[This fortnightly briefing from Highland Council brings together a wide range of updates, opportunities, and useful information for community groups, organisations, and residents. Strathdearn Community Website has converted it into a more readable format. The original document can be accessed from HERE]

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

Welcome to the fortnightly Community Briefing delivered in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership and Highland Council, containing information about funding, training, support, resources, and news for Highland wide and local communities.

If you have anything you want included in a future Briefing, please email: policy6@highland.gov.uk

To join the mailing list complete this short form:
https://forms.office.com/e/rSS3hXbGTa

FUNDING

Tesco Stronger Starts

Tesco Stronger Starts funds thousands of local community projects across Scotland and the UK.

Eligible Tesco stores in Thurso, Wick, Ullapool and Tain.

Applications welcome from groups and projects that support children and young people with a stronger start in life.

A wide range of projects fit the bill, including:

  • Improving school playgrounds
  • Biodiversity projects
  • Growing and food projects
  • Outdoor play and adventure
  • Community arts projects
  • Purchasing kit for healthy activities

Projects that include a food element (for example healthy snacks or lunches) are currently being prioritised.

The scheme provides grants of up to £1,500.

Find out more: https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk

National Lottery – Glasgow 2026 Activities

The National Lottery is investing an extra £2.2 million to help communities across Scotland deliver Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games-inspired activities.

Through Awards for All Scotland, groups can apply for up to £10,000 to:

  • Boost participation in arts and sport
  • Strengthen communities
  • Support wellbeing
  • Celebrate diversity
  • Create a lasting local legacy

Find out more: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

Highland Local Action Group Funding Opportunity

An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open.

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000.

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland

The National Lottery funds projects that bring people together and help communities across Scotland thrive.

Social connections and community activities are at the heart of healthier, happier lives.

More information: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland

National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Strengthening Organisations

This funding is for organisations in Scotland currently funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

It supports organisations to:

  • Try new ideas
  • Develop their organisation
  • Improve their current work

Deadline: Ongoing

More information: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

Highland Youth Local Action Group – Youth Impact Fund

The Highland Youth Local Action Group has launched the Youth Impact Fund, supported by Community-Led Local Development funding through Highland Council and facilitated by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.

The fund empowers young people aged 16–30 to design and deliver projects that strengthen:

  • Connection
  • Fulfilment
  • Development
  • Positive change across Highland

From 1 April to 15 May 2026:

  • Young individuals can apply for up to £500
  • Community organisations can apply for up to £2,000

(Excluding Inverness City and Badenoch & Strathspey)

More information: https://www.hiclimatehub.co.uk

Service Pupil Support Programme

The Service Pupil Support programme sits within MOD’s dedicated Armed Forces Families Fund.

The MOD has partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the AF3 Fund.

Under this programme, grants will support service children along their educational pathway.

Closing date: 30 September 2026

More information: https://covenantfund.org.uk

Reuse & Repair Fund

Round 2 of The Highland Council’s Reuse and Repair Fund has opened.

Grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 are available to support community-led initiatives helping people:

  • Repair items
  • Reuse materials
  • Upcycle goods

This reduces waste and supports a stronger circular economy.

Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 22 May.

More information: https://www.highland.gov.uk

Bank of Scotland Foundation – Energise Programme

The Bank of Scotland Foundation will reopen their Energise Programme.

This programme supports charities registered in Scotland that work with vulnerable groups.

Funding available:

  • Income below £50,000: up to £20,000
  • Income £50,000–£150,000: up to £40,000

Applicants must:

  • Operate in Scotland
  • Have one year of lodged OSCR accounts
  • Have annual income below £150,000
  • Work with vulnerable groups

More information: https://bankofscotlandfoundation.org

Future Routes Fund for Nature 2026

A fund for young people by young people.

The fund aims to help young people:

  • Increase knowledge of Scottish biodiversity
  • Connect with nature
  • Take climate action

Young people are invited to join the judging panel.

Open to ages 11–26 from anywhere in Scotland.

Contact: futureroutesfund@nature.scot

Warmer Homes Scotland

Need help to make your home warmer?

You could receive support worth £10,000 or more from the Scottish Government.

Eligible improvements may include:

  • Heating systems
  • Insulation
  • Energy-saving home improvements

More information: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/warmer-homes-scotland

CARES Funding

CARES funding is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year.

CARES supports community energy projects including:

  • Community ownership of renewable technologies
  • Renewable systems in community buildings
  • Community benefits
  • Shared ownership opportunities

More information: https://localenergy.scot/funding

Hydro Community Fund

SSE Renewables has launched a £10 million community fund for communities hosting hydro assets.

Priorities include:

  • Protecting the natural environment
  • Sustainable transport
  • Affordable housing
  • Small business growth
  • Community assets and infrastructure
  • Arts, culture and wellbeing
  • Skills and employment opportunities

More information: https://www.sserenewables.com

BeConnected Highland – Put Your Community Project on the Map

The Highland Council is piloting BeConnected, a new digital platform to support community organisations and groups in accessing funding, in-kind support, and opportunities to collaborate across the region.

Traditionally, community funding has been accessed through open calls for projects. While this approach has enabled many successful projects and initiatives, short competitive funding windows can also lead to oversubscription and disappointment for groups unable to secure support.

In response, the Council is evolving its approach so that funding decisions are better aligned with local priorities, particularly those identified within Area Place Plans, and to make support more accessible to groups at all stages of project development.

BeConnected is an interactive online map that allows community groups to highlight priority projects they are working on in their area.

By doing so, it provides funders, including the Community Regeneration Fund, with a clearer picture of grassroots activity across Highland.

Community groups are encouraged to explore the map, familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan, and add their projects.

More information: https://www.highland.gov.uk

HTSI CLLD Fund

HTSI plan to open a new CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) Fund.

These funds are open to third sector organisations operating community-led local projects aimed at delivering activities in remote and rural areas of Highland.

Projects should focus on reducing child poverty through the following themes:

  • Increase income by supporting parents to gain and sustain employment
  • Reduce cost of living and maximise income
  • Deliver whole family support to improve outcomes and wellbeing
  • Support children and young people to reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty long term

Funding excludes activities in Inverness and Badenoch & Strathspey.

More information: https://www.highlandtsi.org.uk

The Robertson Trust

The Robertson Trust provides funding to third-sector organisations that help people and communities in Scotland living with poverty and trauma.

Information, resources and FAQs:
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk

Robertson Trust Offer for Small Grant Holders

The Supporting Resilience Fund offers £2,000–£10,000 to Small Grant Holders to invest in work that strengthens their organisation from within.

This funding is for organisational and staff resilience rather than programme delivery.

It may support:

  • Leadership, governance and strategic planning
  • Financial planning, systems and infrastructure
  • Organisational development
  • Staff and volunteer wellbeing

More information: https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk

SSEN Distribution Community Funding

Almost £350,000 has been awarded to successful applicants in the 2025 round of SSEN Distribution’s Powering Communities to Net Zero Fund.

Projects include:

  • Heat pumps and solar panels
  • Pavement gritters
  • Flood protection equipment
  • Community resilience initiatives

The fund reopens annually through Spring 2028.

More information: https://www.ssen.co.uk

HTSI Funding Bulletin

HTSI produces a monthly Funding Bulletin for members detailing current funding opportunities in Highland.

They also provide workshops for staff and volunteers in the third sector.

More information: https://www.highlandtsi.org.uk

National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund has a number of programmes available including:

  • Awards for All
  • Community Action
  • Scottish Land Fund
  • Climate Action Fund

More information: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

S4GI Community Benefit Fund

S4GI partner Cellnex UK has grants of up to £2,000 available to support initiatives focused on:

  • Digital projects
  • Community wellbeing
  • Learning and development

The fund prioritises projects near selected S4GI mobile mast locations.

More information: https://www.cellnexuk.com

NEWS / RESOURCES

Directories

The Highland Community Planning Partnership website now has a page dedicated to directories.

There you can find links to:

  • ALISS
  • Highland Directory of Services
  • Highland Mental Wellbeing

More information: https://www.highlandcpp.org.uk

Adult Social Care in Lochaber – Your Insight Matters

Work is underway across Lochaber to build a clearer and more honest picture of how adult social care is experienced and where change is needed.

This work has been commissioned by Highland Council and NHS Highland and is being delivered in partnership with In Control Scotland.

People are invited to share views and lived experience.

More information: https://in-controlscotland.org

Highlands & Islands Climate Collective

The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has launched the Highlands and Islands Climate Collective.

A space for young people aged 16–30 in Highland, Orkney and Shetland who are passionate about climate action.

The collective helps young people:

  • Act against the climate emergency
  • Connect with community groups
  • Build skills for sustainable careers

More information: https://www.hiclimatehub.co.uk

Armed Forces Covenant

Highland Council and NHS Highland support Armed Forces and Veterans communities through the Armed Forces Covenant Duty.

More information: https://www.highland.gov.uk

CARES Bulletin – April 2026

Read about newly opened funding opportunities helping community groups take the next step on their energy journey.

More information: https://localenergy.scot

With You Anywhere

Alcohol and drug support for Highland.

Free and confidential services without judgement for people facing challenges with drugs or alcohol.

More information: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk

Food for Thought – Food Security in Rural Areas

A report from Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau exploring food insecurity in Skye and Lochalsh.

Topics include:

  • Rising food costs
  • Transport barriers
  • Supply chain fragility
  • Limited access to fresh food
  • Community resilience solutions

More information: https://www.cas.org.uk

ILM Highland Rural Recycling Service

ILM Highland visits rural communities once a month at local collection points, helping residents recycle electrical and electronic waste responsibly.

Collection times are usually 11am–1pm.

More information: https://www.ilmhighland.co.uk

Highland Senior Citizens Network

A useful website with recent news and activities including:

  • Social connection opportunities
  • Creative sessions
  • Veterans advocacy
  • Community lunch clubs
  • Dementia support
  • Fire safety visits
  • Energy-saving tips

More information: https://www.hscn.org.uk

Highland Repair Directory

The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub supports the Highland Repair Directory.

An online resource helping people repair or share items instead of sending them to landfill.

More information: https://www.hiclimatehub.co.uk

Free Period Products in Highland

Free period products are available in Highland for anyone who needs them.

Available through:

  • Community locations
  • Home delivery service
  • Schools

More information: https://www.highland.gov.uk