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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).Funding must be drawn down by Tuesday 17 March 2026.

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 association exists to provide funding for projects or activities run by individuals or groups for the benefit of people in or linked to Leith.The Trust aims to support the following objectives in Leith and the surrounding area:- The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage- The advancement of citizenship or community development- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement- The advancement of education- The provision of recreational facilities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intendedPrevious grantees cover a range of areas and include Citadel Arts Group, North Edinburgh Dementia Care, Pilmeny Youth Project and Penumbra.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has established the Regionwide Community Fund, which is a source of funding open for applications from community groups and projects anywhere in the region.The Fund was launched in 2019 to distribute funding contributed at the discretion of windfarms in the region. It is a source of funding to support applications aimed at: -Fund priorities:-Skills Development-Community-Environment-Culture & Heritage-Community Led Tourism-Affordable Housing-Community Transport-Digital Connectivity-Poverty & Inequalities-Working Towards Net Zero (climate)- Cost of livingThe Fund encourages applicants to support fair work standards where applicable

The Fund is provided by Barrhill Community Interest Company using funds from the Kilgallioch Community Benefit Company and ScottishPower Renewables Mark Hill wind farm. The fund will support positive change by investing in a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity that is strategic, positive and creative and helps create a legacy of lasting impact. The fund will do this by making grants to support the costs of relevant projects, services and facilities.The Fund also makes bursaries to individuals for education and training.

SSE's network in the north of Scotland will play a leading role in the clean energy transition, connecting and transporting renewable electricity from wind, hydro and marine generation. SSE's Community Benefit Fund will allow a share of the benefits to go directly to those communities hosting this new infrastructure. It aims to kickstart impactful projects or initiatives that will bring meaningful benefits to communities.The fund has two streams:Regional: for projects benefiting communities located within the SSEN Transmission network area. Any successful application must meet one or more of the following themes:- People: Focusing on skills, training and employability; - Place: Emphasising the community and culture of the north of Scotland;- Alleviating fuel poverty: Looking at strategic ways to help people across the region.Local: for projects benefiting communities situated close to SSE infrastructure.

The Inch Cape Construction Fund supports community projects that help tackle the effects of poverty and inequality while improving the environment and supporting sustainability for residents of the Prestonpans or Cockenzie & Port Seton community council areas.The Fund will support charitable activities that contribute to at least one of the following outcomes:- Improving physical and/or mental health and wellbeing.- Reducing isolation or loneliness within the community.- Increasing access to education, learning and employment.- Improving to the local environment.- Reducing food or fuel povertyGrants may support a wide range of costs, such as equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs for local groups, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.

Grants are available for community and environmental projects which address carbon reduction and help progress towards “net zero”. All projects must be located in or be delivered to benefit communities within Keith and the wider Strathisla boundary. Examples of projects that could, therefore, be considered for grants include:- Energy efficiency audits of community buildings and facilities to identify and prioritise important capital improvement works- Costs associated with the above findings. This might include thermal insulation, solar panels and battery storage, ground source heating, double / triple glazing improvements, more efficient heating, micro wind turbines etc…- Educational activities that promote the net zero movement, i.e. costs of school trips to renewable facilities, school or community educational sessions / workshops / events- Training for voluntary / community groups to help reduce their own carbon footprint- Environmental and habitat species conservation which protects and / or enhances a public space (may include tree planting for example).- Electrical vehicle charging point installations, in public locations- Other projects that deliver energy efficiency upgrades such as lighting improvements (i.e. not necessarily in public / community buildings)