SCA Community Learning Exchange

Across the SCA coalition there are 29 different intermediary networks who provide an ecosystem of support to local groups and organisations who are doing incredible work in support of their local communities every day. One of the ways we try to support these local organisations is through the Community Learning Exchange (CLE) fund. 

What is a Community Learning Exchange? 

The fund from the Scottish Government has been around since 2015 and since then the programme has enabled activity across a diverse geography and shaped outcomes across a broad scope of learning. The community learning exchange is about investing in the work of the Scottish Community Alliance member networks as a benefit to their respective members. We do this by distributing small grants of up to £1000 to help facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills across the sector. It’s about building mutual support through local peer learning – digitally or in person- by covering the costs of a visit to another group or organisation to share learning and develop practice.  

The benefits to groups are many, but what makes this fund so useful is the time it saves people in research through being able to see in situ how people have navigated the impact they make with communities each day. Not only that- each visit results in new networks of support- people you can call on who share an understanding of what you’re trying to achieve in the work you do.  A learning exchange visit is often the catalyst for connections that lead to unexpected outcomes in new areas of work.  

At SCA we want to spotlight the contributions local organisations are making in advancing a whole wealth of areas that benefit of communities across Scotland. From Rural & Island, Arts & Culture, Food & Nature, Climate & Energy, Diversity & Access, Health & Wellbeing, Planning & Housing, Land & Sea to Enterprise & Assets – communities are leading the way by delivering local solutions in increasingly challenging circumstances. In response, the fund allows us to build an evidence base as a resource and source of inspiration via our Case Studies - Scottish Community Alliance.  

In 2024- 25, there were 76 learning exchanges with a specific climate focus  – these exchanges are highlighting the ways in which communities are at the heart of driving innovation in green initiatives for environmental impact. Such as, targeting biodiversity loss by adopting practices that increase knowledge on native woodlands, plants and wildlife by replicating the approach of exchange partners in other areas of Scotland – alongside forging new collaborations by brining together remote, off grid communities to develop renewable energy micro grid support networks. Tackling the climate emergency is a key area in Scotland’s Programme for Government in which communities are leading innovative solutions for positive change.  

Some insights from groups who are shaping local climate practice:  

Campy Growers at Bamff - Scottish Community Alliance 

“Our next task is to get a baseline of what’s already there. It could be a case of recording plants, insects in a log with volunteers. We also plan to keep a photo library. Delivering workshops will be key to spreading the word about biodiversity and how you can support it, through bog gardens, pond and wild flower meadows.” 

Eigg Electric and off grid communities - Scottish Community Alliance 

“The community learning exchange visit showcased exciting opportunities for future collaboration between Eigg Electric, Knoydart Renewables and their broader communities, highlighting the potential advantages of a wider micro-grid support network- the benefits of which would go beyond these 2 remote communities. 

Get Growing Scotland Digital Exchange - Scottish Community Alliance 

"Places and people will not be left behind if there is more awareness, and opportunities to provide earlier and long-term support. Community led food growing, and nature and climate activities, are relatively low-cost and risk, and often kickstart other community led developments. The movement continues to grow." 

Just imagine, if this is what communities can achieve in today’s climate, how much could be leveraged if decision making and resources were brought closer to communities for more investment in local environmental wellbeing!  

If your organisation or group is interested in the Community Learning Exchange, please get in touch cle@scottishcommunityalliance.org.uk and have a read at the fund Guidance - Scottish Community Alliance 

We look forward to hearing from you!