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The Community Empowerment Fund (part of the broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund or UKSPF) is a community capacity building initiative that aims to boost local community projects across the Falkirk area.There are two programmes:- Capital Facilities Improvement Grant: Up to £15,000 capital funding towards projects that result in the creation or significant improvement of a building/facility owned or controlled by a non-profit, community benefit organisation. - Small and Start-Up Grants: Funding to deliver new or expanded services within our communities, including activities, events and volunteering opportunities (up to £5,000).The UK Government have introduced a revised set of outcomes for the SPF programme. The 25/26 Outcomes for the Community Empowerment are listed below:- Number of amenities/facilities created or improved - Number of local events or activities supported - Number of people reached - Number of volunteering opportunities supported - Improved engagement numbers - Number of volunteering opportunities created as a result of support For projects aiming to be completed by 31 January 2026.

The fund is a vehicle through which two different funds are administered, provided by:- Nadara, the owner and operator of the Galawhistle Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire (opened in 2017)- Greencoat UK Wind, the owner of the Douglas West Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire (opened in late 2021)The Fund supports community projects benefiting those living in Douglas (incorporating Glespin and surrounding areas) and/or Coalburn community council areas. It supports positive change by investing in a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity that is strategic, positive and creative and helps deliver a legacy of lasting impact.Applications are expected to address one or more of the following outcomes: - help people into work- improve local transport- improve quality of life, health and well-being- build capacity for local groups and individuals- building sustainable community assets, including capital assets, community enterprises, local exchange systems, people’s skills and abilities, culture and the local environment.

Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is provided by EDF Renewables, the majority owner of Dorenell Windfarm Limited. The fund supports charitable activities that benefit residents living in he communities of Dufftown, Auchindoun, Glenrinnes, Glenlivet, Inveravon, and Cabrach.Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project or activity will contribute towards the themes and priorities identified in the updated Community Development Plan priorities, as follows:1. Environment and Heritage2. Community and recreational facilities, groups and activities3. Local economy 4. Housing and sustainable development5. Transport and access to servicesAwards can support both revenue and capital costs and a wide range of activities, including equipment costs, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations and feasibility studies, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities and so on.Awards can be made on the basis of being repayable as an interest free loan, where cashflow limitations are impeding the delivery of a project. For more information, visit the Foundation Scotland website.

The Tannach and District Charitable Wind Farm Trust manages funds from the Wathegar, Wathegar 2, and Bilbster Wind Farms. The Fund supports community groups and charities working in the Tannach and District area that provide activities or services which promote community spirit and bring people together, enhance quality of life and promote people’s well-being and foster a vibrant, sustainable community.The outcomes for the Tannach & District Wind Farm Charitable Trust Fund are as follows:1. There are more and better opportunities to take part in sports and recreational pursuits2. Access to and through settlements is safer3. People of all ages enjoy more, better and varied activities and services4. Community life is enhanced and maintained through a wide range of activities, eventsand improved amenity of settlements5. Economic activity is encouraged within the Fund area6. People have more vocational skills and experience7. The natural and cultural heritage is more valued, experienced and understood by bothvisitors and residents8. Energy use in homes and community buildings is more sustainable9. Tourism opportunities are promoted and created in the Fund area

Halkirk District Benefit Fund provides community benefit to individuals residing in and to groups operating in the Benefit Fund area.The area of benefit is Halkirk District Community Council boundary, this includes Altnabreac, Banniskirk, Calder, Georgemas, Harpsdale, Spittal, Mybster and Westerdale.The Fund Purpose is consistent with furthering the achievement of sustainable development including: - Advancing citizenship or community development within Halkirk District- Recreational activities and facilities within Halkirk District- Sustainable development and regeneration of Halkirk District- Education relating to environment, culture, heritage or history- Improved environmental amenities within Halkirk District- Buildings or sites of architectural, historic, or community importance within Halkirk District.

Funds projects and initiatives that support the rural regeneration and sustainability of communities within the Solwaybank Windfarm area and enhance the lives of those living and working in the area.Applications are welcomed that fall into the following categories:- Enhance the quality of life for local residents- Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities- Promote community spirit and encourage community activityPriority will be given to projects which can demonstrate:- Local consultation – evidence that the local community has been consulted and is supportive of the project- Strategic projects – with longer term impacts and benefits- Partnership working – working with other organisations (e.g. voluntary, local, regional or national) to add value to a project- Local procurement – using local suppliers and providers for goods and services, where possible.- Environmental considerations – consideration of the project’s carbon footprint and minimising the environmental impactMatch funding of at least 10% of the project cost will normally be required, but projects with more match funding to add to the value of the project and maximise the Community Benefit funding are preferred.

The Kinross-shire Fund supports community groups and organisations within the 73 square miles of Kinross-shire, and is dedicated to helping make Kinross-shire a better place to live. Funds are raised from individuals, companies and groups which are then used to make grants to local projects and voluntary organisations making a real difference to life in Kinross-shire. The Kinross-shire Fund aims to support activities that will develop the vibrant life of the Kinross-shire community and ensure the area is an attractive place to live, work, and visit.Applications must contribute to at least one of the following themes:- Community events- Community information- Community transport- Community welfare or healthcare support- Physical amenities- Recreational facilities- Support for the care of older people- Support for existing voluntary organisations. Priority will be given to funding applications which:- strengthen existing local organisations by helping them to purchase equipment and resources- improve or develop local community facilities- encourage community activity and promote community spirit- support services for the elderly and persons with a disability- improve information about local community issuesHigher priority will be given to capital projects which make a lasting difference. Grants must be spent within one year of the award.

Grants are available for local voluntary or community organisations and charities working in communities across the UK. All applicants need to do is share the exceptional contribution that a local organisation has made to their community and what the grant would be put towards.Previous grantees have included blood bikes, air ambulance, support groups for people with disabilities, and support for care leavers.

The fund aims to support projects that make a difference to life in, and seek improvement in, the local community. They are keen to support community and voluntary organisations that are charitable, educational, philanthropic or benevolent in purpose. You do not have to be a registered charity to apply for funding but you do have to be able to demonstrate real community impetus and benefits.Projects should benefit people living in Arbuthnott; Benholm and Johnshaven; Gourdon; Inverbervie; Mearns; St Cyrus.Please check the fund guidelines to check eligibility before applying.

Local Community Groups are able to apply for funding to support the group and to develop a new or ongoing project in partnership with their local store. Successful applicants will receive an initial grant and begin a partnership with their local One Stop store.This programme is designed to support community groups or organisations operating within two miles of a One Stop store and which are;- Tackling food poverty- Supporting the vulnerable- Supporting the elderly- Supporting low-income families- Supporting local sports teams- Improving the local environment- Reducing waste in the communityIn addition to a grant, tailored support from the store teams will help community causes to increase or improve their service by assisting in areas such as but not limited to; volunteering support, fundraising and awareness-raising.