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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 Gannochy Trust provides funding to registered charities, primarily working in Perth and Kinross, but also to inspire and develop young people throughout Scotland.The Trust has different eligibility criteria for charities based or working in Perth and Kinross, than those across Scotland. For Perth and Kinross the aims are:- To improve the quality of life- To improve the availability or quality of the built and natural environment for wide community use- To develop and inspire children and young people (From age 0 to 21 inclusive)For the rest of Scotland they are:- To develop and inspire children and young people (From age 11 to 21 inclusive)

The fund will help communities take ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them, as well as practical support to develop their aspirations into viable projects. It supports communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets. They will fund the purchase of land or land assets, and/or support to help you plan and develop your ideas.The Scottish Land Fund is open to organisations in both urban and rural Scotland which are community-led, community-controlled, and defined by a geographic area.Successful applicants will clearly demonstrate that their project will help their local community to:- achieve more sustainable economic, environmental and/or social development through ownership of land and buildings- have a stronger role in and control over their own development- own well managed, financially sustainable land and buildings.

Ardersier Port Community Benefit Fund supports community projects benefitting those living in the areas covered by the Community Councils of: Petty and Ardersier, Cawdor and West Nairnshire, Croy and Culloden Moor and Nairn West and Suburban. The Fund will support charitable activity that helps improve people’s quality of life while improving the environment and supporting sustainability. Applications will focus on an activity or project that has the ambition to result in one or more of the following outcomes:- Enhances quality of life for local communities- Promotes community spirit and encourage community activity- Contributes to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities Grant requests to support a wide range of costs and activities will be considered, such as equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.

Supported by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), the SPT Community Path Fund supports communities to deliver small capital projects that improve local walking and wheeling networks and infrastructure.Funding of up to £10,000 is available to construct new paths to improve network connectivity as well as to upgrade existing paths to make them more accessible. This can include removing barriers on paths that are restrictive for people using adaptive equipment, installing seating along routes to provide rest points, installing directional signage, and planting wildlife-friendly trees and shrubs.They are especially looking to hear from community-led projects, and from groups who have not received funding from Walking Scotland (previously Paths for All) before. All work must be completed by 23 February 2026.

This fund supports a wide range of charitable activity and development that principally benefit the residents of the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area in Caithness. Approximately 20% of the fund is available for projects or services located outside that area, provided there is clear and evidenced benefit to residents of Dunnet & Canisbay.The Fund will provide grants to support charitable activities that will help achieve the following outcomes principally to benefit the residents of the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area: - Improving or giving better access to communications and transport- Improving our community assets and facilities for local people and visitors- Providing opportunities for young people- Providing support and opportunities for older people- Promoting enterprise and tourism- Improving our natural environment and access to it- Improving or giving better access to culture and heritage.