Open the Doors Fund
The Edwin Morgan Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It was established in 2012 to administer the generous Award which the poet wished to create from the earnings of a long and distinguished writing career. His practical encouragement of young Scottish poets through this legacy is typically forward-looking.
The Open the Doors Fund is a new small grants scheme inspired by the words of Edwin Morgan:
Open the doors!
Light of the day, shine in;
Light of the mind, shine out!
With grants of up to £1,000 available, we hope to open doors for poets and translators looking to develop their practice or requiring time and/or resources to bring a project to life. The fund is designed to cover the costs of activities that contribute to professional or creative development, with applications invited twice a year. Please note that this funding scheme is open to individuals only – we’re unable to accept applications from, or on behalf of, organisations.
The deadline for applications is Monday 10 November at 5 p.m.
GUIDELINES
Who can apply
You are eligible if:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You are applying as an individual
- You are a poet and/or translator
- You are based in Scotland
We particularly welcome applicants from those who have faced barriers to accessing funding or creative opportunities.
What we will fund
Examples of eligible expenses:
- Travel to attend a residency, festival, event, or research location
- Accommodation during a writing or creative retreat
- Childcare fees to enable creative time
- Material or access costs linked to a specific opportunity
- Fees for mentors, collaborators, or advisors
- Support for your own time to plan, write, or work on a specific creative project
What we will not fund
- Tuition fees for university or college courses
- Promotion or marketing activities
- Activities already completed (i.e. retrospective funding)
How to apply
Complete the Open the Doors Fund application form. You will need to provide:
- A brief bio
- A summary of what you plan to do with the funding and how this will support your professional/creative development
- A breakdown of costs
- Optional supporting materials (e.g. CV, samples of work)
Applications will be reviewed by The Edwin Morgan Trust. We aim to notify all applicants within 4 weeks of the deadline. Successful applicants will be asked to sign a short agreement, use the funds within 12 months of receipt, and submit a short reflection to the Trust after completing the funded activity.
If you have any questions about the fund or the application process please contact the EMT Programme Manager, Pip Osmond-Williams: admin@edwinmorgantrust.com
More Details: https://edwinmorgantrust.com/2025/10/13/the-open-the-doors-fund-applications-open/
Organiser: Edwin Morgan Trust