Guidelines Update – August 2025
Please note, the significant change to these guidelines is the change from two further funding rounds to one further round with a new deadline .
Friday 19 September and Monday 12 January are no longer live deadlines. This is due to high demand on the fund at the first deadline in April 2024.
The one remaining deadline for this fund in 2025/26 is Thursday 13 November 2025 . Please refer to the when can I apply section below for more detail and the new dates.
We anticipate relaunching the fund in April 2026, with new guidance, for activity taking place from 1 September 2026.
Access and Support
Creative Scotland is committed to offering clear and accessible application processes that are open to everyone. We have several ways of supporting you to make your application.
Alternative Formats and Languages
Our published materials, including funding guidance and application forms, can be made available in other formats as required. We can accept applications and supporting materials written in English, Gaelic or Scots.
To request materials in other formats or languages contact our Enquiries Service by emailing: [email protected]
If you are a d/Deaf BSL user, you can access our services with the Contact Scotland-BSL programme. Visit www.contactscotland-bsl.org for more information.
Access Support to make an application
We can help cover the cost of services that support you in applying for our funding.
Access support is available to individuals or the lead applicant of a group who are defined as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 , such as:
To find out what support is available, and how to request it please visit the Access Support section of our website .
If you have any questions, email us at: [email protected]
Contacting our Enquiries Service
If you require technical support, further information or have any other queries, contact our Enquiries Service by emailing: [email protected]
What is the Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund?
This fund supports organisations based in Scotland who produce and deliver film festivals and public screening programmes. It prioritises activity that addresses underserved and underrepresented audiences , and projects that align with our Focus Areas .
Key details:
What’s new for 2025/2026?
BFI Diversity Standards: After our pilot in 2022-2024 we are now implementing the BFI Diversity Standards - Screen Scotland . All applicants to this fund need to evidence they have made an application to the BFI Diversity Standards prior to applying to us. For more information, please read the BFI Diversity Standards section of this document.
Screen Scotland’s Audience Development Goals
We support film festivals and screening programmes that:
Learn more about the Screen Scotland Strategy .
Our work aligns with Creative Scotland’s Funding Criteria, including Quality and Ambition, Engagement, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Environmental Sustainability, Fair Work and International. Learn more on the Strategic Framework and Funding Criteria section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Who can apply?
This fund is open to organisations based in Scotland that will produce film festivals and/or curated screening programmes for public audiences in Scotland and meet the fund’s aims and eligibility criteria.
Key requirements:
If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact [email protected]
If you’re applying for the first time , we highly recommend meeting with the Audience Development team to discuss your project before beginning your application. This is not part of the assessment but offers a chance to ask questions, get advice and clarify the application process. To arrange a meeting, email [email protected]
Who cannot apply?
If any of the above is the primary focus of your activity, please contact the Enquiries Service who will advise further or connect you with the relevant Screen Scotland department (e.g. Screen Education or Screen Skills) by emailing [email protected] Important Note for New Festivals and Screening Programmes:
If you are a new festival or screening programme without a track record, or if your team lacks festival management experience, you are encouraged to explore other funding options to build experience before turning to this fund. Other Support Available:
For more details on these funding opportunities and support, visit the Other Funding and Support section of our website.
When can I apply?
This fund supports activity happening between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026 and up to 31 August 2027 for applicants for Development Funding .
Application Deadline:
Decision by:
24 April 2025
26 June 2025
13 November 2025
30 January 2026
Key points:
As such, late applications will not be accepted. We anticipate relaunching the fund in April 2026, with new guidance, for activity taking place from 1 September 2026.
How much can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for £15,000 to £45,000 (if applying for Development Funding, this amount is per year ).
You may apply for personal access costs for the team delivering the project. If this raises your funding request above £45,000 and is in line with Creative Scotland guidelines those costs will still be eligible for funding. For more information on what qualifies as personal access costs, visit the Access Support section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Looking for under £15,000?
Consider Film Hub Scotland’s Film Exhibition Fund which has a simpler, faster application process.
Co-Funding Requirements
At least 30% of your budget should be from other sources (e.g. public funders, sponsorship, box office, private foundations, partnerships). This can be cash or in-kind support. Established festivals are expected to secure a higher percentage.
If securing co-funding is a challenge, contact us before applying. While co-funding does not need to be confirmed before you apply, we may ask for confirmation later.
For additional information and help with budgets, visit the Help With Your Budget section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Due to demand, it is possible that not all eligible applications will be funded.
What activity and costs can the fund support?
The fund supports film festival and screening programmes that are open to the public.
This fund is project funding, not core organisational funding. However, we encourage using the fund to cover core costs that directly relate to the delivery of your project and development of your team and organisation during the project dates.
We encourage you to secure additional funding from other sources, such as sponsors, partners, charities, private or other public funding, to help deliver and expand your programme.
Please consider how our funding will also enable your organisation’s development – including having a strong team, developing good working practices, and working towards sustainable development.
The fund can support project costs including:
Access costs: Such as closed captioning and/or remote captioning, BSL interpretation, audio description, accessibility audit and consultants etc.
Organisational development: Strategic planning, partnership building, board recruitment, and policy development.
Important: Costs incurred before funding confirmation are not eligible for support.
For more details on our deadline and decision times, please see the When Can I Apply? Section.
Development Funding – two-year funding support
Screen Scotland is offering a one-time opportunity for applicants to request additional funding for activity taking place before 31 August 2027 .
This should cover two editions of a festival and/or up to two years screening programme activity. This will be considered in addition to your application for activity up to 31 August 2026.
Who can apply?
Established festivals or screening programmes may apply if they meet the following criteria:
Proven Track Record: You have successfully run at least two editions of your festival or screening programme within the last three years, demonstrating successful audience engagement. You must be a previous recipient of Screen Scotland Film Festival & Screening Programme Funding within the last three years.
Accessibility: There should be a clear, measurable, and growing, commitment to accessibility within your programme. At a minimum 20% of your activity must offer Closed Captions/Subtitles for the Hard of Hearing, Audio Description, physical accessibility and clear plans to reach an audience who will benefit from this provision. If applicants are operating at or near this minimum, they should demonstrate how they will use the project time to grow their accessibility over the two years.
Co-Financing Plan: You must plan to secure at least 30% of your budget from other sources (e.g. sponsorships, partnerships, ticket sales). If operating at or near this minimum, applicants should demonstrate how they will use the project time to increase their ability to secure further co-financing.
How We Assess Applications for Development Funding
We will prioritise applicants based on:
You do not need to submit a programme for the second year . However, if your event will significantly change in scale, location, or funding needs , you must outline this.
Important notes
If you’re approved for Development Funding , you must:
Submit a budget for the second year
Submit an evaluation of your activity and a financial report halfway through the project
Attend a development meeting with Screen Scotland halfway through the project.
Development Funding recipients cannot apply to the Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund in 2026 for the same project.
This is developmental support for ongoing projects. It is not suitable for one-off activity that is not planned to repeat after the project end date. There must be significant public facing activity in both years.
How to apply
Applications to Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund should be made through the Application Form available in the Guidance and Downloads section and submitted by email to [email protected]
Before applying, make sure you read these fund guidelines and the application form in full and ensure you and your project meet the eligibility criteria before starting an application. Please pay particular attention to the Who Can Apply section of this guidance.
If you have any questions about the guidance or application form, or need additional support, contact our Enquiries Service by emailing: [email protected]
First Time Applicants
If you’re applying for the first time, we highly recommend meeting with the Audience Development team to discuss your project before beginning your application. This is not part of the assessment but offers a chance to ask questions, get advice, and clarify the process.
To arrange a meeting, email [email protected]
Supporting Material
You should submit the following information with your application:
The above should be sent by email to [email protected]
In the application form you will be asked for details of:
What criteria will we use to assess your application?
We assess applications based on how well they align with Screen Scotland’s Audience Development Priorities and will be assessed against the following Creative Scotland Funding Criteria :
Quality and Ambition
We fund high-quality, distinctive cultural events that provide unique experiences for audiences in Scotland. Projects should be well-planned, audience-focused, and avoid duplicating existing events and services.
We will assess if your project demonstrates:
Engagement
Projects should actively reach audiences who are underrepresented in cinema audiences in Scotland and remove barriers to participation.
We will assess if your project:
Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
We expect EDI principles to be embedded both in the public activity and working practices.
Inclusion is about creating opportunities for people to work in, engage with, participate in, and experience arts and creativity throughout the country.
We will assess how projects:
Demonstrate commitment to and consideration of EDI principles throughout development, planning and delivery of activity, including within the creative programme, key staff and delivery team, and accessibility of activities
All applicants must complete the BFI Diversity Standards assessment before applying. All applicants to this fund must apply to the Diversity Standards before making an application.
For more information read the BFI Diversity Standards section of this document.
Read more about what this fund considers to be underrepresented groups Who are Underrepresented Groups? section.
Learn more on the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Environmental Sustainability
Film exhibitors can play an important role in Scotland’s transition to net zero.
We will assess how your project:
Learn more on the Environmental Sustainability section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Fair Work
We expect fair pay, respect, and opportunity for all workers in your project. Fair Work is defined in line with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First policy .
Your application should show:
Fair Work applied to everyone you work with, including all staff, freelancers, volunteers, consultants, and speakers/performers. Fair Work principles can also be extended to partners and participants, depending on the scope of your project.
How Effective Voice operates in your organisation and this project, including how you provide channels for of workers to speak individually and collectively, the right to be heard for the purpose of open, constructive dialogue and routes such as trade union recognition.
All salaries and fees must include hourly or daily rate in the budget. This includes speakers and freelancers. You will be asked to confirm that you pay at least the Real Living Wage to employees and that your team have Effective Voice.
Learn more on the Fair Work section of Creative Scotland’s website.
International (optional)
While International working is not funded through this fund, we are keen to hear about activities that:
If including international work, explain how it aligns with EDI, Fair Work, and sustainability goals.
Learn more on the International section of Creative Scotland’s website.
Budget
The Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund is for project funding, not core organisational funding.
However, you can use the funding for core costs that directly relate to your project, such as office rental, overheads, staff training related to the project, staffing, etc. if they happen during the project dates. For more information, read the what activity and costs can the fund support? section.
The budget should cover the entire project period which can include:
Please note that Screen Scotland funds cannot be used for costs accrued before the funding is agreed. This is the ‘decision by’ date for your chosen deadline. If you have included costs from before this date, you must explain how they are financed.
As well as all relevant expenditure and income, the application budget and finance plan should include:
Projected ticket (or other sales) income and how this is generated (e.g. 2,000 tickets at £5 = £10,000; 100 passes at £20 = £2,000).
Profit, surplus or underspend:
The finance plan and budget included in your application should balance. We cannot fund projects expecting to make a profit.
If you earn more income than expected, or if there’s money left over after the project, show this in the final budget submitted within the End of Project Monitoring Form . If the project has made a profit, we may reduce any remaining payments from Creative Scotland/Screen Scotland accordingly, or you might need to repay part of the funding. If profits are not disclosed, we may ask for a financial audit.
The same process applies if you have underspent on your planned activity and have more income (including all sources of funding/income) than costs.
If you find during the project that you will have an unexpected profit or an underspend, please ensure that all expenses are accounted for, and that all staff or freelancers have been paid appropriately. If there is still surplus, contact us to discuss the best way to manage this.
Reporting:
Projects are reported using our End of Project Monitoring Form. Screen Scotland holds 25% of the award until the project reporting has been submitted and approved.
When you budget for and report your project, make sure to include all relevant costs for the project period, including any pending payments you plan to make after the last part of our funding is received.
BFI Diversity Standards
The BFI Diversity Standards are a framework designed to improve representation and equality in the screen industry. Screen Scotland has adopted these standards, ensuring more diversity and inclusion in Scotland’s screen sector.
Working together, the BFI and Screen Scotland have incorporated some Scotland-specific criteria to help make projects more representative of the Scottish population.
If you’re applying to the Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund, you must first apply for the BFI Diversity Standards and provide proof of application. You don’t need to pass the standards before applying to our fund but passing is required to receive funding. However, meeting the standards does not guarantee funding - it’s just one part of the assessment.
Learn more on the BFI Diversity Standards section of our website.
Who are Underrepresented Groups?
All applications to the Film Festival & Screening Programme fund must include activity for at least one underrepresented group, although this does not have to be your whole audience.
The term underrepresented groups relate to those that are discriminated against due to one or more protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
Protected Characteristics (Equalities Act 2010):
People Facing Additional Barriers in Scotland’s Screen Sector
Screen Scotland also recognises challenges faced by other groups, including:
Regional Representation
We define underrepresented areas as locations with:
Focus Areas in 2025/2026
We will support activity that is by and for the above-mentioned underrepresented groups. In addition, in 2025/2026 we have particular focus areas which we are prioritising that are outlined on the following page. This is partly in recognition that these groups are not well represented in activity currently/previously supported by this fund.
We will still accept applications that meet the fund criteria in other ways, however, we will prioritise projects that help to address these gaps in talent and/or audiences either as the core purpose, or as part, of their activity.
We do not expect applicants to address all priority areas. Strongly addressing one area is more valuable than weakly addressing multiple areas.
When addressing a focus area, it’s important to demonstrate how you are working with those with lived experience and who have insights into underrepresented communities. Please carefully consider your staffing, partnerships, qualitative and quantitative research, and opportunities for co-creation work when designing projects related to these groups.
Key Priority Groups
Global Majority and Minority Ethnic Groups in Scotland
People of the global majority and minority ethnic people/groups in Scotland and the UK continue to experience racism and barriers in our cultural industries. Screen Scotland wants to increase support for activities designed by or for these groups. Therefore, these are priority groups in 2024/2025.
We are particularly interested in activity by and for two of the largest minority groups in Scotland, those with South Asian and Polish heritage, as despite their prominence in the Scottish population we do not currently support many projects directly by or for these groups.
d/Deaf and Disabled people
20% of the Scottish population are disabled, and nearly one million people are Deaf or have hearing loss.
These groups are underrepresented in both film audiences and the workforce.
People from low-income socio-economic Backgrounds
Access and progressing in the screen sector is harder for people from low-income backgrounds.
How we define this:
Parents' or guardians' occupation at age 14 (e.g., manual labour, service jobs, long-term unemployed).
Underrepresented Geographic Areas
Most of the cultural funding in Scotland goes to the central belt (Glasgow/Edinburgh). We want to support projects in other regions which will create cultural employment and/or engage audiences in their local area.
Children and Young People
Although children and young people make up a large proportion of cinema going audience overall, there are increasing demands for their attention from other media platforms and the challenge of attracting them to the cinemas is particularly felt in relation to independent film and independent cinemas, so they are also considered a focus area for the fund.
Decision Making Process
1: Submission and Initial Checks
If incomplete, you’ll be given a short period to provide the missing information. If you do not supply this, your application will not be assessed, and you’ll be notified by email.
2: Assessment
The Audience Development Team assess your application, based on the information provided in your application and any supporting materials. Additional comments from other Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland officers may be sought, where appropriate.
3: Panel Review and Recommendation
4: Decision
You will receive an email confirming whether your application was successful or not.
If successful , you’ll receive:
An award letter with grant conditions (if applicable) and a funding agreement .
Details of any conditions that must be met before funding is released (e.g., proof of additional funding, insurance, or project milestones).
Recommendations to help achieve your project goals (these are optional).
Request for bank account details.
On request, a copy of your full assessment.
The signed Funding Agreement and response to special conditions must be returned to Screen Scotland by the date specified in our confirmation email, failing which Screen Scotland reserves the right to withdraw the funding offer.
If unsuccessful , you will receive feedback and can request the full assessment.
5: Payment & Conditions:
First payment (typically 75% of the award) is made once:
Final payment (25%) is made once:
6: End of Project
At the end of your funded activity, you must complete the End of Project Monitoring Form to complete the application process and to release any final payments. The form is available to download in the Guidance and Downloads section below.
Funding Terms and Conditions
For the full Terms and Conditions of the funding, please visit our website .
For consortia applications, one festival will act as lead applicant, entering into a Funding Agreement with Creative Scotland and be responsible for overseeing contracting, grant management and reporting.
Please note, for larger or multi-year awards, payment terms may vary.
Freedom of Information, Complaints, Data Protection and Subsidy Control
Freedom of Information
Creative Scotland is committed to being as open as possible. We believe that the public has a right to know how we spend public funds and how we make our funding decisions. For more information, visit the Freedom of Information section of our website .
We are listed as a public authority under the Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) 2002. By law, we may have to provide your application documents and information about our assessment to any member of the public who asks to see them under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. We may not release those parts of the documents which are covered by one or more of the exemptions under the Act.
Please see the Freedom of Information website at www.foi.scot for information about the Act generally and the exemptions. We will not release any information about applications during the assessment period, as this may interfere with the decision-making process.
Complaints
As an organisation, we will always listen to and respond to any concerns that you may have. If you would like to make a complaint about either the service you have received from Creative Scotland or the way we have handled your application, we have a process that you can use.
Please note that Creative Scotland does not have an appeals process and for this reason, we are unable to accept complaints that relate solely to the decision we have made rather than how we have made it. For more information, please visit the Complaints section of our website .
Data Protection
Creative Scotland requires some personal information about you/your organisation to consider your application for funding. Without this information we will be unable to process your application.
If you would like to see a breakdown of the personal information we require, why it is required, what we do with that information and how long we keep it, please refer to our Privacy Notice on our website .
Creative Scotland may share your personal information with third parties to comply with the law and/or for our legitimate interests and/or the third parties concerned.
Where the personal information you have provided to Creative Scotland belongs to other individual(s), please refer to our Privacy Notice. Please ensure you share this Privacy Statement and Creative Scotland’s Privacy Notice with the respective individual(s).
You have some rights in relation to the personal information that Creative Scotland holds about you under data protection law. Our Privacy Notice contains information on how to exercise these rights, or you can contact our Data Protection Officer by emailing: [email protected]
If you have any concerns with how we have processed your personal information, you should contact our Data Protection Officer in the first instance, as we would welcome the opportunity to work with you to resolve any complaint. If you are still dissatisfied, you can submit a complaint to the Information Commissioners Office .
Subsidy Control
As a public body Creative Scotland must comply with the subsidy control rules in the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK Government and the European Union. More information can be found at UK subsidy control regime - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
Any award made through this fund will require the recipient to acknowledge that the grant comes from public funds and confirm that the support provided is compliant with the Subsidy Control rules.
Where applicable, the recipient must agree that Creative Scotland will publish information relating to the grant and that the recipient will keep reasonably detailed records to demonstrate compliance with the Subsidy Control rules and shall provide a copy of such records to Creative Scotland upon reasonable request. In the event that it is deemed to be non-compliant with the Subsidy Control rules, the recipient may be required repay the entire grant (and any other sums due) immediately.
