The Fusion Fund is designed to support not‑for‑profit, community‑based organisations whose work benefits people living or participating in activities within the Glasgow City Innovation District Boundary.

To be eligible, organisations must:

  • Be based in, or deliver the majority of their activity within, the GCID Boundary
  • Operate on a not‑for‑profit basis
  • Have been established for over 12 months
  • Be a registered charity or an established community group with a documented operating and financial structure in place (e.g. a constitution). In order to make the funding payment, a two-signature bank account in the organisations name needs to be in place. However, should this not be available, GCID may be able to make purchases on your behalf at their discretion. We are unable to make direct payment to an individual.
  • Deliver projects that benefit a group rather than an individual
  • Agree to participate in a future GCID case study

Evidence of eligibility may be requested. Failure to provide evidence may result in withdrawal of the award.

 

The Fusion Fund supports small‑scale projects and initiatives that align with one or more of the following themes:

  • Food
  • Arts & Culture
  • Music
  • Sports & Leisure
  • Wellbeing

Examples of eligible activities include:

  • Buying books or materials for a community playgroup
  • Printing promotional materials for community fundraising
  • Covering the cost of a food safety training course
  • Purchasing equipment (e.g., a community fridge, litter pickers)
  • Hiring space for a community‑led event

Organisations can apply for up to 100% of project costs, up to £200.

Larger projects may be part‑funded, with evidence required to show how the remaining costs will be met.

 

The Fusion Fund does not support:

  • Projects with a religious or political purpose
  • Governmental bodies
  • For‑profit organisations
  • Individuals or activity benefiting individuals only
  • Organisations funded in the previous funding cycle
  • Overseas projects
  • Core or day‑to‑day operational costs
  • Projects more appropriately funded by statutory bodies
  • Activity inconsistent with the University of Strathclyde’s values

 

A digital online form will be available for completion on the GCID website. Paper version will also be made available at in person events. If assistance is required with completing the form, applicants should contact info@glasgowcityinnovationdistrict.com (Appendix 1).

Applications should be submitted by the organisation/project lead.  Incomplete applications are not considered favourably.

 

Following the application closing date, all applications will be forwarded for review by the Fusion Fund Approval Panel (Terms of Reference outlined in Appendix 2). Applications will be considered for funding and prioritised based on:

  • The Organisation meeting all the required criteria.
  • How well the project/initiatives align with the aim of the fund.
  • The impact of the initiative.
  • The need for funding.

All decisions made by the Fusion Fund Board are final. No feedback will be provided due to resource constraints.

 

Following agreement of award, the successful organisation will be issued with a basic Award Letter outlining the conditions of the fund. This will be required to be signed and returned. Once the signed letter is received, GCID will arrange for the transfer of the total fund to the organisation.

The organisation will be required to work with the GCID Project Manager as a condition of the grant to agree suitable evidence of spend and to report on the impact of the funding.  

All successful organisations are required to acknowledge the fund on any social media channels, in person and relevant websites when referring to the project/initiative.  

Funds are awarded in Spring of each year. For 2026, a call for applications will open on 12th March 2026 with a three-to-four-week application window and awards will be distributed in April/May 2026.