SWA reopens Scotch Whisky Action Fund

Applications are now open for the 2017 Scotch Whisky Action Fund, set up by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to tackle alcohol misuse.

SWA acting CEO Julie Hesketh-Laird says the fund is part of the trade body’s commitment to tackling alcohol misuse

The fund was established in 2013 with the trade body providing £100,000 each year up until 2018 to projects working to address alcohol misuse.

This year, the fund is looking to support initiatives that work to reduce alcohol-related harms for under-18s, families and communities.

Applications are welcomed from innovative or pilot projects that test new approaches, and from existing projects which can demonstrate success in reducing harm.

Last year, seven local initiatives were selected to receive funding across Scotland, including the Hibernian Community Foundation in Edinburgh, which delivers alcohol education to primary school pupils, and the Orkney Alcohol Counselling and Advisory Service (OACAS) which was awarded funding to help its work in communities.

Since the fund was launched, 22 awards have been granted to projects and initiatives.

“The Action Fund is part of our commitment to tackling alcohol misuse,” said Julie Hesketh-Laird, SWA acting chief executive.

“Our goal is to support projects across Scotland that help prevent and reduce misuse among young people, communities, and families. We want to encourage a wide range of initiatives to apply for support in 2017.”

Giles Ruck, Foundation Scotland chief executive, added: “The fund has supported a range of innovative projects designed to tackle alcohol related harm. We expect to generate a lot of interest from organisations across Scotland again this year that can benefit from this vital funding.”

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund is managed by Foundation Scotland, with the independent awards panel chaired by Professor Dame Joan Stringer.

The closing date for this year’s applications is 30 June 2017.