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The Lived Experience Fund is to support organisations in capturing the lived experience of local residents to help inform community planning partnership service delivery and policy development. Engaging with local people in this way can help to ensure that:- There is equality and dignity for all- Services and activities are relevant to local needs- Communities can voice their opinions and identify what works and what doesn't- Everyone feels valued and included- Sense of community is improved- Sense of control and influence strengthened in local communities- Collective action is promoted- People are empowered to deliver effective interventions in their own lives and in that of their communitiesThis money can only be used to capture the views and experiences of people who live in South Lanarkshire and who experience poverty, inequalities and/or deprivation. Eligible activities include:- Cost of living support for community groups- Activities for youth- Food growing- Support for the elderly

No One Left Behind is the Scottish Government's approach to transforming employment support in Scotland.If you have a local project or initiative that could provide early-stage employability support which could lead to onward progression to more formal traning, East Lothian Works encourages you to apply for a quick grant.Funding is for activities targeted towards post-school young people and adults without a positive destination ages 16+ (aimed at employability pipeline stage 1-2).All funds must be used by 31 March 2027.

The Scottish Government and NatureScot, working in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, have announced a grant scheme to support projects that shape and grow the use of private investment and market-based mechanisms to finance the restoration of Scotland’s nature. Through the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), grants will be offered to organisations and partnerships to help develop a viable business case and financial model, to attract investment in projects that can restore and improve the natural environment.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is designed to support access to finance for UK small businesses (third-sector) as they look to invest and grow. The Scheme provides a 70% government backed guarantee on loans, and aims to improve access to finance to boost overall investment and economic growth. The Scheme supports term loans, overdrafts, asset based lending and invoice finance facilities. Term loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts and invoice finance available from three months up to three years.To find out more, visit the SIS website or contact them to speak with a member of the team.

The Tree Council has funds available to assist schools and community groups proposing to undertake well-planned tree planting projects during National Tree Week. They can fund trees, hedges and orchard trees and reasonable costs of supports and aids – stakes, ties, guards, fertiliser, mulch, soil amelioration.

The Public Engagement Grant Scheme (PEGS) aims to support the IOP Limit Less campaign by improving the relationship with physics of young people and their influencers, including their parents and carers. This could be by showcasing relatable role models of those doing physics, actively challenging stereotypes and preconceptions, sharing positive messages about physics, and more!The grant looks to prioritise projects that reach families with young people under the age of 16 who identify with one or more of the following groups currently underrepresented in the physics community:- Girls and young women- Disabled young people- LGBT+ young people- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds- Black Caribbean young people

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.The fund contributes 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 2026-2027, 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.

Part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), the Community Energy Growth Fund helps communities take community energy projects from idea to delivery.The fund is designed for communities that are ready to develop or deliver a renewable energy project. You may be in the right place if:- Your organisation is a non-profit distributing Scottish charity or company and is eligible for CARES funding.- You have identified a community energy opportunity or project idea.- You have identified potential sites or locations for the project.- You are seeking support to assess feasibility, develop or construct the project.Funding can support community-owned renewable electricity generation projects, including solar PV, wind and hydro, and the integration of energy storage and demand flexibility technologies. Support is also available for projects that combine these technologies through innovative approaches and business models.Whether you’re exploring an idea, developing a proposal or preparing to deliver a project, this fund could help you take the next step.