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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

Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the programme, to be managed by public sector infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust, will provide grants of up to £80,000 per project that address identified climate-related risks. The aim is to award funding to 8-10 projects and ensure cultural and creative assets across Scotland remain usable, resilient and fit for purpose as climate conditions continue to change.The demonstration fund is designed to support pathfinder projects where practical interventions can be completed at pace, while generating valuable learning to inform future investment decisions across Scotland’s cultural and creative estate.With a strong emphasis on experience and insight, the programme will prioritise projects that are capable of being delivered quickly, and able to demonstrate clear, transferable lessons.Grant funding will support the delivery of projects to be completed within the 2026 - 2027 financial year.

The Employability Fund is being distributed by VASLan on behalf of UK Government and is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The overall aim of the fund is to strengthen capacity of community-based employability support for individuals.For full guidance, visit the VASLan website.Your project should fit with one or more essential priorities:- People taking part in work experience programs. An example could be organisations supporting people in job-searching activities i.e. identifying volunteering options, any other work experience programs.- People engaged in job-searching following support, for example organizations supporting people in job-searching activities i.e. job clubs, identifying skills, writing CVs, identifying volunteering ortraining options.- People in employment, including self-employment, following support, i.e. when organisation is offering advice- how to find job and matching with current skills, advice or working in partnership on self-employment.- People in education/training in order to gain skills needed to employment in the future i.e. volunteers identifying education destination as a result of support during volunteering experience,staff in particular roles looking to enhance their skills in order to support individuals better.- People experiencing reduced structural barriers into employment and into skills provision, i.e. when organisation is helping with project like mentorship for people with low self- confidence and mental health barrier which previously stopped them from employment, supported employment options etc.

The Tree Council and Network Rail are once again working in partnership to support a new season of community tree planting. They invite applications for funding to support impactful community tree planting projects.Priorities are :- Clear community benefit and involvement, such as volunteering, education, or wellbeing initiatives - Improvements in biodiversity at the planting site - Clear understanding of site suitability for tree planting, based on site-specific considerations - Thoughtful tree selection following “right tree, right place” principles, supported by a detailed planting plan- Use of UK-sourced and grown trees, preferably native species from local or community nurseries and/or those that are Plant Healthy certified - Comprehensive establishment and aftercare plan, including a commitment to maintain the trees and site for a minimum of three years - Willingness to provide content for external communications purposes - Commitment to participate in monitoring and evaluation activities post plantingAll projects to be completed by 1 March 2026.