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The Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF) contributes to the costs associated with meeting required registration qualification criteria set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and to help employers in achieving a qualified workforce.Around £780,000 is available during 2025-26 to contribute to costs associated with staff meeting the required registration qualification criteria set by the SSSC. They would particularly like small and medium-sized organisations to apply. Workers eligible for support this year are: social care workers at the level of support worker, practitioner and supervisor, providing care at home service, housing support service or care home service for adults.Funding is available for SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 6 or 7. For 2025-2026, the SSSC and Scottish Government would encourage level 7 applications to support supervisors who have had an extension to their qualification condition and still have to gain their practice qualification.

The Family Recovery Initiative Fund can offer one-off grants to groups that support families affected by alcohol and drugs in Scotland. Its aim is to improve the wellbeing of family members affected by someone else’s substance misuse. Well-being is improved by social inclusion, because people connect with other people, can participate in group activities, and can access support. It is funded by the Scottish Government Substance Misuse Unit. The fund can support a variety of activities including set up costs, running costs, training, events, marketing, travel, activities and networking.

The Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between Corra Foundation and Scottish Government, and supported by our network of Youth Partners – Clued Up Project, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs’ Routes Project, and Youth Scotland.You’re Only Young Once (YOYO) is a fund designed by young people as part of the Way Forward for Families Partnership Fund. The young people have designed the fund criteria, application process, name, and logo.The young people of the Way Forward’s Be Different to Make A Difference Advisory Group is focussing this small grant programme on supporting children, young people and their families to shape and share experiences, create connections, and to create the conditions where they are empowered to influence participation, policy and practice across Scotland, and can thrive in the future.

Fife Council’s Culture Grants scheme aims to encourage and support creativity in local communities and will support activities in the following areas:- literature (includes writing, books, storytelling, readings, publishing)- performance (includes theatre, performance, drama, music and dance)- heritage (includes museums, libraries, archives and history)- audio-visual (includes film and video, radio, new media)- visual arts/crafts (includes art, painting, sculpture, crafts, design, fashion and architecture)Grants are available to start or develop creative activities within the group, to add to your group’s experience if you already have artistic or cultural aims, or to organise a cultural experience for group members

The Tree Council and SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are working in partnership to deliver a programme of tree planting between 2024 and 2028. Together with local communities, they will plant trees across central and southern Scotland, with a specific focus in areas such as parks, schools, and community spaces. Hedgerow planting, community orchards and other urban planting schemes will also be supported.They are looking to support well-planned, tree planting projects that will directly benefit people, communities and wildlife.

Funds are available for capital projects which improve quality of life and economic prosperity of communities within 10km of a participating renewable energy development (42 participating windfarms - see website for details).Capital projects are usually long-term projects to acquire, develop, improve and/or maintain a capital asset such as land, buildings or roads or one off activities. Projects should be place and community based and require evidence of community support and consultation and involvement within the application. Your project must meet at least one of the following Themes:- Theme One: Stronger Communities- Theme Two: Prosperous Communities- Theme Three: Healthy and Active Communities- Theme Four: Sustainable Environmental Communities

Through funding from South Lanarkshire’s Renewable Energy Fund, Community Councils in South Lanarkshire can award micro grants to support local constituted and non-constituted groups and where appropriate individuals.The micro grants are available for activity which is community focused and supports the following objectives:- enhance quality of life for local residents- contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities- and/or promote community spirit and encourage community activity.