The Funding Situation of DPOs in Scotland: Insights from Building Our Future
On 30 October 2025, Inclusion Scotland brought together Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and disabled people from across Scotland for Building Our Future: Funding Opportunities and Fundraising Masterclass. It was a morning full of practical advice, honest conversations, and forward-thinking ideas, all aimed at one goal: ensuring Scotland’s DPOs have the resources and support to drive forward disability rights.
Why funding matters
For DPOs, funding is about sustaining a movement, empowering disabled people to lead, and ensuring that voices of lived experience and expertise from every corner of Scotland are heard. Yet, many DPOs face unprecedented challenges including a dearth of funding, short-term funding, and limited project-based grants and no extra funding for essential accessibility costs. All this makes sustainability and long-term planning nearly impossible.
One participant summed it up perfectly: “The cost of making an event inclusive is double – funders don’t factor this in.”
The challenges are real
The event did not shy away from tough conversations. Barriers are both practical and structural. Rural and smaller organisations often struggle with distance, limited networks, and minimal staff capacity. At the same time, societal attitudes and embedded ableism mean disabled people are frequently underestimated, even in leadership roles. DPOs find themselves competing with larger charities for scarce resources, adding stress and tension across the sector.
Despite these obstacles, the discussion was far from pessimistic. Participants explored creative solutions and shared strategies for building a sustainable future.
Opportunities and solutions
Collaboration, diversification, and innovation were recurring themes throughout the morning. Working together allows DPOs to amplify their voices, reduce duplication, and build solidarity. Diversifying funding streams – from legacies to community giving and niche audiences – can help create stability and independence. Mentorship from larger organisations was highlighted as another powerful way to support smaller DPOs, offering guidance on grant applications, fundraising, and organisational development.
A particularly promising idea that emerged was the creation of a disabled-led funding hub. This centralised hub would provide support, share knowledge, and coordinate opportunities for DPOs across Scotland, potentially transforming equity, empowerment, and sustainability in the sector.
Learning from Experts
The fundraising masterclass provided practical guidance on accessing diverse funding sources, maintaining donor relationships, and embedding accessibility in every aspect of fundraising. Experts also emphasised the importance of planning strategically in a challenging economic climate, particularly given rising costs and recruitment shortages.
The National Lottery Community Fund highlighted the variety of funding opportunities available, from smaller grants that support local initiatives to larger UK-wide programmes for transformative impact. These programmes are designed not only to fund projects but also to improve inclusivity, tackle poverty and disadvantage, and create lasting change in communities.
Moving forward
The event left participants with clear actions and inspiration. DPOs were encouraged to explore alternative funding approaches beyond traditional grants, strengthen alliances and mentorship across the sector, and advocate for funders to understand the social model of disability and the real costs of inclusion. Co-developing a disabled-led funding hub was identified as a crucial step to improve equity and sustainability across Scotland.
Building Our Future highlighted the resilience, creativity, and commitment of Scotland’s DPOs. Funding challenges are real, but through collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment, the sector can build a stronger, more empowered future. For DPOs and disabled people, this is about more than money – it’s about creating a Scotland where disabled people can lead, influence, and thrive.
What has Inclusion Scotland done since the event
The conversations at Building Our Future have led directly to action. In December, Inclusion Scotland hosted a follow-up online session focused on the Scottish Government’s Improving Access Fund (managed by Inspiring Scotland), responding to DPOs’ need for practical, timely support to access available funding.
This session was open to Disabled People’s Organisations and disabled-led grassroots groups. It introduced the Fund, outlined its priorities, and offered space for questions, shared learning, and connection. Colleagues from Inspiring Scotland joined the session to provide clear guidance and answer questions directly.
This follow-up reflects Inclusion Scotland’s commitment to supporting our member DPOs beyond discussion and helping turn funding opportunities into real change. The Improving Access Fund closes on 19 January, and we encourage groups considering an application to apply as soon as possible.
More information on the Improving Access Fund can be found at https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/improving-access-fund/
Improving Access Fund – Questions and answers
Q1: Can we apply for funding for ongoing work where current funding is ending?
A: No. Applications should focus on enhancing work, increasing reach, or expanding services, not just continuing existing work.
Q2: How do we include service user voices – eg autistic voices and neurodivergent perspectives?
A:
– Engage with your members and groups for ideas include this approach in application if using co production
– Coproduction is key – balance what you want to deliver with what people say they need.
Q3: What about rural areas and minority voices?
A:
– Geographic spread is a challenge.
– Large delivery areas mean travel costs will be significant – include these in your budget.
Q4: What is the deadline and why is it tight?
A:
– Deadline: 19 January 2026.
– It’s close because of election dates.
– Fund opened on 7 November.
Q5: Can applicants get help with their ideas?
A:
– Yes. Share ideas with Inspiring Scotland’s funding team.
– Book support sessions via the link on their website.
– They can help write applications.
– Connect with Inclusion Scotland to explore ideas and to connect with other DPOs
Q6: What if assistive tech doesn’t work for me?
A:
– The funding team can support applicants with tech issues.
– For example, audio submissions are allowed for accessibility.
Q7: Can an organisation submit more than one application?
A:
– No, only one application per organisation.
– If you have multiple ideas, speak to the funding team to choose the best one.
Q8: We work in multiple areas – what about the postcode question?
A:
– Postcode is just for where you’re applying from.
– It’s not used for selection.
– You can select all relevant areas in the form.
Q9: Do we need to specify posts for salaries?
A:
– No need to list specific posts.
– You can request a total amount for salaries.
– Use the budget box to explain your outline.
Q10: What about accessibility costs?
A:
– Include costs for venues, BSL, communication support, etc.
– These costs can be high – factor them in fully.
