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The Community Led Local Development Fund is an annual grant fund dedicated to improving life for people living in the Scottish Borders. The fund has been running for over 20 years. Themes funded vary each year but always include looking projects related to social and environmental issues.The fund offers grants for projects that are centred around tackling at least one of the following themes:- Net-Zero/Climate Crisis;- Social Inclusion/ Improving Services for the Public- Poverty Alleviation (especially for children and young people). All grants must be spent by 28 February 2026.The decision making panel (Local Action Group) is made up of local residents and organisations and membership is open to all.The LAG also funds other activities through separate funds such as Business Grants, Youth LAG grant process and direct distribution of low energy/poverty alleviation goods to those in need.

The Community Choices Small Grants programme offers community groups the opportunity to suggest project and activity ideas they want to make happen and to receive public funds in their ward to do it. The programme supports groups with a project idea that will make a difference to people living in the Falkirk area.The priorities for community grant funding are:- People: Projects that foster good community relationships between people. Projects working with people who are disadvantaged or with protected characteristics are more likely to be successful particularly if the application can provide evidence of how people are coming together to improve relationships between people and communities.- Place: Projects that encourage people to take pride in their community. Projects that clearly set out the history or culture of the community they are celebration are more likely to be successful. - Partnership: Projects that support the Council's approach to early intervention by providing services so that people can live full, independent and positive lives.

Social & Community Capital is a charity funded by Royal Bank of Scotland to help social enterprises, charities and community businesses. They provide funding and support for organisations based in the key focus areas of Midlands, North West of England and Scotland who don't qualify for mainstream finance.There are four loans to meet different needs:- Property Purchase Loan: Funding to renovate or purchase a property. Apply for £30k to £500k.- Flexible Growth Funding: Looking to grow and increase your impact. Apply for £30k to £350k.- Working Capital LoanFlexible finance to cover overheads and smooth out cashflow. Apply for £30k to £250k.- Bridging Loan: Pay VAT or cover overheads before grant funding arrives. Apply for £30k to £250k.

The Cervus Trust is interested in supporting charitable activities under the following themes:- Food Poverty: projects that are empowering and help people to help themselves e.g. community growing projects rather than foodbanks.- Mental Health: projects targeting those with depression and anxiety, support for those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACES), projects that help to develop emotional resilience; projects supporting carers with their mental health.- The Arts: using arts, including music tuition, as an enabling tool to develop skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.- Education: projects which involve outdoor education and play are preferred. School-based initiatives will be a low priority unless they involve non-statutory provision and involve the wider community.- Disadvantaged families and children: support for projects that will help families and children to thrive.

This funding is for organisations in Scotland, that National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) currently funds. They want to support organisations to try out new ideas and ways of working. Or to develop their organisation and improve their current work.To apply for this funding, your organisation must:- currently have funding from TNLCF for one or more projects- work with people affected by poverty, disadvantage or discrimination- involve the people you support in designing how you work.The work that TNLCF funds must meet one of these outcomesOrganisations TNCLF funds are able to:- overcome challenges and plan for the future- try out new ideas and ways of working.You can achieve both outcomes. But you will not improve your chances of getting funding by achieving both outcomes.