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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 fund covers several communities including Crathes, Durris, Drumoak, Banchory, Finzean, Strachan, Torphins, Lumphanan and Inchmarlo. Priorities include:- supporting participation in sport and arts- promoting the provision of educational activities for people with physical and learning disabilities- encouraging social inclusion, integration and equal opportunities across the community- helping promote sustainable developments within the community.

The Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF) supports community groups, third sector organisations and small businesses on Aberdeenshire’s coastline and can fund a range of activities with positive economic, social or environmental impacts.This year’s grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure which meet the following priorities:- Supporting the development of active travel routes along, to and from the coastline- Developing the coastal economy and sustainable tourism- Creating or enhancing community, leisure and recreational facilities- Safeguarding, restoring or enhancing the coastal environmentThe fund distributes revenues generated by Crown Estate Scotland, with applications being assessed and approved by NESFLAG – the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group - a cross-sector partnership comprising representatives from Aberdeenshire’s coastal and fishing sectors.

Small Eco Awards provide accessible grants for communities in Scotland to take local, practical action to protect the environment.The programme supports community-led projects that can help to:- improve local places- protect nature- reduce waste- support climate resilience- connect people with the environment- create greener, healthier and more sustainable communitiesThis could include:- making community spaces more accessible and greener- growing food locally- reusing and upcycling old clothing and textiles- engaging in climate education- protecting nature and supporting local wildlife- introducing local, sustainable transport optionsSee fund guidance for full priorities.You don’t have to be an environment organisation to apply. Small Eco Awards is for community groups with practical ideas that can make a positive difference to where they live.

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 Maintenance Fund supports groups managing areas within the Galson Estate Trust area, whether that is grazings committees or cemetery committees carrying out minor maintenance works such as grass cutting, gate repairs, installing stiles or signage.Previously funded projects include Ness Cemetery grass cutting, gate replacement at Knockaird Quarry and installation of a gate on Cross Common Grazing. This is only available for works that are ineligible for funding from The Crofting Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Scheme (CAGS)

The Blackford Community Fund is a charitable fund to benefit residents of the Blackford Community Council area in Perth & Kinross local authority. The Fund has been created with a donation by Ochil Developments (the developer of the G West development near Blackford) to Blackford Community Council, and community benefit funds provided by EDF Power Solutions, owner of the Burnfoot Hill, Burnfoot North and Rhodders wind farms. The Fund is intended to be a lasting resource for the community of Blackford.The Fund's purpose is to support community groups and charities working in the Blackford Community Council area, providing grants for activities which:- Bring people together to build a sense of community- Celebrate and develop Blackford's musical and cultural heritage- Help older residents to stay connected- Improve the look and feel of the villageThe fund can support a wide variety of groups and projects. Applications that will benefit older residents of the community are particularly welcome.