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The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) supports communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions. CARES can support a wide range of projects including installing renewable technologies in community buildings, community benefits and shared ownership. The CARES Development Fund is designed to help communities take that first step on their community energy journey. First steps include:- Raising awareness of your energy project idea.- Completing an options appraisal to understand the types of projects you might carry out.- Completing a first step feasibility study to see if your idea might work.- Funding for some staff time to progress your idea.To be eligible for this fund you should be at an early stage in developing your own community energy project or have an opportunity to investigate shared ownership of a commercially owned renewable energy project. This fund is all about getting started for either community-owned renewable energy projects or investigating shared ownership (where community groups make an investment in a commercially owned renewable energy project).Funding must be drawn down by Tuesday 17 March 2026.

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 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.

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 Climate Hub offers small grants to community groups for community engagement or seed funding for a community climate action project. The Fund is available to existing and emerging community groups who are members of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. They will prioritise projects which: - Aim to create long-term change.- Build the skills and capacity of groups or organisations and communities. - Support and encourage collaborative working across groups or organisations, communities and areas.- Encourage sustainability through reusing, recycling and upcycling goods and products. - Encourage climate action and a just transition- Mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental impact- Help communities adapt to and build resilience to climate change- Protect or enhance local biodiversity through conservation and promotion

The Screen Education Fund supports projects that help make screen education more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. Applications should align with the fund's key priorities:- Support the development and growth of screen education across Scotland.- Support the continued professional development of teachers and educators to deliver screen education.- Support the long-term sustainability of screen education by through projects which will strengthen its provision across Scotland.- Promote the value and benefit of screen education.The fund is designed for innovative projects with the potential to develop increased understanding of formal, informal and non-formal screen education and supports learning in schools, communities, and other non-traditional settings - wherever screen education can thrive.Funding can be used to support a range of costs in planning and delivering your project, such as:- Programme planning and scheduling- Programme delivery, including staffing costs- Safeguarding costs related to your project- Specialist screen education practitioners- Training and professional development- Delivery venue costs- Access costsThe maximum length of time for a funded project to run is 12 months.