Scotch Whisky Action Fund

About this fund

The Scotch Whisky industry is and has been involved for many years in a range of initiatives to promote responsible attitudes to alcohol and tackle alcohol-related harm. The establishment of this fund by the Scotch Whisky Association is a further development of that commitment.

We highly recommend reading this brilliant report covering the first five years of the fund, including details of over 40 organisations who received funding. View a copy of SWAF -The First Five Years

Purpose of this fund

To invest in groups and organisations with innovative plans to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm in Scotland's communities.  The alcohol industry plays an important role in Scottish society and Scotch Whisky is at the heart of the industry.  However, the misuse of alcohol through excessive or inappropriate consumption can have implications for health and a range of social problems, including anti-social behaviour, accidents, violence, family breakdown, problems with money and work, which can impact individuals, families and communities.

The Fund supports targeted interventions designed to tackle alcohol-related harms in Scotland’s communities. New initiatives and pilot projects that test out innovative approaches designed to reduce alcohol-related harm are of particular interest to the Fund. 

Please note the fund is not for the treatment, support or recovery from a current or historic addiction to alcohol as per the exclusions below.  28% of applications submitted in the recent round were ineligible or did not meet the criteria outlined.  The fund is for education, awareness raising, and prevention of alcohol misuse with innovative plans to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm in Scotland's communities, and supporting family members who are affected by someone else's addiction and for those at potential risk of misusing alcohol.  For more details please click on the link below in the orange banner 'previously funded projects'. 

Projects which secure funding under the Fund, and can demonstrate an impact, could receive further funding of up to £25,000 per annum to support their initiative. The Fund can consider supporting projects for a maximum of three years. Foundation Scotland will contact eligible projects directly when the time comes; you cannot apply for three years funding upfront, this is done annually.   

Additional criteria

There is £100,000 available to distribute in grants. This is a highly competitive fund with around a 27% success rate.

You must tell us how you plan to evaluate your project.

Who can apply?

All applicants must fit Foundation Scotland's funding criteria. Before progressing your application please visit Common Eligibility Criteria

What can’t be funded?

At Foundation Scotland we have some standard exclusions that apply to all funds. Before progressing with your application please visit What we can't fund 

In addition, for the Scotch Whisky Action Fund, we cannot process applications for:

• Any projects for the treatment, support or recovery from a current or historic addiction to alcohol
• Pre-existing costs your organisation incurs as a result of your day-to-day activities

How are decisions made?

A panel made up of a Foundation Scotland Trustee and at least two representatives of Foundation Scotland’s Grants committee, chaired by a Trustee appointed by the Scotch Whisky Association, will meet once a year to make decisions on grant recommendations.

The decisions of the Panel will be reached by consensus. All decisions will be ratified by a Foundation Scotland Trustee and are final. For more details please visit how decisions are made.