Funding priorities and eligibility
This page helps you work out which priority and grant type your project fits.
If your project does not clearly fit one of these routes, it is unlikely to be funded.
Priority 1: Community asset improvements
This priority is for organisations that own or manage a community building.
It supports physical or practical improvements that help the building stay open, affordable and useful to the local community.
Which grant should you apply for
Apply for a small grant up to £10,000 if your project:
- is quick to deliver
- costs £10,000 or less per item
- improves how the building runs, is used or is maintained
- can be delivered within 6 to 7 months
This grant is for revenue costs only.
Apply for a larger grant up to £25,000 if your project:
- involves larger or fixed improvements to the building
- is classed as capital work
- can be delivered within 6 to 7 months
This grant is for capital costs only.
What we can fund under priority 1
We can support small scale improvements, such as making buildings:
- warmer, cheaper to run or more energy efficient
- easier and safer to access
- better equipped for community use
- more resilient in emergencies
Examples include heating upgrades, insulation, accessibility changes, equipment for halls, renewable energy or digital systems.
What we cannot fund under priority 1
We cannot fund:
- any single item over £10,000 (small grants only)
- structural works (small grants only)
- statutory compliance works
- ongoing running costs
- staff costs under capital grants
- activity with no clear or measurable benefit
Priority 2: Tackling inequality for children, young people and families
This priority is for short term, community led activity that reduces the impact of poverty and isolation.
It is not for statutory services or long term programmes.
Who this priority is for
Your project must:
- be led by a community or voluntary organisation
- respond to a clear local need in the Highlands
- deliver clear benefits within 6 to 7 months
- use existing staff or volunteers
Your project must not replace an existing service or deliver a statutory duty.
Grants available under priority 2
You can apply for:
- a small grant up to £10,000
- a larger grant up to £25,000
Both are for revenue costs only.
What we can fund under priority 2
We support short blocks of activity that reduce barriers for children, young people and families.
This includes work focused on:
- youth inclusion and positive activities
- wellbeing, confidence and coping skills
- practical skills that improve future opportunities
- family support and connection
- food support, budgeting or essentials
- digital access
- transport where travel is a barrier
Funding can include delivery costs, session costs, transport and equipment needed to run the activity.
What we cannot fund
We cannot fund:
- statutory or public services
- NHS or council delivered services
- school based or curriculum linked activity
- projects that are already running or already funded
- long term or high intensity programmes
- childcare provision
- direct cash payments
- general sports or leisure activity without a clear inequality outcome
- ongoing core organisational costs
If you are unsure which priority or grant fits your project, contact us before applying - communityregenerationfund@highland.gov.uk