Community groups and organisations across rural Highland are invited to apply to the fund, which is now open for Expressions of Interest for grants of up to £25,000 until 24 April.
Following this deadline, a small grants pot will open on 28 April, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for a share of a £1 million funding pot to support projects that address two key priority areas:
Priority 1 - Community Asset Improvements
This priority supports projects that strengthen community-run assets and improve access to essential local services. Successful projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes, including:
- Resilient, warm and financially viable community-run assets
- Improved access to essential community activities
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Strengthened organisational capacity
Priority 2: Tackling Inequality for Children, Young People and Families
This priority focuses on addressing disadvantage and improving wellbeing. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes, including:
- Immediate new opportunities for isolated rural youth
- Reduced access barriers for families experiencing poverty
- Improved whole family wellbeing
This funding will be delivered via two separate processes within each priority:
- Priority 1
- Small Grants of up to £10,000 – revenue only
- Larger project grants up to £25,000 – capital only
- Priority 2
- Small Grants of up to £10,000 – revenue only
- Larger project grants up to £25,000 – revenue only
Larger grants will be awarded through a two-stage process.
- Expressions of Interest (EOI) open on 13 April and must be submitted by noon Friday 24 April.
- Successful EOIs will be invited to submit a full application, with final funding decisions expected by the end of June.
Small grant funding will operate through a single-application process. Applications will open on 28 April and will be accepted on a rolling basis. The first approvals are expected by mid-May, followed by additional approval rounds every 2 to 3 weeks , until the funding is fully allocated.
Full eligibility criteria and guidance has been published on the Highland Council website.
Projects must:
- Be based on current costs and supported by a valid quote (where applicable)
- Be ready to start from 1 July 2026 (or earlier for small grants)
- Be completed and fully claimed by 28 February 2027
The competitive funding programme supports projects that strengthen communities and tackle inequality in rural Highland areas. Funding decisions will be made by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG), which includes representatives from the third sector, public sector and private organisations.
Applicants within Inverness City area are not eligible to apply during this round as the CLLD fund is for rural areas only. All other areas in Highland are eligible to apply with the exception of Badenoch & Strathspey as the CLLD funding programme in Badenoch & Strathspey is managed by the Cairngorm Trust.