people’s postcode lottery –
scotland grant programme
In 2024, Sported distributed funding on behalf of the People’s Postcode Lottery to sports clubs and community groups in areas of high deprivation in Scotland, which deliver sport for young people, with a wider social purpose.
This Scotland-only pilot was designed to address a well-evidenced funding gap affecting small, volunteer-led sports organisations, particularly in rural areas and in communities experiencing the highest levels of deprivation.
Many of these organisations have historically found it challenging to access mainstream funding and lack the administrative capacity to pursue larger, more complex grants.
The programme offered 100 unrestricted grants of £1,000, each intended to strengthen the capacity of grassroots sport groups delivering positive social outcomes for young people under the age of 25.
Priority was given to those working with underrepresented groups, including women and girls, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, racially diverse communities, LGBTQ+ youth, and young people with disabilities.
Programme impact
Reach and impact of the grants was considerable
87%
of groups agreed the grant had increased their capacity to deliver more activities
7,500+
young people were supported by the fund
2,373
young people were able to join activities for the first time
30
young people with physical disabilities aged between 12-18 took part in the ‘Dynamic Youth Award’
Grantee statements
“The grant reduced financial pressure on our organisation, allowing us to focus on programme delivery rather than survival.”
“The project offers a safe, consistent alternative to anti-social behaviour on a Friday night — helping keep young people positively engaged.”
“More people felt better connected and reduced levels of social isolation & loneliness due to the weekly activity bringing people together.”
