Details

Part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), the Community Energy Growth Fund helps communities take community energy projects from idea to delivery.

The fund is designed for communities that are ready to develop or deliver a renewable energy project. You may be in the right place if:

• Your organisation is a non-profit distributing Scottish charity or company and is eligible for CARES funding.
• You have identified a community energy opportunity or project idea.
• You have identified potential sites or locations for the project.
• You are seeking support to assess feasibility, develop or construct the project.

Funding can support community-owned renewable electricity generation projects, including solar PV, wind and hydro, and the integration of energy storage and demand flexibility technologies. Support is also available for projects that combine these technologies through innovative approaches and business models.

Whether you’re exploring an idea, developing a proposal or preparing to deliver a project, this fund could help you take the next step.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant, Loan

Type of cost:

Capital

Fund award sizes

Minimum:

Premium information

Maximum:

Premium information

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

You must:

• Be a constituted and registered charity or company and provide your OSCR, Companies House or Financial Conduct Authority registration number.
• Demonstrate you operate across a geographically defined area and community or community of interest, including faith groups.
• Be non-profit distributing (i.e. surplus is not distributed amongst members at any point, including on wind up).

You will have one of these structures:

• Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO)
• Private Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
• Community Benefit Societies (BenCom)
• Community Interest Companies (CIC)
• Unincorporated charities registered with OSCR
• Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs)

When to apply

Currently closed as of 14 September 2026.

How to apply

• Step 1: Submit an expression of interest through the CARES Project Portal.
• Step 2: Complete the Organisation Fund Eligibility Check and upload the requested documents through the Project Portal.
• Step 3: Submit your application

Contact information

Activites funded: Energy Climate action

Beneficiaries funded: General public

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Last reviewed 2 days ago