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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.

Each one has its own specific governance arrangements and internal processes.

The fund aims to deliver inclusive community-based activity to meet one or more of the Scottish Government priorities of:- Tackling the climate emergency- Eradicating child poverty - Growing the economy- Ensuring high quality and sustainable public services Grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure that support one or more of the following priorities: - Build community capacity to facilitate and support local development - Help the economy of the Park to deliver Net Zero by supporting communities and existing businesses (priority theme) - Attract, support and retain young people in the National Park - Increase community service provision in the National Park (priority theme)- Cultural Heritage and Recreation - Creating a Well-Being economyProjects could be completely new activity or capital items; or can be additional activity or capital within existing projects. Where possible, projects will be encouraged to work in partnership with others to deliver their projects. They would like to see a variety of applications ranging from small actions to larger more strategic projects. All projects will need to be completed by March 2027.

This bridging loan scheme is available to community organisations carrying out work on a public facility or providing a new public facility in Shetland which is eligible for grant funding from EU/Scottish Government/Lottery when the funding is released on receipt of paid invoices.

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (CMHWF) for Adults was established in October 2021 and to date, it has distributed grants to community initiatives supporting mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. Local TSIs each have their own version of this fund.The priorities are:- 1. Tackle mental health inequalities through supporting a range of ‘at risk’ groups.- 2. Address priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention, poverty and inequality with a particular emphasis on responding to the cost-of-living crisis and support to those facing socio-economic disadvantage.  - 3. Support small ‘grass roots’ community groups and organisations to deliver such activities.  - 4. Provide opportunities for people to connect with each other, build trusted relationships and revitalise communities. New for this year is a particular focus on supporting the following six priority family groups identified under Best Start Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022 to 2026: Lone Parents; Disabled; 3+ Children; Minority Ethnic; Youngest Child Aged <1; Mothers Aged <25.

The Plugged in Communities Grant Fund supports community transport operators in Scotland to replace a community transport vehicle with a zero-emission alternative, to support community trips and services.Grants are available to cover the following zero-emission vehicles:- Cars- MPVs- Minibuses- VansFunding also covers any necessary accessibility adaptations and charging infrastructure

Years 5 & 6 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults offers financial support to local community projects that improve the mental health and wellbeing of people living in the Western Isles.This money will be distributed to groups who provide community support and connections for people who have experienced distress, disadvantage, isolation, or whose mental health has been negatively impacted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The overarching aim of the Fund is to promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing while mitigating the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16 or over) with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention. Key priorities include:- Addressing mental health inequalities within ‘at risk’ groups.- Tackling social isolation, loneliness, suicide prevention, and poverty and inequality, with a focus on responding to the cost-of-living crisis.- Supporting small grassroots community groups and organisations in delivering activities.- Fostering connections, building trusted relationships, and revitalising communities.In previous years the fund has supported projects as diverse as arts, recreation, sporting memories, advocacy and counselling.For further information and advice, contact the relevant local TSI:- Third Sector Hebrides (Lewis): enquiries@tshebrides.org.uk- Outer Hebrides Social Economy Partnership: enquiries@tshebrides.org.uk- Volunteer Centre Western Isles: manager@volunteercentrewi.org- Harris Voluntary Service: manager@harrisvs.org.uk- Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations: info@ucvo.org.uk- Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay: eoin@vabv.org.uk

The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund will help more people get online, drive economic growth and raise living standards. It aims to answer the question: How can technology help people overcome barriers to accessing key online services?Despite the success of programmes such as Connecting Scotland, many individuals still struggle to access essential services because of low digital skills, limited confidence, or a lack of access to devices and connectivity. This Challenge seeks innovative, user-centred solutions that focus on people who may have some access to devices or connectivity but face barriers in using digital services safely and effectively. Proposals should address varied user needs, helping individuals engage with services including financial tools, education and employment. Connectivity and devices matter - but skills and confidence are critical to unlocking meaningful digital inclusion.The impacts of this exclusion vary depending on the specific circumstances of individuals, but this challenge is focused on reducing the barriers for people identifying, accessing and engaging with essential digital services safely including;- Key public services such as access to online health services, benefits etc- Access to third-sector services such as Citizens advice - Access to banking services and financial services- Access to employment opportunities- Access to education and skills opportunities

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (CMHWF) for Adults was established in October 2021 and to date, it has distributed grants to community initiatives supporting mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. Local TSIs have their own version of this fund.The priorities are:- 1. Tackle mental health inequalities through supporting a range of ‘at risk’ groups.- 2. Address priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention, poverty and inequality with a particular emphasis on responding to the cost-of-living crisis and support to those facing socio-economic disadvantage.  - 3. Support small ‘grass roots’ community groups and organisations to deliver such activities.  - 4. Provide opportunities for people to connect with each other, build trusted relationships and revitalise communities. New for this year is a particular focus on supporting the following six priority family groups identified under Best Start Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022 to 2026: Lone Parents; Disabled; 3+ Children; Minority Ethnic; Youngest Child Aged <1; Mothers Aged <25.

Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. You should have an ambitious growth strategy and a commitment to deliver upon it. Competitions are:- Scottish EDGE: For early-stage companies/social enterprises across all sectors, offering funding on a split grant/loan basis.- Young EDGE: For companies where all directors are under the age of 30 offering a grant only award.Wild Card EDGE: For pre-trading companies, sole-traders and partnerships, offering a grant-only award. - Social Enterprise EDGE: For Social Enterprises who clearly demonstrate how their business enriches communities and makes a contribution to society, offering funding on a split grant/loan basis.