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The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is supporting community and faith organisations to install solar PV and battery storage in their buildings. This is a short-term pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and Great British Energy, with funds needing to be spent and claimed by 31 March 2026.Demand is expected to be high for this funding, with many communities already in a position to mobilise projects very quickly. Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are developing a new project, read the guidance and self-assessment checklist carefully and prioritise seeking a quote if you think you are eligible.To be able to install within the pilot timescale, easier installation projects will be more suited to this funding. Therefore, while it is not a requirement, they suggest that the proposed project:- Is not in a conservation area or within the curtilage of a listed building.- Is under 50kW of solar PV.- Is on an easily accessible roof, which is built after 1930s (as the roof will be more likely to meet structural requirements).- Is not part of a more significant building renovation that would increase the risk of programme delays.

The Standard Innovation Voucher scheme encourages new collaborations between a Scottish organisation and a university or college.It aims to make collaborative work accessible to all Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), sole traders, social enterprises and third sector organisations and is open to applications from all industry sectors.There are two types of Standard Innovation Voucher:- Product/Process/Service Innovation Voucher: to support the development of a new product, process, or service for their company.- Workplace Innovation Voucher: to develop the company’s internal workforce, including new or enhanced workplace processes, innovative workplace practices, or innovative business expertise. This does not include staff CPD or to finance any external training courses.

The Trust awards grants to organisations based in the West of Scotland working to improve recreational facilities for young people, older people and those who are unemployed. The trustees prefer to give towards specific items of equipment or projects and to organised clubs, groups and teams where many will benefit.Previous grantees include Riding for the Disabled, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Girlguiding Renfrewshire and Salvation Army.

The Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund is a Micro Grant fund being supported by The Gannochy Trust. This fund has been created in response to the challenges which rural youth groups are facing in funding the delivery of community based universal youth work. It will make small awards to enable youth groups operating in rural communities to provide more and/or better youth work opportunities for young people.The priority for this fund is to support/enable typical youth work activities that directly benefit young people in rural youth groups.

The Community Fridge Network is coordinated by Hubbub and Co-op and brings together all UK based groups running a community fridge. It enables them to share knowledge, skills, ask questions and provide support to each other. Through the network, Hubbub also offers free, comprehensive guidance on how to set up a fridge as well as tools covering everything you need, from posters to health and safety templates and more.Grants of £4,750 are available for groups who are looking to set up a community fridge. This funding is designed to support new community fridges only. The funding must go towards the development of a new Community fridge which meets the needs of a diverse local community and the Set-Up costs for the first year of operating. This includes staffing costs, equipment and running costs.

The SURF Awards provide an opportunity for regeneration projects of all sizes to demonstrate value to funders and partners, support team-building and develop a national profile.The purpose of the SURF Awards is:- To recognise and reward best practice and innovation in community regeneration;- To promote and disseminate best practice across Scotland as means of sharing knowledge and experience, and thereby enhancing future policy and practice;- To highlight the role that regeneration projects have in improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities.2025 categories are TBC.

The purpose of the trust is to support the regeneration and development of the Outer Hebrides through disbursement of Community Benefit secured from the local deployment of Renewable Energy installations. Applicants should meet at least one of the WIDT's objectives: - advancement of citizenship and community development- prevention or relief of poverty- advancement of environmental protection or improvement- advancement of education- and advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science including the Gaelic language.

The Community Grant is open to applications for projects which will benefit the community. Applications can be made from a local group or an individual, as long as the project is community based and within the WATIF area of Woolfords, Auchenbray and Tarbrax. Examples include: Neighbourhood Improvement, Environmental Projects, Events, Entertainment, Activities, Leisure or anything you can demonstrate would benefit the larger community.

The fund provides organisations with financial help to organise events and activities for residents in their area. Depending on the criteria, funds may be awarded for:- improving the appearance of the area- attracting people into the area- positively raising the profile of the area- promoting awareness of the area- contributing to a larger scale project with a longer term goalThe criteria for each area can be found on the Council website.

The overall purpose of the Communities and Cultural Heritage Fund is to support community-led planning and development in the National Park that will help communities meet their aspirations and enhance community resilience. This is a partnership fund between the Cairngorms Trust and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).The Fund aims to support two of the themes in the Community Action Plan (CAP):- A culturally vibrant community – projects that support and celebrate the unique identity and heritage of communities e.g. community spaces, features, buildings, people, traditions.- A socially connected community – projects that support communities to be happy, healthy, accessible and inclusive e.g. improving facilities, amenities, spaces, events and housing.Project spend must be complete and claimed by 10 February 2027.