The SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund will award grants up to a maximum value of £2,000 to organisations who commit to deliver a project that meets at least one of five criteria, namely:

• Sustainability and the environment
• Employability and career skills
• Social inclusion
• Technology and digital inclusion
• Improving the local community

Mike Smith, Head of SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “Through this new fund we aim to contribute to initiatives that will benefit people across Scotland, including our landlord, letting agent and tenant customers and their wider communities. From enhancing play areas to planting trees, and from providing isolated individuals with social opportunities and helping young people prepare for work, these are the types of project we hope to support.”

Grants will be awarded on a quarterly basis and interested parties are invited to submit an application by one of the following dates, to be considered for the subsequent funding round:

• Friday 30th June 2023
• Friday 29th September 2023
• Friday 29th December 2023
• Friday 15th March 2024

The SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund’s rules and guidance outline in more detail what can and cannot be funded, and the requirements of any organisation applying for funding. A set of FAQs has also been prepared for members of the general public who require further information on the SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund.

The SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund is a completely separate initiative to the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, which continues with its specific aims of awarding grants to projects that promote education, training and best practice in Scotland’s private rented sector.