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The Community Empowerment Fund (part of the broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund or UKSPF) is a community capacity building initiative that aims to boost local community projects across the Falkirk area.There are two programmes:- Capital Facilities Improvement Grant: Up to £15,000 capital funding towards projects that result in the creation or significant improvement of a building/facility owned or controlled by a non-profit, community benefit organisation. - Small and Start-Up Grants: Funding to deliver new or expanded services within our communities, including activities, events and volunteering opportunities (up to £5,000).The UK Government have introduced a revised set of outcomes for the SPF programme. The 25/26 Outcomes for the Community Empowerment are listed below:- Number of amenities/facilities created or improved - Number of local events or activities supported - Number of people reached - Number of volunteering opportunities supported - Improved engagement numbers - Number of volunteering opportunities created as a result of support For projects aiming to be completed by 31 January 2026.

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).

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

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

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.