Funding is available to support free activities for children and young people in Dumfries and Galloway, with the aim of offering provision across as many communities as possible.
The programmes should enhance equity by widening opportunities for children and young people from low‑income families to play, socialise, get active and take part in activities that broaden their experiences, support learning and deliver positive outcomes. Projects should integrate food provision wherever possible and focus on children and young people within our priority groups.
We are investing over £150,000 to support two separate funding streams.
Summer of Play 2026
This fund supports a wide range of play, creative, social and community‑based activities that help children and young people connect, have fun, develop new skills and enjoy positive summer experiences.
Projects may include arts activities, outdoor adventures, wellbeing sessions and family‑focused activities.
- £100,000 available
- children and young people aged 5 to 18 (up to age 25 for care experienced young people)
- awards between £500 and £4,000
Activities must be aimed at children and young people within at least one of the priority groups set out in the Children’s Poverty Plan:
- lone parent families
- families that include a disabled adult or child
- larger families (three or more children)
- minority ethnic families
- families with a child under one year old in the household
- families where the mother is under 25 years of age
Summer of Sport 2026
The Summer of Sport fund supports projects where sport or physical activity is the main focus. Any project where sport is the primary element should apply to this fund rather than Summer of Play.
This funding is specifically to provide free sport and physical activity opportunities for children and young people in Dumfries and Galloway.
- £50,000 available
- children and young people aged 5 to 26
- awards between £500 and £3,000
Activities must be aimed at children and young people within at least one of the following priority groups:
- young people from low‑income families
- young people with disabilities or additional support needs
- young people living in rural or isolated communities
- young people who are less active or not currently engaged
Who can apply
Applications are invited from third sector organisations. Private businesses are not eligible for this funding.
Organisations may apply for either Summer of Play or Summer of Sport, but cannot apply for both.
There is no match‑funding requirement for either funding stream.
Fund conditions
All activities funded through Summer of Play and Summer of Sport must:
- be free for all children and young people within the relevant age range (funding cannot be used to subsidise costs)
- be developed alongside children and young people, involving them in the co‑design of the project
- take place between Thursday 2 July and Wednesday 19 August 2026
- not fund activities that would have taken place without this funding, but may support additional activities, extensions or increases to existing provision
Project timeline
- fund opens for applications at 10am on Tuesday 14 April 2026
- fund closes for applications at 12 noon on Tuesday 5 May 2026
- scoring panel meets on Thursday 14 May 2026
- all applicants will be informed of the outcome by Friday 22 May 2026
How to apply
Full guidance notes and application forms for both funding streams are available below:
Further information
For more information about Summer of Play or Summer of Sport:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01387 260243