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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 2027.

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.

Changing Places Toilets are larger accessible toilets designed to meet the needs of disabled people who need carer support and specialist equipment to use the facilities and have their personal care needs met, fulfilling this basic human right for them. The aim of the Fund is to increase the number of Changing Places Toilets in Scotland and so meet the human rights of disabled people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.The Scottish Government is committed to extending the provision of these facilities across Scotland’s communities and, through its Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund, will provide grant investment of £10 million in the financial years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 to support this.The Fund will pay for the development and installation of new Changing Places Toilets in Scotland, including: - Planning and design of the facilities. - Changing Places Toilet equipment and installation.- Alteration of existing spaces as part of the installation of a new Changing Places Toilet, for example repurposing rooms, or building a standalone toilet. - Modular Changing Places Toilets.- 5% contingency costs. The Fund will operate from 7 August 2025 to 31 March 2027 with one application deadline. Successful applicants must spend their grant and therefore have built their Changing Places Toilets by 31 March 2027.

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