The Open the Doors Fund

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 currently closed, and will reopen in April 2026. 

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