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.
Eligibility by area
This funding is for rural areas only.
- applications from the Inverness city area are not eligible in this funding round
- all other areas in the Highlands can apply, except Badenoch and Strathspey
Projects based in Badenoch and Strathspey are not eligible because the Community-Led Local Development Fund in this area is managed by the Cairngorm Trust.
Priority 1: Community asset improvements
This priority is for organisations that own or manage a community asset.
It supports physical or practical improvements that help the asset stay open, affordable and useful to the local community.
What we can fund under Priority 1
We can support organisations to become more sustainable and/or deliver small-scale improvements, such as making assets:
- 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, support for utility costs, 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
- structural works
- statutory compliance works
- 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
- use existing staff or volunteers
Your project must not replace an existing service or deliver a statutory duty.
What we can fund under Priority 2
We support organisations to become more sustainable and/or deliver 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
- transport where travel is a barrier
Funding can include delivery costs, session costs, transport and equipment needed to run the activity and/or organisational costs.
What we cannot fund
We cannot fund:
- statutory or public services
- NHS or council-delivered services
- school based or curriculum-linked activity
- childcare provision
- direct cash payments
- general sports or leisure activity without a clear inequality outcome
If you are unsure which priority or grant fits your project, contact us before applying - communityregenerationfund@highland.gov.uk