Discover Funding Opportunities

Production Growth Fund

The Production Growth Fund aims to draw large scale film and TV productions into Scotland. The fund is designed to create inclusive employment opportunities for crews in Scotland, encourage the use of production facilities in Scotland, and support diversified skills development and progression. The fund supports live-action and animated features, and live-action and animated high-end television drama or factual returnable series that demonstrate the ability to create employment and career development opportunities for crew based in Scotland, use and develop production infrastructure in Scotland, work with facilities companies based in Scotland, and deliver a direct and significant economic benefit to the screen production sector in Scotland. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the fund has been fully allocated in each financial year. Applicants must have an eligible screen project which is in an advanced stage of development and financing, and should be aiming to commence budgeted prep within 12 weeks of a funding decision being made. A minimum Scottish spend of £2,000,000 is required to meet the criteria.

Film Development and Production Fund

The Film Development and Production Fund exists to offer development and production funding for feature length films and documentaries being made by filmmakers based in Scotland. This fund can support Single Project Development Funding for initial development costs of a single feature film or documentary project, as well as Film Production Funding for production costs. The aim of this funding is to support filmmakers who are working in live-action, animation and documentary, to develop a range of feature film projects across all genres that reflect Scotland's culture, creativity and diversity. The fund supports projects with international appeal that have the potential to be distinctive, high-quality and commercially and/or creatively-driven, as well as projects that enable artists and filmmakers to take risks creatively. As part of a two-year pilot, the BFI Diversity Standards are part of the eligibility criteria for all applications to ensure a more representative and inclusive Scottish film industry.

BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund

The BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund awards National Lottery funding to support the exhibition and distribution of nationally significant audience-facing independent film and immersive projects. The fund supports ambitious, audience-facing film and immersive projects activity that brings independent UK and international films to audiences across the UK in a dynamic and original way. Projects must be high-profile and able to attract national press and media coverage. With a focus on increasing access and encouraging audiences to take risks in the viewing choices they make, supported projects will grow the participation of audiences that are representative of the UK population. Equal priority is given to the cultural and social ambitions of projects. The fund supports organisations with multi-year and short-term projects as well as smaller pilot projects from organisations new to the fund. Supported activity also includes sector-facing projects that support the industry to adapt, innovate and develop ambition and resilience.

Organisation Grants

Variety's Organisation Grants provide equipment funding to youth clubs and other organizations supporting disadvantaged young people through informal education, positive activity, and skills development. The program supports youth clubs affiliated with national youth organizations to acquire essential equipment that enables young people to play, learn, have fun, develop a sense of community and participation, foster peer relationships and understand the world around them. Equipment grants cover items costing more than £1,000 including sports and gym equipment, computers and IT equipment, photography and film equipment, consoles and games, arts and crafts materials, and musical instruments and recording equipment. Note: The program is currently not accepting new applications due to increasing demand for individual grants for wheelchairs and special equipment for children.

Now on Earth Youth Adventure Grant

The Now on Earth Youth Adventure Grant is designed to enable young adults to undertake adventurous expeditions that help develop self-confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing. The grant is intended to support those who would otherwise struggle to finance their adventure. A significant role in the organisation of any trip is considered a key part of the learning experience, so grants are not awarded to individuals seeking to partake in organised trips, races, courses or events. The grant supports human-powered expeditions involving physical exertion with clearly defined goals that are as original as possible and span a minimum of 3 days. Expeditions must be self-organised and recorded afterwards in a blog post with photographs or film format for sharing on the website and social media. Applications for adventures with purpose (environmental, social etc) and close to home UK-based expeditions receive extra scoring points. Grant awards generally range between £100-£500 depending on the expedition, although potentially more in a minority of cases. The expedition must take place within 12 months of the grant being awarded. The grant is currently closed with plans for the next fundraiser in June/July 2026.