SMIA EDIA Self-Mobilisation Micro-Grants

You can apply if:

• You are 18 or over
• Your project will advance EDIA in the Scottish music sector
• Your project responds directly to the pledges in the Scottish Music EDIA Manifesto and Action Framework
• You are a signatory of the Scottish Music Industry EDIA Manifesto and Action Framework
• You are based in Scotland and are an organisation (commercial or non-profit), music creator, practitioner, freelance professional, or sole trader
• You are not a Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funded Organisation

We are looking to support projects that are:

• Focused on tackling at least one specific EDIA issue in the music sector or community
• Co-designed, co-delivered, or include input from the community it aims to serve
• Showing care and consideration for participants
• Committed to ongoing feedback and dialogue
• Embedding EDIA as a core principle
• Recognising and respecting a diversity of experience
• Realistic and achievable within the available budget
• Well-planned, with a clear timeline and budget

All projects must follow Fair Work principles, ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable practices in line with Scottish Government and Creative Scotland priorities

We are interested in funding projects such as (but not limited to):

• Events, workshops, or networking opportunities that bring people together to challenge systemic barriers
• Organisational development, training, or workshops for staff to better support marginalised communities
• Community research on EDIA best practice
• Campaigns and activities that celebrate cultural differences, challenge the status quo, and drive transformational change
  

Projects do not need to have a tangible output such as an event. EDIA is a continuous process of learning, unlearning and reflection. We welcome projects that focus on learning, adapting, and improving, as long as the application clearly explains how it supports EDIA goals.

We cannot fund:

• The SMIA cannot fund retrospective projects, or any costs incurred ahead of the funding decision date
• Projects, events, training, research, or campaigns that are not EDIA-focused
• Projects without appropriate safeguarding measures
• Applicants based outside Scotland, or projects unrelated to the Scottish music industry
• Projects led by full-time students, or projects forming part of an accredited course or core curriculum; we cannot cover tuition fees
• Activities in schools
• Building work or feasibility studies for building projects
• Business start-ups or ongoing running costs
• Activities aimed at generating profit for the applicant
• Funding solely for equipment (we can only fund equipment where it represents 50% or less of the total request amount)
• Fundraising activities
• Projects where the main beneficiaries are outside Scotland
• Projects already funded (fully or partially) by Creative Scotland

• Applications will first be checked for eligibility by the SMIA team.
• Eligible applications will be reviewed by internal and external experts and assessed against the fund’s criteria. Each application is reviewed by multiple assessors, and final decisions are made collectively by a panel.
• Decisions are guided by our principle that Scottish music operates in interconnected ecosystems. We aim to distribute funding equitably and prioritise people or places most in need.
• Not all applications can be funded, even if they meet the criteria. We aim to select a diverse and equitable portfolio of projects.

• You will receive a conditional grant offer letter. Please read carefully, sign, and return along with any additional requested information.
• Proof of a UK bank account will be required before the grant is paid. Acceptable proof includes a bank statement, voided cheque, or official bank letter on letterhead.
• You will be assigned the SMIA Equalities and Industry Development Officer as your main point of contact.
• At the end of your project, you will be asked to complete a short evaluation form.

We will run two SMIA EDIA Self-Mobilisation Micro-Grant webinars via Zoom on Wednesday 8 July 2026 at 1.30pm and 6pm where we’ll be able to answer any questions.

Please note that we will not be able to provide any bespoke application advice.

You can sign up for these sessions below.

If you have any questions, or need any support with submitting an application please contact info@smia.org.uk

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 23 July 2026. 

• Online Application Form
• Offline Application Form

The SMIA strives to ensure as accessible an application process as possible. Our Application Form provides flexible application formats including written, video or audio uploads and visual presentations.

If you have any additional access needs please get in touch with us to discuss further via info@smia.org.uk.