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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 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

This scheme encourages Village and Community Hall Committees to introduce and develop a fundraising programme to generate funds for planned annual projects, e.g. equipment purchase and small to medium improvements to their rural hall.For every £1 fundraised (not donated), Fife Council will match £2, up to a maximum of £780.Applications will only be considered where pieces of work can be identified, e.g. small to medium improvements to the hall, purchase of kitchen equipment, etc. (see list below):- flooring work- tiling work to kitchen and toilet areas- sound system including speakers- protection covers for lights in main hall- heating/ventilation system/de-humidification upgrading- insulation work- purchase of cooker/oven- purchase of crockery and kitchen utensils- replacement toilet units- installation of a new water heater

Scotland’s Heat Network Fund (SHNF) offers capital grants to businesses and organisations in the public, private and third sectors to develop heat network projects.It aims to support the roll-out of zero emission district heat networks and communal heating systems.SHNF supports:- new low or zero direct emissions district heat networks or communal heating systems- the expansion of existing district or communal heating systems where the heat demand of the extension as a minimum is supplied by a low or zero direct emissions heat source - the decarbonisation of existing district heat networks or communal heating systems where a zero direct emissions heat source replaces an existing polluting heat source

The Cinema Equipment Fund is for cinemas and venues to upgrade or install cinema screening equipment and aims to increase access to cinema and encourage resilience for film exhibitors based in Scotland. This fund will support existing cinemas to upgrade first generation Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) compliant equipment, and support venues with advanced plans for film exhibition to install new equipment. The fund will also support community venues to upgrade or install film screening equipment (such as projector, screen, sound system and media player).