowers people to move on with their lives and fulfil their potential, where they would otherwise not have the opportunity. Priority will be given to:

• Projects which help prisoners or ex-prisoners
• Projects which help those in recovery from drug addiction
• Mental health projects
• Projects supporting refugees and asylum seekers
• Projects supporting women and men recovering from sexual abuse

Who can apply?

All applicants must meet Foundation Scotland's Common eligibility criteria, please check this list before starting your application. 

We don't have a specific income cap, but should there be competition for funding then smaller, grassroots organisations will be given priority.  

What can’t be funded?

Please read through What we can't fund page, these exclusions apply to all Foundation Scotland funds.

How are decisions made?

For more details on our assessment processes please visit How funding decisions are made.