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The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) supports communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions. CARES can support a wide range of projects including installing renewable technologies in community buildings, community benefits and shared ownership. The CARES Development Fund is designed to help communities take that first step on their community energy journey. First steps include:- Raising awareness of your energy project idea.- Completing an options appraisal to understand the types of projects you might carry out.- Completing a first step feasibility study to see if your idea might work.- Funding for some staff time to progress your idea.To be eligible for this fund you should be at an early stage in developing your own community energy project or have an opportunity to investigate shared ownership of a commercially owned renewable energy project. This fund is all about getting started for either community-owned renewable energy projects or investigating shared ownership (where community groups make an investment in a commercially owned renewable energy project).

The Community Intervention Fund is a capital grant scheme that aims to support community groups/organisations throughout East Lothian with a grant towards the cost of a capital project. They want to give capital grants to projects that continue to support the delivery of the Council Plan which aims to:- Grow our Economy- Grow our People- Grow our Communities- Grow our CapacityEligible expenditure must meet the definition of qualifying capital expenditure, and be demonstrated to enhance the asset value. Examples of eligible capital expenditure include:- improving the fabric of a building- improving access to a building- extensions to a building- removing hazardous materials as part of a set of works- structural repairs- putting in fixed items of equipment (e.g. floodlights)- carrying out improvements to a public space.

The W. G Edwards Charitable Foundation is an independent grant-making charity which assists with the provision of care for the over-65s. The Foundation makes small grants to improve the health and wellbeing of people over the age of 65 in the UK. This could be assistance towards a capital project such as refurbishment, furniture or equipment; or towards an innovative project such as fitness classes, lunch clubs, gardening projects, etc.The Foundation only supports items or projects where at least 90% of the beneficiaries are over the age of 65.

The Fund supports community activity and development by supporting the charitable activities of constituted, not-for-profit groups working to benefit the community. It is open to groups operating in the Halkirk District Community Council area with priority given to projects within a four kilometre radius of the Achlachan Wind Farm. Applications must meet at least one of the following outcomes:- Developing services and facilities- Sustaining and creating employment- Increasing skills and knowledge- Preserving and enhancing or giving better access to culture, heritage and the environment- Getting around and getting connected

The Fund is provided by Lairg Wind Farm Ltd, the operator of the Lairg Wind Farm - the three turbine site at Cnoc Na Inghinnin to benefit the Lairg Community Council area. The Fund will provide grants to support charitable activities that:- Enhance quality of life for local residents- Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities, and- Promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grants may be requested to support a wide range of costs and activities, such as equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional workers costs, consultations, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.Awards will be prioritised that can demonstrate significant added value through, by example:- Levering in additional funding from other sources. - Working in partnership with other groups and organisations to scale up projects and increase opportunities.- Projects that have reach beyond one particular group or demographic that have potential to benefit the whole community.

The Tailored Support Fund is intended to fund projects which relate to the re-use of a historic building but do not fulfil the criteria of the other AHF grant programmes. Projects applying to this fund will generally be characterised by:- a strong community-led ethos;- a desire to give new purpose to a building valued locally for its architectural heritage;- plans that demonstrate strong social, economic or environmental benefits that help meet local need.They are particularly keen to hear from projects that might be aiming to create something unique and exceptional; or which will contribute more widely to enriching Scotland’s built environment fabric through trying new and better ways of doing things, i.e. innovative approaches with potential for replication and wider learning.

The Visitor Infrastructure Improvement Programme funding helps support locations across the National Park to welcome visitors, as well as addressing potential impacts of visitors on communities and popular sites.The Visitor Infrastructure Improvement Fund is available to help plan and install appropriate visitor infrastructure in the National Park. Projects must deliver one or more of the following objectives: - Reduce potential conflicts between residents and visitors and / or between different recreational activities.- Promote collaboration across land management and organisational boundaries.- Help provide better opportunities for everyone to enjoy the National Park so the visitor profile is more diverse, especially with regards to people who are disabled.- Deliver improvements at identified sites across all areas of the National Park, or improvements that address specific issues that are identified in the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Plan or Active Cairngorms Action Plan.All projects must be completed, and the grant claimed by 31 March 2027.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, which is the organiser of the annual Enchanted Forest and light show in Pitlochry, supports a wide range of community projects in Highland Perthshire.This year the are actively seeking applicants who can use the funds to:1. Help the people in need with the cost of living crisis in the Highland Perthshire area.2. Help with battling child poverty and focus on child welfare.3. Increase inclusion, enablement, independence, mental health and wellbeing.4. Increase access to employment, volunteering, learning, culture, sport, and leisure opportunities.5. Improve infrastructure that benefits the community.6. Promote sustainability through best practices.

Community Benefit Gateway (CBG) is a free and easy to use online service that connects NHS Scotland suppliers with third sector community organisations within Scotland. You can list your need on the Gateway if your work is focused on improving the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of your local area.It supports community initiatives such as:- Work placement opportunities- Volunteering projects- The provision of professional advice- Assistance with building community facilities- Environmental proposals- Improving and promoting biodiversity- Lifelong learning projects (this list is not exhaustive)The Gateway is not a funding platform, although there may be offers of funding listed.

Falkirk Council is inviting applications from third sector organisations for funding to deliver innovative, person-centered, and test of concept projects that prevent homelessness, promote rapid rehousing, and support tenancy sustainment across the Falkirk area. The fund will support trauma informed, innovative, practical, and person-centred projects that address the key challenges faced by people on low incomes at risk of homelessness, are homeless, moving on from temporary and supported accommodation to transition into permanent accommodation as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Ensuring that they are equipped with skills, tools and confidence to maintain tenancies, make a house a home and integrate into their local communities.Applicants may choose to deliver one or more of the following priority themes or propose their own ideas aligned to the Key Focus Areas:- Move-On Garden Support Project - Move-On Decorating Support Project - Small Goods to Make a House a Home Project - Youth Homelessness Prevention Project The funding will cover activity from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2027.