An additional £2.2 million of National Lottery funding has been announced to support community, arts, and sports activity inspired by Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the excitement of the Games to towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland.
The funding will be delivered through National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, the small grants programme that helps grassroots activity thrive. It will support projects that use sport, arts, and community engagement to get people active, bring communities together, and create local celebrations – ensuring the benefits of Glasgow 2026 are felt widely across the country.
The £2.2 million additional investment announced today is made up of £1 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, £1 million from sportscotland and £200,000 from Creative Scotland.
All In is the national call to action for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which invites communities to celebrate the Games in their own altogether brilliant way.
This summer organisations delivering Glasgow 2026–inspired activities can apply for up to £10,000 of National Lottery funding for projects lasting up to 12 months that will:
Increase access and remove barriers so more people can take part in arts or sports activities
Bring people together and strengthen connections within and across communities
Support health and wellbeing through physical activity and shared community experiences
Celebrate cultural diversity and international connections
Create a lasting legacy that communities can enjoy beyond the Games
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland is delivered through an existing partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund, Creative Scotland, and sportscotland.
Announcing the additional funding, Neil Ritch, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Director, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, National Lottery Awards for All is here to help communities across Scotland celebrate what matters to them.
“Glasgow 2026 is a huge moment, and this extra funding means sports, arts, and community groups everywhere can get involved in Games-inspired activities — having fun, staying active, and making connections that last.
“We can’t wait to see organisations applying for this funding to bring the excitement of the Commonwealth Games into their local communities.”
Glasgow 2026, in partnership with Commonwealth Sport, is bringing the Games back to Scotland with a focus on inclusion, access, sustainable and legacy impact. From 23 July to 2 August, over 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth will compete for 215 medals across 10 sports and six Para sports – the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history – in four of the city’s iconic venues.
This additional National Lottery investment into communities will help extend the reach of the Games beyond the host city, supporting local activity and community-led celebrations across Scotland.
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive from Glasgow 2026, said: “With the Commonwealth Games returning to Scotland this summer, Glasgow 2026 is an opportunity for communities across the nation to go All In and share in the excitement.
“This additional National Lottery investment is the perfect springboard to support local groups inspired by Glasgow 2026. Small grants play a pivotal role in bringing people together and in ensuring the Games leave a positive and lasting community legacy well beyond the final medal.”
Alex Johnston, Legacy Manager at Commonwealth Sport, said: "This funding is about making sure Glasgow 2026 isn’t just something people watch, it’s something communities across Scotland can be part of.
"Whether it’s local sport, creative projects or community events, these programmes will help bring the energy of the Games into everyday places, giving people more opportunities to get involved and feel connected.
"That’s what a real legacy looks like, something people can experience for themselves, in their own communities, long after the Games are over."
Interested organisations can call 0300 123 7110 or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk to discuss their projects before applying.
