Scottish Veterans Fund opens

The £200,000 Scottish Veterans Fund is now open for bids from projects that improve the lives of former service personnel and their families.

The 2020/21 fund, supported by the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen, will also consider projects that recognise the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Since the fund’s inception in 2008 more than 170 projects have been supported receiving more than £1.6 million.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said:

“Our veterans community is an asset to society and deserves the best possible care and support which is why I am delighted to announce the opening of the Scottish Veterans Fund.

“This year, as usual, we will be looking to support projects which provide unique and innovative approaches to aiding our veterans community.

“In addition - and in recognition of the significant impact of coronavirus - we are also looking to support projects that are rising to the challenge of safely providing support for veterans and their families despite lockdown restrictions.”

Sandy MacDonald, head of corporate sustainability at Standard Life Aberdeen, said:

“As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and holders of the Gold Award from the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we take our commitment to our Armed Forces seriously and value their contribution immensely.

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with the Scottish Government and Veterans Scotland to support the Scottish Veterans Fund and help veterans and their families to thrive after their military service, for the benefit of our communities and our civilian workforce.” 

Executive Chairman of Veterans Scotland Chris Hughes said:

“We are delighted to see the continuation of this support to those leaving the Service, veterans and their families. It is particularly welcome and important in the current difficult circumstances and additional challenges faced by all in that community and more widely.”

Background

The Scottish Veterans Fund is particularly aimed at helping the veterans community overcome disadvantage experienced as a result of service, as well as supporting projects that help veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life.

The funding available for this year totals £200,000 with £120,000 from the Scottish Government and £80,000 from Standard Life Aberdeen. The funding provided by Scottish Government will be maintained at its current level until at least 2022-23.

Bids received for the Scottish Veterans Fund are assessed by an independent panel which is selected and chaired by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.

Applications forms and guidance will be available shortly on the Veterans Scotland website and applications close on 30 November.

Contact details and information on support for bids can be found on the Veterans Scotland website http://www.veteransscotland.co.uk