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Running from August 2026 to December 2027, the New FWDF initiative contributes to Scotland’s mission to increase earned incomes and eradicate child poverty by investing £10 million in colleges. This targeted investment equips colleges to upskill in-work parents, carers, young people and other priority groups, boosting household incomes for those in, or at risk of, in-work poverty. Simultaneously, it helps employers to close skills gaps, adopt Fair Work practices, and drive business productivity.This fund is specifically aimed at low-income parents, carers, disabled and care-experienced young people within the workforce, and employer partnership is essential.The key objectives of this funding are to:- **Break the cycle of poverty:** Support parents/carers in low-income households to enter, sustain, and progress in employment by providing college-based, employment-focused learning opportunities. These should be timetabled in a family-friendly way. This should equip people with skills to enter or progress in work, fostering collaborative multi-agency partnerships, and supporting existing ESOL provision in colleges.- **Provide “wraparound” support:** Deliver holistic “Whole Family Support” to address structural barriers like childcare and transport, ensuring learner choice and direct upskilling opportunities for low-paid workers are available to drive career progression.Funding is for 2026-27 only at this stage. Future funding is subject to confirmation by the Scottish Government.

This funding, which reinvests criminal assets recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, will provide the opportunities and the tools to support young people to make informed decisions about their future.In this phase, CashBack partners will deliver early and effective prevention activities for children and young people aged 10-25. By strengthening ties with local communities, Cashback for Communities will provide positive activities for young people facing the greatest challenges.This phase will focus on:- Providing safe spaces and suitable activities for young people to combat boredom, frustration, and isolation, which can contribute to antisocial behaviours.- Supporting young people to understand their own value and become positive influences and leaders within their communities.- Delivering holistic support for particularly vulnerable young people which includes their family or care environment. Where a young person may have the potential to come into conflict with the law, support will be extended for family and caregivers.- Offering support for young people who are already in conflict with the law to reflect on past behaviours and work towards a more positive future.

The Digital and Technology Adoption Capital Grant can provide organisations based in the Highlands and Islands region funding to support digital transformation ambitions. Introducing digital technology into your business has many advantages, including cutting costs, speeding up processes, improving customer insights, creating the ability to make faster business decisions, reduce carbon emissions and increase revenue.HIE recommend that organisations applying for this fund should have a digital action plan or feasibility study in place before making an enquiry.Community and Voluntary Organisations in the Highlands and Islands can apply for a capital grant based on their requirements.Digital technologies that may be supported with a capital grant include:- Robots / robotics / cobotics- Sensor technologies- Internet of Things- Data innovation- Artificial intelligence- Cyber security- Software development- Augmented reality / virtual reality / 3D visualisations- Additive manufacturing and laser machining- Cyber security solutionsProjects that have an element of ‘deep tech’ will also be considered, for example, blockchain, photonics, aerospace and space technologies, electronics, cyber threat intelligence and quantum computing.

The Community Integration Fund aims to strengthen community cohesion across Falkirk by supporting local organisations to include and integrate New Scots within their activities between March 2026 and 31 March 2027.The term New Scots includes refugees, asylum seekers, displaced individuals; those refused asylum who remain in Scotland, and people who may be stateless.Community cohesion relies on inclusive environments where people from all backgrounds feel valued and connected. Projects should build relationships, reduce isolation, promote shared participation, and address cultural misunderstandings.Priority groups include:- Resettled refugees- Asylum seekers in dispersal or contingency accommodation- Refugees granted leave to remain- Displaced persons (e.g., Ukrainians)At least 25% of participants must be Falkirk New Scots.Projects may focus on:- Improving English- Learning about the local community- Cultural exchange- Relationship-building- Employment pathways- Reducing intercultural barriers- Improving wellbeing- Sustainability