Funds and programmes available
We manage a variety of external funding programmes supporting community-led local action. These programmes enable community groups and organisations to secure funding for projects that address local needs and foster positive change.
You can visit the relevant programme pages for detailed information on eligibility, requirements and how to apply.
Community-Led Local Development Fund
The Community-Led Local Development Fund is a competitive programme for rural Highland areas, excluding Badenoch and Strathspey, and Inverness city. Decisions are made by the Highland Strategic Local Advisory Group, comprising representatives from third sector organisations, public sector bodies, and private organisations.
In Badenoch and Strathspey, the Community-Led Local Development Fund is delivered by the Cairngorms Trust.
Learn more about the Community-led local development fund
Highland Coastal Communities Fund and Place-Based Investment Programme
The Highland Coastal Communities Fund and the Place-Based Investment Programme are annual funding streams. The Scottish Government allocates funds to the Highland Council, which distributes them to Local Area Committees based on an approved formula.
They will be be using the BeConnected map as a first resource to help prioritise funding. Committee members decide which projects receive funding.
For more information email: communityregenerationfund@highland.gov.uk
Highland Reuse and Repair Fund
The Highland Reuse and Repair Fund is a grant scheme funded by Highland Council, supporting community projects that reduce waste through reuse and repair, fostering a circular economy.
Learn more about the Highland Reuse and Repair Fund
Nature Restoration Fund
The Nature Restoration Fund is currently closed
Learn more about the Nature Restoration Fund
Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is a Scotland-wide challenge fund with decisions on funding made by the Scottish Government and COSLA. All applications are made by the local authority; community groups and third-sector organisations cannot apply directly. This Capital fund supports locally developed, transformative, place-based regeneration projects.
Learn more about the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
UK Government Pride in Place Programme
The Pride in Place Programme is a new UK Government funding programme, aiming to put power into the hands of local people, so that they can decide how to regenerate their local area. It gives communities control of £20m over the next 10 years, to be spent on projects that will make a real difference to the neighbourhoods they live in. North, West and East Sutherland has been selected as the Pride in Place neighbourhood within Highland.