Earl Haig Fund (Scotland)

The Earl Haig Fund (Scotland), trading as Poppyscotland, is a historic charity established in 1921 by Field Marshal Douglas Haig to support serving and ex-Service members of the Armed Forces and their families in Scotland. Its enduring mission is to empower this community, addressing service-related disadvantages through respect, commitment, and holistic, bespoke assistance—from crisis grants to systemic services. Evolving from direct aid to a broad portfolio, it leads Scotland's veterans' sector via the Scottish Poppy Appeal and initiatives like the Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which provides employment and rehabilitation for disabled veterans.

Poppyscotland funds thematic priorities including financial hardship relief, mental health support, housing adaptations, employability training, disability aids, and transition programs. It awards direct emergency grants to individuals and substantial project, capital, revenue, or core funding to partner organizations delivering advice, counseling, peer support, and respite services, with an outcomes-led, evidence-based focus on those facing poverty, isolation, health issues, or civilian integration challenges.

Eligibility is strictly for Scotland-resident Armed Forces community members (or those with strong Scottish ties); organizations must be invited partners, with no unsolicited applications accepted—enquirers should contact the Head of Welfare Services by phone first. No income thresholds apply, supporting local to national charities. Typical organizational grants range £10,000–£50,000 annually (up to £200,000+ for multi-year strategic commitments), assessed rolling via referrals for individuals or internal cycles for partners; no fixed deadlines.

Exclusions cover non-veteran causes, unrestricted general funding, or activities outside Scotland's Armed Forces community. Distinctively, its century-old trust, autonomous governance within the Royal British Legion Group, wraparound model blending one-off aid with long-term impact evaluation, and sector leadership set it apart as Scotland's premier veterans' funder.