Community Led Local Development Fund

Applications are open to constituted community groups, public sector bodies, charities, voluntary and social enterprises, co-operatives and community ownership initiatives and development trusts.

Projects must be based valid quotes submitted at the time of application. Projects must be in a position to start from the 1st July (or earlier for the small grants pots) and concluded and the grant claimed no later than 28 February 2027.

To support fast and effective project delivery the LAG has introduced a two-tier application process:

• grants up to £10,000 – single‑stage application, assessed on a rolling basis
• grants up to £25,000 – two‑stage application, with set deadlines

Ensure that you read the ‘Funding priorities and eligibility’ section before applying to ensure your project is eligible.

If you are unsure which priority or grant fits your project, contact us before applying - communityregenerationfund@highland.gov.uk

Applications that do not clearly fit one route will not be assessed.

What you need to submit

You must provide a:

• valid quote(s)
• copy of a recent bank statement
• copy of your latest annual accounts
• Fair Work First policy statement

Grant amounts

Grant awards range from a minimum of £1,000 to a maximum of £25,000.

An intervention rate of up to 100% is possible. However, we expect to see a good level of in-kind contribution.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to submit further documentation. Details will be provided in your offer of grant letter.

Fair Work First

Fair Work First is the Scottish Government's policy for driving high quality and fair work across the labour market in Scotland. It is increasingly being applied to grants, other funding and contracts awarded across the public sector.

All applicants must provide a signed statement to show that their organisation is committed to advancing the ‘Real Living Wage’ and ‘Effective Voice’ criteria. Applications cannot progress without this signed statement

We have produced a Fair Work First summary guidance for further information