Discover Funding Opportunities

ANCBC Main Fund

The Annandale and Nithsdale Community Benefit Company Main Fund supports community-led charitable activities that promote rural regeneration and sustainability of communities in Annandale and Nithsdale, Scotland. Awards range from £500 to £20,000 and can support a wide range of costs and activities benefiting local communities. The fund prioritizes projects addressing community facilities, environmental initiatives including climate change reduction, heritage, enterprise development, sport and recreation, youth and education, and support for vulnerable people. Match funding is required for grants over £2,000, with 25% match needed for grants between £2,001-£5,000 and 50% match for grants between £5,001-£20,000. Awards can be multi-year, up to a maximum of 3 years, with total funding not exceeding £20,000.

TENOVUS Scotland Large Grants

TENOVUS Tayside and NE Fife invite applications for research grants supporting medical research in Scotland. Awards of up to £100,000 will be made to support innovative patient-related projects and pump priming studies likely to lead to subsequent funding from major grant-giving bodies. Preference is given to early career investigators, recent recruits, applications from investigators lacking other substantive support in early stages of new projects, and new collaborations between established investigators. Large Project Grants are primarily intended to support running costs, salaries and/or research studentships, with requests to fund research equipment also considered. All applications will be submitted to detailed peer review. The organization encourages researchers to publish their research in open-access journals.

Small Pilot Grants

Tenovus Scotland Small Pilot Grants provide funding for pump priming research studies of up to 18 months' duration, with awards ranging from £15,000 to £25,000 depending on the Scottish region. These grants are designed to support preliminary studies that are likely to lead to subsequent funding from major grant-giving bodies, innovative patient-related projects, and early career investigators. The program particularly supports researchers lacking other substantive support in the early stages of new projects, recent recruits, and new collaborations between established investigators. Preference is given to innovative patient-related medical research projects with strong potential for future funding. Support is mainly provided for running costs, although equipment specifically for the proposed research may be considered. Applications must demonstrate appropriate ethical permission and statistical justification where applicable. The program operates through four regional offices across Scotland, each with its own grant amount ceiling and application deadlines. The grants are particularly focused on supporting early career researchers and new projects, though postdoctoral researchers may apply with clear support from their supervisor as co-applicant. Principal investigators must have tenure of contract for the duration of the award. All applications undergo detailed peer review, and researchers are encouraged to publish in open-access journals.

Barcapel Foundation Grant

The Barcapel Foundation provides financial assistance primarily to organisations with Registered Charitable Status in Scotland, though it may occasionally make awards to non-registered organisations and individuals with charitable aims. The foundation has three priority areas of interest for funding: health, heritage, and youth. Grants are awarded predominantly to charities operating in Scotland. The foundation meets regularly to review applications, with grants typically not exceeding £100,000. Applicants must demonstrate that their interests, aims, and objectives are compatible with those of Barcapel Foundation. The foundation does not support individual applications for travel, organisations promoting religious or political beliefs, or feasibility study costs. Local charities whose work takes place outside the British Isles are also unlikely to receive support.

The Turtleton Charitable Trust

The Turtleton Charitable Trust was established under a Deed of Trust in 2007 with the particular aim of supporting heritage and the arts, principally in Scotland. The Trustees also consider a limited number of applications each year in aid of charities supporting the disadvantaged and the advancement of education. The Trust makes grants to charities which work in the advancement of the arts, culture and heritage (particularly favoring heritage and the visual arts), and support of the disadvantaged and the advancement of education. The Trustees prefer causes in Scotland and typically make awards of between £5,000 and £25,000, with larger grants or multi-year commitments available only in limited circumstances. The Trust makes grants to charitable bodies only; applications by individuals will not be considered.

Pounds for Purpose

Pounds for Purpose is a grant program for young people aged 16-26 in Scotland who want to tackle social issues and create positive change in their communities. The program provides up to £500 to help individuals turn their ideas into action, with a focus on projects or businesses that have positive social or environmental impact. The initiative aims to support young people who care about and engage with climate change, poverty, inequalities, and conservation issues. The program is particularly interested in funding ideas that are fully formed and ready to implement, with preference given to those that have the potential to generate income and become social enterprises. Applicants can also access free one-to-one business support through Just Enterprise to strengthen their applications and develop their ideas into sustainable social enterprises. The program operates on a rolling basis, allowing applications at any time throughout the year.

Enable

Enable is an innovative, joint grants programme with Lloyds Banking Group aimed at boosting community volunteering. Funding is provided to Scottish charities to support projects delivered through volunteers, with Lloyds Banking Group colleagues across Scotland volunteering their time and skills to help deliver the projects and support the charities. The programme provides 3-year grants ranging from £30,000 to £90,000 (£10,000-£30,000 per annum) as restricted funding for volunteering projects, costs, and initiatives. The Foundation recognizes the extreme impact of the cost-of-living crisis and solely focuses on helping charities who support vulnerable groups and people. Eligible volunteering costs include volunteer database costs, transport, manager salaries, training, protective equipment, out-of-pocket expenses, insurance, administration, and recruitment costs. Funding can also be used to purchase materials for activities that volunteers are delivering, such as plants for gardens, equipment for online services, or supplies for volunteer-led activities. This unique programme combines both funding and volunteer support to help charities grow stronger and thrive beyond the lifetime of their grant.

Empower

The Empower programme provides unrestricted funding to charities in Scotland that support vulnerable groups and people affected by the cost of living crisis. Empower offers real stability and certainty for charities with the opportunity for strategic support from Lloyds Banking Group colleagues to add value for charities and the vulnerable people they help. Unrestricted funding gives charities much greater scope to cover all essential costs and deal with challenges quickly and effectively. Through the Empower programme, the Foundation collaborates with Lloyds Banking Group to identify opportunities to add value for funded charities through strategic development support and colleague volunteers, helping charities grow stronger and thrive beyond the lifetime of their grant. The funding can be used towards core costs, delivery costs, project costs and/or general running costs enabling charities to use their funding in the way that helps them best.

Matched Giving Programme

The Matched Giving Programme is run by Bank of Scotland Foundation and is open to all Lloyds Banking Group staff in Scotland. The programme encourages colleagues to get involved in the voluntary sector and help fundraise through personal participation in events or give their time freely to support the work of charities throughout Scotland. Every permanent Lloyds Banking Group colleague in Scotland is entitled to claim up to £1000 in each calendar year from the Matched Giving Scheme for a charity for which they have either raised money for or given time to. The Foundation will match every pound raised or donate £10 per hour of voluntary time given, to a maximum of £500 for fundraising events and/or £500 for voluntary time given, provided that the claim falls within the rules of the scheme and the charity is eligible for funding. This programme ensures funding reaches charities at a grass-roots level across Scotland, creating a lasting positive impact in local Scottish communities.

Energise

Energise is an innovative, trusting, and bold grants programme enabling grassroots charities who are alive to the real issues on the ground to grow, and support more vulnerable people. The programme provides unrestricted funding to Scottish charities with an income of £150,000 or less, supporting those who put vulnerable people at the heart of everything they do. The programme has two funding tiers: charities with income below £50k are eligible for £20k (£10k per year over 2 years), while charities with income of £50k-£150k are eligible for £40k (£20k per year over 2 years). Unrestricted funding gives charities much greater scope to cover all essential costs and deal with challenges quickly and effectively, including core costs, delivery costs, project costs, and general running costs. The Foundation recognizes the profound impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on people across Scotland and focuses on helping charities who support vulnerable groups and people.

Recovery Seed Fund

The Scottish Recovery Consortium (SRC) Recovery Seed Fund aims to support new and unconstituted Lived Experience recovery groups and organisations with an initial award of up to £5,000 to support start-up and running costs. The fund is designed to develop and support substance and/or behaviour Lived Experience recovery organisations to trial, grow and develop their ideas, services or products and build organisational capacity. Additional support will also be provided to help these groups and organisations become sustainable, skilled and independent. This is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to take their group to the next level so they can continue supporting recovery in their community. Applicants must be substance and/or behaviour Lived Experience Recovery Organisations or voluntary groups (LERO) that have autonomy or independence, are led by understanding, knowledgeable staff or volunteers, with people of lived experience of recovery running the group. The organisation or group must be less than 12 months old or unconstituted if active for longer, have an income of less than £30,000 per year, and deliver activities in Scotland.

Volant Charitable Trust Open Grants Programme

The Volant Charitable Trust Open Grants Programme provides funding to registered charities, community interest companies, and community organisations in Scotland. The programme aims to fund projects that will make a real difference to beneficiaries in Scotland. The Trust offers two funding tiers: Small Grants of up to £5,000 for one year, and Large Grants of up to £15,000 per year for three years (total of £45,000). The programme considers one-off projects or multi-year applications, with grants only in exceptional circumstances exceeding three years. Funding is specifically directed toward project costs and administrative core costs, not capital expenditure or retrospective costs. Applications are processed through Foundation Scotland, an independent grant-making charity. The Trust does not accept applications from individuals, only from registered charities and community organizations working in Scotland to benefit Scottish residents.

Stafford Trust Grant

The Stafford Trust considers applications for grants from charities registered in the United Kingdom, with preference being given to charitable organisations operating in Scotland. The Trust provides funding for specific projects and initiatives that demonstrate clear, realistic and attainable aims. Grants typically range between £500 and £5,000. The Trust does not normally support religious or political organisations, retrospective grants, student personal travel or expeditions, or general appeals. Applications are reviewed twice per annum in Spring and Autumn meetings. Successful applicants must pause for at least two years before reapplying, while unsuccessful applicants must wait at least one year.

Storytelling Mini-Grants

SCCAN offers storytelling mini-grants to support contributions to the 1000 Better Stories project, showcasing inspiring stories of community-led climate action through a blog and a podcast. This is one of the ways SCCAN encourages a Storyteller Collective – an emerging group of Scotland-based storytellers who are using their creativity to help imagine a future worth fighting for. The mini-grants of £250 each support projects focused on climate action and climate justice from storytellers who would like to contribute to SCCAN's Storytellers Collective. The Storytellers Collective is a growing group of Scotland-based storytellers whose aim is to give voice to inspiring stories of community-led climate action and engage wider audiences in conversations around positive actions and visions for a just transition into a better tomorrow for communities around Scotland. Funded projects can include podcast episodes, short blogs, photo essays, short films, audio walks, comic strips, illustrations, or mixed media formats that tell stories about community-led climate action, social justice, and climate solutions.

Regional EDGE

Regional EDGE is a competitive funding programme designed to broaden the reach of Scottish EDGE support to businesses across Scotland, particularly in regions that may not have previously engaged with EDGE. The programme strengthens relationships with regional partners who possess invaluable local expertise and are embedded within their communities. Backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, the programme is split across four regions: Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Tayside (Perth & Kinross, Dundee & Angus), Highlands and Islands, and South of Scotland. Each region delivers its own live finals, with five winners selected in each region. Awards consist of one top award of £50,000 (70/30 loan/grant split), two £15,000 awards (grant only), and two £10,000 awards (grant only). The programme is delivered through regional partners including Opportunity North East, Elevator, GrowBiz, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise. Applications are assessed based on six key criteria: Value Proposition, Team, Impact, Customer Focus, Business Growth, and Utilisation of Funding. The competition involves a two-stage process: first-stage written application with a 3-minute video pitch, followed by live pitching finals for successful applicants. The programme targets early-stage businesses headquartered in Scotland that have been in operation for less than 5 years and have the potential to achieve cumulative sales of £200,000 over the next 3 years.

New Park Educational Trust Grants

The New Park Educational Trust operates by giving grants to organisations and, less frequently, to individuals for the advancement of education for the public benefit. The Trustees support charities working to help the education and development of young people, other organisations which carry out similar functions, and individuals who need assistance with courses. Grants have tended to be for equipment and project costs or for bursaries, with priority given to North East Fife and surrounding areas, though projects throughout Scotland have been supported. Salary costs have rarely been met to date, but could be met in the future for appropriate projects. Applications are reviewed quarterly at meetings held in February, May, August and November.

WATIF Driving Lesson Fund 2024

The WATIF Driving Lesson Fund provides financial support up to £300 for driving lessons to residents within the WATIF area of benefit in Scotland. The fund aims to enhance health and wellbeing, increase access to essential services, and encourage sustainable economic development by helping young people gain driving skills for employability, travel to education, and to reduce social isolation. Applications must be made by the person taking the lessons, and applicants can apply up to 4 months prior to their 17th birthday. Payment is made directly to the driving school or instructor upon approval. The fund is part of WATIF's broader mission to create a beautiful and vibrant place with a great quality of life for all through community partnership and support.

WATIF Community Grant 2025

The WATIF Community Grant provides funding of up to £2,000 for non-profit making projects that benefit the local community within the WATIF area in Scotland. The grant scheme operates throughout the year with quarterly application deadlines. Funding is available for environmental projects, community activities and events, and health and wellbeing initiatives. Projects must benefit communally shared spaces and demonstrate clear outcomes for the WATIF community. The scheme supports both new projects and expansion of existing initiatives located within the WATIF area. Priority is given to organizations that have not previously received a grant, and applicants may only apply once every two years. Successful applicants must provide quarterly follow-up reports including proof of expenditure, project feedback, benefits, outcomes, and learning.

Community Assets Knowledge Exchange grant

The Community Assets Knowledge Exchange grant provides financial support to community organisations in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This grant program supports training and learning activities specifically related to the ownership and management of community assets including land and buildings. Organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to fund training and learning needs associated with owning or wishing to own land or buildings in the Highlands and Islands. The program is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and requires applicants to be constituted community organisations operating in the Highlands and Islands region. This funding opportunity supports community asset development by building the capacity and knowledge of local organisations managing community-owned assets.

Home Energy Scotland grant and loan

The Home Energy Scotland grant and loan program provides financial support to homeowners in Scotland for making energy efficiency improvements and installing clean heating systems. Homeowners can receive up to £15,000 as a grant that does not need to be repaid, with up to £7,500 available for energy efficiency improvements like insulation and up to £7,500 for clean heating systems such as heat pumps. Rural households can apply for an additional £1,500 for energy efficiency improvements and up to £1,500 extra for clean heating systems. The program also offers interest-free loans to cover additional costs. Eligible improvements must be recommended in the home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Home Energy Improvement Report, or Home Renewable Selector Report. The program is administered by Home Energy Scotland and is funded by the Scottish Government.

Private Water Supply Grant

The Private Water Supply Grant provides up to £800 per property to improve private water supplies in Scotland. The grant can be used to make improvements such as installing treatment systems, replacing lead pipes, and putting in new water tanks. The program is administered by local councils on behalf of Scottish Ministers. To be eligible, the private water supply must be the main or sole source of drinking water and must need improvement to make it safe. Local councils may provide additional funding for applicants with low incomes. The grant cannot be used for ongoing maintenance costs or to connect to the mains water network.

Dental Student Support Grant (DSSG)

The Dental Student Support Grant (DSSG) provides financial support to dental students in Scotland to help with study costs. The grant offers £4,000 per year and aims to address the shortage of NHS dentists in Scotland. Recipients must commit to working for NHS Scotland after graduation as a dentist, with the commitment period matching the number of years grant funding was received. For example, if a student receives the grant for 4 years, they must work for NHS Scotland for 4 years, with at least 80% of their earnings coming from NHS Scotland during this period. The commitment period must begin no later than 14 months after graduation and must be continuous. Vocational Training (VT) or Vocational Dental Practitioner (VDP) training in Scotland counts towards the NHS tie-in period. If recipients do not fulfill the work commitment or withdraw from their course early, they may be required to repay some or all of the grant received.

Young Carer Grant

Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £390.25 for young carers in Scotland. This grant supports young people aged 16 to 19 who are providing care for others. To be eligible, applicants must be caring for 1, 2, or 3 people for an average of 16 hours per week for at least the last 3 months. Recipients can use the grant for personal expenses like clothing, driving lessons, or holidays - no reporting on expenditure is required. Young Carer Grant can be claimed once per year until the recipient turns 20, with a mandatory one-year gap between applications. Applicants must wait at least one full year between applications or their claim will be rejected.

Watten Wind Farm Trust

The Watten Wind Farm Trust, established through a partnership between Watten Community Council and Foundation Scotland, manages funds from multiple wind farm donors for the benefit of the Watten community in Highland, Scotland. The Trust provides grants to support charitable activities that encourage community activity and promote community spirit, improve the ability of groups to meet local priorities, enhance telecommunications infrastructure, provide access to the local environment, support individual development and life chances, improve sports and recreational facilities, and encourage economic activity within the fund area. In 2025, the Watten Panel made a series of multi-year funding awards to support local community groups, allocating £550,000 over five years to eight groups in recognition of the incredible work happening within Watten. This approach reflects a commitment to open and trusting grantmaking. The fund receives annual indexed-linked contributions from five wind farms including Wathegar, Wathegar 2, Bad a Cheo, Bilbster, and Halsary Wind Farms.

The West Benhar Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

The West Benhar Community Benefit Fund provides an index linked fund of £150,000 per year for the communities of Greenrigg and Fauldhouse in West Lothian and Harthill, Eastfield and Shotts in North Lanarkshire. The fund is a devolved fund with each community managing its funding in line with community priorities and in response to community need. Tailored arrangements are in place with lead organisations in Shotts, Fauldhouse and Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg to support the distribution of the Fund. Community groups and organisations working to benefit people in each community within the area of benefit can apply to each of the local funds. Some of the funding for Shotts and Fauldhouse directly supports programmes of activity run by the local anchor organisations. Decisions are made by designated groups within each community, including the Board of Getting Better Together (serving Shotts), the Board of the Fauldhouse & Breich Valley Community Development Trust, and the Board of the Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg Group.

The South Kyle Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

The South Kyle Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund provides assured income to the communities of Dalmellington, Patna, New Cumnock in East Ayrshire and Carsphairn in Dumfries & Galloway. Foundation Scotland administers the fund in partnership with four local organisations. The fund operates on an initial four-year cycle (2023-2027) and distributes funding through four different strands: Paid/Contracted Support, Local Community Funds, Education and Training Schemes, and Flagship Change Projects. The fund's purpose is to enhance the lives of people living in these four communities by contributing to their wellbeing and sustainability. Common themes include improved built and natural environment, increased leisure and tourism opportunities, improved infrastructure and connectivity, an improving economy with training and employment opportunities, and improved opportunities for children and young people. The fund is designed to be purposeful, context-specific, collaborative, and accountable, with decision-making processes that are community-led.

The Gateway Exchange Fund

This fund was created to continue the work of the original Gateway Exchange - a centre in Edinburgh which in the 1980s offered help and support to those returning to the community from prisons and mental health institutions or recovering from drug addiction. The emphasis was on recognising that each individual has potential. This was encouraged particularly through use of the arts and creative self-expression, also through building a strong and connected sense of community. The Gateway Exchange Fund seeks applications which are in line with this spirit of creating innovative solutions to situations which challenge the individual's sense of worth and identity. This fund will support activity across Scotland that empowers people to move on with their lives and fulfil their potential, where they would otherwise not have the opportunity. Priority will be given to projects which help prisoners or ex-prisoners, projects which help those in recovery from drug addiction, and projects supporting women and men recovering from sexual abuse. The Fund usually makes around 2-4 grant awards per year.

The Bill and Lorraine Budge Foundation

The Bill and Lorraine Budge Foundation was established by Bill and Lorraine Budge and supports organizations whose focus relates to the health, education and the well-being of children and young people. The fund is particularly interested in groups working in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray areas but will consider organisations from across the UK. The Fund provides grants to support charitable organisations that operate in Aberdeen and surrounding areas or nationally and internationally, with work focusing on the health, education and well-being of children and young people. Applications are by invitation only. All applicants must meet Foundation Scotland's Common eligibility criteria.

The Beinneun Community Fund

The Beinneun Community Fund supports projects that benefit residents of the two community council areas of Glengarry and Fort Augustus (including Glenmoriston). The fund is provided by Beinneun Wind Farm Ltd, which owns and operates the Beinneun wind farm. An annual payment of approximately £500,000 is available for the operational life of the wind farm, expected to be up to 25 years from when it started operating in 2017. The fund is strategically divided into a Flexible Fund with two components: Single Year and Multi Year funding. The Flexible Fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance the economic, social or environmental sustainability of these communities. The fund aims to ensure that successful applications are translated into real projects that make a material difference and deliver a lasting legacy. Single Year funding supports short-term activities and projects, while Multi Year funding provides financial stability for substantial community investments that demonstrate broad community benefits, collaboration with local organizations, comprehensive project plans with clear deliverables, and excellent governance standards. The fund particularly encourages environmentally responsible and sustainable practices, with a focus on projects that tackle the climate challenge at a local level. A Community Panel made up of people aged over 16 who live, work or volunteer in the local area makes recommendations on grant awards from the fund four times per year.

Tannach and District Wind Farm Trust

The Tannach and District Charitable Wind Farm Trust has been established in partnership between Tannach and District Community Council and Foundation Scotland to manage funds from different companies or donors pledged for the benefit of the Tannach and District community. The Trust receives annual contributions from three wind farms: Wathegar Wind Farm (£30,030 index-linked), Wathegar 2 Wind Farm (£40,590 index-linked), and Bilbster Wind Farm (£4,025.50 index-linked). The Trust's available balance for grantmaking is currently £169,000. The fund supports projects that contribute to nine key outcomes including: creating opportunities for sports and recreation; improving settlement access safety; enhancing community activities and services for all ages; maintaining community life through events and improved amenities; encouraging economic activity; providing vocational skills and experience; promoting natural and cultural heritage; supporting sustainable energy use; and creating tourism opportunities. Applications must demonstrate contribution to at least one outcome with measurable activities and outputs. Applicants must show evidence of local consultation with beneficiaries and other groups, consider partnership working opportunities, demonstrate sustainable development practices including minimizing environmental impact, and use local procurement where appropriate. The fund prioritizes projects that bring clear benefit to residents of the Tannach and District area in Highland, Scotland.

SWEF Business Grants

SWEF Business Grants are available for young people in Scotland who are struggling to invest in their business venture and/or keen to take the business to the next level. Up to £2,000 of funding is available to support growth and development, such as expanding operations, upgrading equipment, or other business needs that will help increase revenues. The grants are designed for businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years and are earning more than £500 per month. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis monthly, and grants must be spent within one month of receipt. The fund particularly welcomes applications involving match funding and from applicants working full-time on their business. Successful applications clearly explain how the grant will transform the business and take it to the next stage.

Stroupster Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

This fund supports a wide range of charitable activity and development that principally benefit the residents of the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area in Caithness, Scotland. The fund is provided by Schroders Greencoat, owner of Stroupster Wind Farm, with a donation of £149,500 per year (index-linked) being made to the fund for the wind farm's operational lifetime. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities focused on seven key areas: improving or giving better access to communications and transport; improving community assets and facilities; providing opportunities for young people; providing support and opportunities for older people; promoting enterprise and tourism; improving the natural environment and access to it; and improving or giving better access to culture and heritage. Approximately 20% of the fund is available for projects or services located outside the Dunnet & Canisbay area, provided there is clear and evidenced benefit to residents of that community. Grants are awarded up to £25,000 per project, with larger amounts considered on a case-by-case basis for transformational projects.

Social Investment Fund

The Social Investment Fund offers blended grant and loan investment to social enterprises, community organisations and charities across Scotland. The fund provides investments ranging from £10,000 to £250,000 per organisation with up to 25% in the form of a grant and the remainder as a loan. Loans are repayable usually over a 10 year period at a fixed 6% interest rate, and appropriate security may be required. The investment can be used for working capital, acquisition of assets, business growth, and capital expenditure. Investments must demonstrate that they meet charitable objectives including preventing and relieving poverty, advancing community development and urban/rural regeneration, or advancing education in Scotland. The fund is designed to fill the gap that exists in funding for organisations seeking to move into debt finance but unable to secure lending from a bank. Decisions are made by the Social Investment Committee, with the assessment process taking an average of 12 weeks.

RWE Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

The RWE Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund supports community projects benefiting those living in the Glenfarg or Earn Community Council areas in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. This Fund is provided by RWE, the owner of Lochelbank Wind Farm in Perthshire. The Fund opened in 2011, with an annual contribution of £20,000 rising with inflation, expected to be approximately £33,000 in 2026. The Fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grants may support a wide range of costs including equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs for local groups, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities and more. Grants in excess of the maximum and multi-year requests (up to 3 years) can be considered in exceptional circumstances with strong community support and significant impact potential.

Plains Community Fund

The Plains Community Fund is a long-term funding initiative for the Plains community in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, established through the Greengairs East wind farm. The fund is expected to operate for approximately 30 years, with over £30,000 available for distribution each year. Grants of between £500 and £1,500 are available to support charitable activities that contribute to improved physical and mental health, reduced isolation or loneliness, increased access to education and employment, improvements to the local environment, or reduced food or fuel poverty. The fund supports community groups and organizations working to benefit people in Plains, with grants available for a wide range of costs including equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Decisions are made by a Community Panel of local residents twice per year.

Pines Burn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

The Pines Burn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund supports seven communities in the Scottish Borders: Hobkirk, Denholm & District, Hawick & District, Newcastleton & District, Southdean, Upper Liddesdale & Hermitage, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water. Each community receives a share of the annual payment which comprises 64% of the total fund, with tailored arrangements in place with each community through a Memorandum of Understanding between each community council and Foundation Scotland. The overall purpose of the Fund is to contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the benefitting communities by supporting charitable activities that make a positive difference to people's lives and economic, social or environmental sustainability of the local area. The Fund can also be used to support activity in line with this overall purpose and in keeping with the community's priorities and needs, which may be described in a Community Action Plan, Local Place Plan or similar document. This is a devolved fund, meaning different arrangements are in place for the different communities that benefit from the fund based on the preference of the communities involved. Community groups and organisations working to benefit people in each community within the area of benefit can apply to their respective local funds. Decisions are made by designated groups within each community, and applicants should contact their respective Community Council for specific information about how the fund operates in their area. The fund is managed by Foundation Scotland on behalf of the seven community councils, with the host community of Hobkirk receiving two shares and the other six communities receiving one share each of the distributed funds.

North Rhins Wind Farm Community Fund

The North Rhins Wind Farm Community Fund supports community activity and development in ten community council areas in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The wind farm became operational in 2010 and will pay community benefit for the 25-year lifetime of the wind farm. Payments are made directly to Community Councils or similar organisations to use or distribute to groups that are active in their communities. The fund supports a broad range of charitable activities of community, not-for-profit groups. Ten community councils are eligible for funding: Cairnryan, Kirkcolm, New Luce, Old Luce, Portpatrick, Stoneykirk, Lochans, Leswalt, Stranraer (which now includes Ochtrelure & Belmont) and Castle Kennedy. Groups wishing to apply must contact their local Community Council directly, as each has its own guidance on applications and grant distribution. Most grants paid out are under £500 to support low-cost local community projects, though larger projects may be considered at the discretion of individual Community Councils.

Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Cardenden)

The Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Cardenden) supports community projects benefiting residents of the Cardenden Community Council area in Fife, Scotland. This charitable fund is provided by Westfield Wind Farm Limited (WWFL), a subsidiary of Nadara, and was opened in 2014. An annual amount of £9,375, inflation-adjusted, is paid into the fund each year for the operating life of the wind farm, which is expected to be 25 years. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grant requests to support a wide range of costs and activities will be considered including equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional workers, consultations and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Applications for projects that contribute to the aims of the Cardenden Community Action Plan are particularly welcome. The fund is overseen by a panel of residents and community councillors who help promote the fund locally and advise on grant awards.

Nadara Gordonstown Wind Farm Community Fund (Auchterless, Inverkeithny & Fisherford)

This fund supports charitable projects that benefit people living in the Auchterless, Inverkeithny & Fisherford Community Council area in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is part of the Gordonstown Wind Farm Community Fund provided by Nadara, the owner of the Gordonstown Hill Wind Farm. The fund was established in 2013 and will be available for the operating life of the wind farm, expected to be 25 years, with an annual contribution of approximately £24,000. The fund supports charitable activity that will sustain and develop the life of the community and ensure that the area is an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and visit. Applications should demonstrate how they fit with the objectives of the Auchterless, Inverkeithny & Fisherford Community Action Plan 2015. The Panel has indicated a preference for awards made for the purchase of capital items or towards the costs of capital projects, rather than for revenue items such as travel costs or the subsidising of activities, so that the fund will have a long-term impact. The fund prioritizes applications that explore other funding sources, use local procurement where appropriate, consider sustainable development and environmental impact, demonstrate local consultation with beneficiaries, and consider partnership working with other organizations. Groups, businesses and organisations working to benefit people living in the three communities can apply, and there are no set application deadlines - eligible groups can apply at any time.

Nadara A'Chruach Wind Farm Community Fund

The A'Chruach Wind Farm Community Fund supports community projects benefitting those living in the West Loch Fyne, Dunadd and Lochgilphead community council areas in Argyll & Bute, Scotland. The fund is provided by Nadara, the developer and owner of the A'Chruach Wind Farm. An annual amount of £149,000, inflation-adjusted, is paid into the fund each year for the operating life of the wind farm, expected to be 25 years. The fund began in 2016 and supports positive change by investing in community-led activity that is strategic, positive and creative, helping create a legacy of lasting impact. The fund makes grants to support the costs of relevant projects, services and facilities across a wide range of community priorities. The fund offers two types of grants: a Main grants programme (small grants £500-£5,000; medium grants £5,001-£25,000; large grants over £25,000) and a Multi-year Flexible Funding programme (£2,000-£10,000 per year for up to three years). The fund's priorities were informed by community action planning and include advancing rural regeneration, enhancing infrastructure, establishing and improving community services, developing community facilities, enhancing leisure and tourism opportunities, and capacity building for community organisations. Applications are assessed by a Community Panel made up of local residents, community councillors and people who work or volunteer in the communities. The fund particularly encourages projects that demonstrate additional funding from other sources, use local procurement, build capacity through skills development, and involve partnership working. Multi-year flexible funding is available for organizations that demonstrate reach across multiple community groups, commitment to continuous improvement, and potential for long-term sustainability. Micro grants of £250-£500 are also available through local community councils for smaller community initiatives.

Minnygap Community Fund

The Minnygap Community Fund supports community projects benefitting those living within the Johnstone, Templand, and Kirkpatrick Juxta community council areas, including the villages of Johnstonebridge, Templand, and Beattock in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The fund is provided by Minnygap Energy Ltd, owner of the Minnygap Wind Farm, and the Johnstonebridge Community Centre & Development Trust (JCCDT). Since opening in 2018, the fund provides £50,000 annually, rising with inflation, for the operating life of the wind farm. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant and sustainable communities, promote community spirit, support sustainable community assets including capital assets and community enterprises, provide safe places to live, help people into work, and improve local transport. Grant requests for equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities are considered. Grants are available in three tiers: small grants (£1-£600), standard grants (£601-£5,000), and large grants (£5,001-£12,000). Standard and large grants may be multi-year in nature, up to £12,000 per year over three years. A community panel of local residents makes recommendations on grant awards, meeting twice a year in January and July. The fund prioritizes applications that demonstrate match funding, use local procurement, show sustainability plans, build local capacity, and involve partnership working.

Middle Balbeggie Wind Farm Community Fund

The Middle Balbeggie Wind Farm Community Fund supports community projects benefitting those living in the Thornton Community Council area in Fife, Scotland. The fund began in 2017 and is provided by Middle Balbeggie Wind Limited, managed by Netro Energy on behalf of Alpha Real Capital. An annual amount of £19,200, inflation-adjusted, will be paid into the fund each year for the operating life of the wind farm, which is expected to be 25 years. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grants may support a wide range of costs, including equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs for local groups, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities and more. Applications are particularly welcome from projects which align with the priorities identified in Thornton's Local Place Plan. Grants in excess of £10,000 can be considered in exceptional circumstances where applications demonstrate strong local support and significant impact potential. Multi-year funding requests for periods of up to 3 years will be considered. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.