Apply for Live Literature part-funded sessions

Panels will take place throughout 2026, each with their own deadline. Details of the deadlines for each panel are listed below. All applications should be received no later than midday on each deadline:

• 13 February deadline – 24 February panel

• 28 May deadline – 8 June panel

• 25 September deadline – 5 October panel

• 20 November deadline – 30 November panel

_Please note that if your application is received after a deadline, it will automatically be included in the next panel. However, it's important to keep an eye on the deadlines and panel dates as funding decisions cannot be made between panels, and funding cannot be used for events that have already taken place. _

Not-for profit organisations in every part of Scotland can apply for support to host events or projects with authors.

You can apply for funding if:

• You are based in any part of Scotland

• You are applying on behalf of a school, library, community group, arts organisation, local festival, reading/writing group, hospital, prison or an organisation working with adults or children with disabilities, or any other not-for-profit organisation working in Scotland

• You intend to work with an author listed on the Live Literature Author Directory. Live Literature fees can only be paid to authors on the directory

• You have the budget to part fund your author events

We welcome applications from ASN settings, early years settings and schools supporting vulnerable children. Organisations can apply more than once, regardless of previous outcomes, for any panel.

The panel will score each application using our assessment criteria, which you can download to help when completing your application. They will use this to consider the following:

Imagination: We like to support interesting, imaginative sessions which show a commitment to the promotion and enjoyment of reading and writing.

Your local authority area: We aim to support events and projects that reach as wide a range of people as possible and events are spread throughout every local authority in Scotland.

Indication of need: In order to ensure that funding has the greatest impact, we want to know why it’s needed and who your events will engage. For instance, is there a financial need for this kind of support? Are you targeting audiences who aren’t ordinarily reached by your work? Is your event aimed at a specific need in your area?

Clear outcomes: We want to support sessions that have a clear and demonstrable benefit. We want to know how many people will benefit from the events and how. We also like to know how the session fits in with any other activity you're planning and whether it will have a legacy.

Your history of funding: We welcome applications from organisations that have previously been supported by Live Literature funding, and the panel will take into account how you have used Live Literature funding in the past when making their decision.