[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
