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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 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

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

Fife Council’s Culture Grants scheme aims to encourage and support creativity in local communities and will support activities in the following areas:- literature (includes writing, books, storytelling, readings, publishing)- performance (includes theatre, performance, drama, music and dance)- heritage (includes museums, libraries, archives and history)- audio-visual (includes film and video, radio, new media)- visual arts/crafts (includes art, painting, sculpture, crafts, design, fashion and architecture)Grants are available to start or develop creative activities within the group, to add to your group’s experience if you already have artistic or cultural aims, or to organise a cultural experience for group members

The Tree Council and SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are working in partnership with local communities to deliver a programme of tree planting across central and southern Scotland, with a specific focus in areas such as parks, schools, and community spaces. Hedgerow planting, community orchards and other urban planting schemes will also be supported.They are looking to support well-planned, tree planting projects that will directly benefit people, communities and wildlife.