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Typical projects are village halls, projects for young and older people and community transport.

Grants will be made for applications that benefit people in the Community by advancing community development by supporting local environmental, educational, amenity or other initiatives in the area.Funds applications which benefit the residents of the Community Council areas of Abbey St Bathans, Bonkyl & Preston, Duns, Gavinton, Fogo & Preston, and Lammermuir.

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.

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.

Funds are given for a variety of projects which benefit residents within the Stirling Council area and help to develop vibrant, resilient communities. The Community Grant Scheme supports projects which benefit residents within Stirling Council area, whether within a single community or widely across Stirling Council area, or which benefit communities of interest (including hobby/sports groups). Projects must meet Stirling Council priorities, a list of which can be found in the fund guidance notes.The funds must be spent within 12 months of award and will pay for a wide range of projects including:- Start up costs (including first year running costs)- One off capital or equipment costs- Community events, activities or performances- Provision of training courses- Advertising an event or work- Environmental improvements

The Area Committee has a small budget which can be used to 'top up' other funding sources in cases where otherwise there would be inadequate funding to allow something to happen. They will favour projects which respond to local needs and show clear evidence of community economic development and emerged from, or take cognisance of: - Community Action Plans- Settlement Plans- Town Centre First approach- The Local Community Plan: Strong Communities, Wellbeing and Connecting People- Local Place Plans- Community Empowerment Act, in support of the assembly of for example business plans or feasibility studiesPlease note that this fund is for projects taking place with the Kincardine and Mearns area only. See the website for full criteria.

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 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.