Apply for funding to run a Book Week Scotland event in 2025

Book Week Scotland is a week-long celebration of books and reading that takes place every year in November. Together with our amazing partners, we bring hundreds of events celebrating all things books to communities across Scotland.

This year, Book Week Scotland will take place from 17–23 November and we will be building a programme of events inspired by our theme of friendship.

So if your organisation understands the value of books and reading and would like to programme a unique, exciting event for Book Week Scotland 2025, we want to hear from you!

Organisations can apply for one £700 grant to plan and deliver an in-person or digital event.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 11 June 2025.

Funding criteria for 2025

Organisations can submit applications for the following:

• In-person events
• Digital/hybrid events

What we're looking for

We want organisations to think of bold, unique events that get their audiences excited about books and reading. We believe books have the power to transform lives at every level, we would love to see that reflected in your application.

Our theme for Book Week Scotland 2025 is friendship. While partners are not required to engage with the theme as part of their events, we’d love it if you did! We have developed five sub-strands for friendship which may give you an idea of the types of events you’d like to programme. You can find all the strands at the bottom of this page.

If successful, organisations must work together with an author or storyteller on some element of their proposed event or activity. Authors should be paid a minimum fee of £200, in line with our Live Literature policy.

We will accept proposals from, but not limited to:

• Arts organisations
• Museums and Heritage organisations
• Community organisations and groups
• Third sector organisations
• Bookshops
• Public sector organisations and Local Authority service providers

Before you apply

• Read our guide to funding conditions to ensure your event is eligible
• Have a good idea of the format of your event. We understand that some things will change, but the more information you can give us, the better
• If you’d like to see which questions you’ll be asked before you get started you can download a PDF version of our application form below

How to apply

• Please complete your application via our form on SurveyMonkey(this link will open in a new window) by no later than 5pm on Wednesday 11 June
• If you have any questions about your application please contact [email protected](this link will open in a new window)

Next steps

• We will respond to all applications by Friday 27 June
• If your application is successful, and our funding is confirmed, we will release your organisation’s funding via BACS transfer in August
• If your application is unsuccessful you are still welcome to run a Book Week Scotland event. You can use our free marketing materials and list your event on our website. Please keep an eye on our (this link will open in a new window)Book Week Scotland page for more information over the coming months.

Theme strands