The Gateway Exchange 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. 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, and projects supporting women and men recovering from sexual abuse. The Fund usually makes around 2-4 grant awards per year.