Launch of £7 million Equality and Human Rights Fund

A new £7 million fund has been announced to improve equality and human rights in Scotland

It will support work which advances human rights, promotes equality and tackles discrimination around age, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability and race.

The fund will remain open for applications from today until 14 May, and will cover projects over the next three years up to 2024.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said:

“This fund will support the vital efforts of expert organisations to break down barriers, empower individuals and communities, and build a fairer Scotland which has equality and human rights at its heart.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted those who already experience inequality, and shone a light on the systemic and structural inequalities that continue to permeate society.

“We want to see a Scotland which is inclusive, free from discrimination, where the human rights of everyone are respected, protected and fulfilled.”

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, which will manage the fund, said:

“There has never been a more important time to focus our efforts on advancing equality and human rights in Scotland. 

“We know that collaboration will be key to the success of this fund and we are looking forward to working and learning with partners across sectors, to embed equality and human rights into policy and practice, support people to exercise their rights, and live free from discrimination.”

Successful applicants will be notified by July with funding being made available in October 2021.

Background

Details of the fund and how to apply can be found here.

The Fund will provide £7 million for 2021/22. Funding for future years will be dependent upon the Annual Spending Review and Scottish Budget.

The Equality and Human Rights Fund comes in addition to Delivering Equally Safe, which is a £13 million fund to support frontline organisations to tackle violence against women and girls as well as projects that broaden access to support survivors.

The Equality and Human Rights Fund will align with the emerging Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy which is currently under development. Successful applications will help identify where there are gaps in service provision and how they can be addressed, as well as highlighting good practice.