Better Breaks OPEN
The Better Breaks programme of the Short Breaks Fund is now open to applications for 2027–2028.
The Better Breaks programme provides 12-month grants to third sector organisations to develop and deliver short breaks projects and services for disabled children and young people (aged 20 and under), and their carers (adult and/or young carers). Better Breaks is a funding programme of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the National Carers Organisations and the Scottish Government.
Better Breaks funds a wide range of short breaks projects and activities including holiday activity programmes, after school clubs, sports coaching, and youth groups. The activities can be for children and young people without their carers, with their sibling/young carer, or for whole families to enjoy together.
Funding is limited and Better Breaks is likely to receive more applications than the funding can cover.
A total of around £1.7m is available. Grants are for one year (April 2027–March 2028).
Can we apply?
This funding is for third sector (voluntary organisations) operating in Scotland. The organisation does not have to be a registered charity to apply. However, it must have a constitution that states the organisation’s purposes are solely charitable and that it delivers public benefit in achieving its purpose(s).
For full details, please refer to the guidance.
Apply online now
You can now make an application online. The closing date is Wednesday 30 September 2026, 5.00pm.
Applications can be saved. The following documents must be uploaded with the application:
Organisation's governing document or constitution.
Organisation's most recent signed financial statement and accounts.
Any formal partnership agreements (for multiple agreements, these will need to be on the same document to upload or email them direct to sbf@sharedcarescotland.com).
Any staff job roles to be funded (Better Breaks do not require sessional staff or volunteer role descriptions. For multiple job roles, these will need to be on the same document to upload or email them direct to sbf@sharedcarescotland.com).
Completed budgets should be downloaded from the application or are available for download here.
A Word document version of the application form is also available to download here.
We're here to help
The Short Breaks Fund team is here to help. We know that writing funding applications can take a lot of time and effort. We are happy to answer any questions you have about the fund, how to apply and about your proposed project.
If you have any questions about Better Breaks or would like to organise a call to discuss a potential application please email sbf@sharedcarescotland.com.
Please note: we are unable to comment on draft applications.
Resources and toolkits
We have a range of free resources and tools to help you develop your project plan and application. You can view and download all of these resources here.
Our Better Breaks 2024–2025 impact report is now available.
Applicant support workshop
Our applicant support workshop took place on 11 August 2026. For those who were unable to attend, or who would like a recap of discussion, a recording of the session is available below:
What happens next?
Assessment process
After the application date closes the Short Breaks Fund team complete eligibility checks. If your application does not meet the criteria we will make contact at this stage. Eligible applications are passed to independent grants assessors. They will make contact to arrange a time for a telephone or video call. Please make sure that the person(s) who will be talking to the assessor can speak knowledgably about the organisation and the project.
Grant Allocation Panel
The Grants Allocation Panel is made up of independent volunteers including unpaid carers, grant makers and short breaks providers. They meet in February 2027 to review the assessors’ recommendations and then allocate funding.
Timescales
Applicants will be notified of the panel’s decision by March 2027 by email. Grants will be issued to successful applicants in April 2027. Grant holders will submit a mid-year report. Funded projects must be completed by 31 March 2028. A final grant impact report must be completed.
Details of the different stages of the funding programme can be viewed in our Short Breaks Fund timeline.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 5.00pm.
Our approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
At Shared Care Scotland, we are committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of the Short Breaks Fund. In line with this, we wish to acknowledge that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as language models, may be used to support the drafting and preparation of funding and related documentation, including funding applications and preparation of mid-grant and end-of-year grant impact reports.
Find out more about our approach to AI usage.