New funding to support community-led local development in rural communities

Posted on 13 September 2021 by Christie McAlpine in Funding Community Grants Rural

Community groups in rural areas can now apply for funding of up to £50,000, to trial new and innovative ways to address local challenges and benefit from local opportunities.

The Rural Communities “Ideas into Action” Fund is supported by £1.5 million of Scottish Government funding and is delivered in partnership with Inspiring Scotland. Projects funded will contribute positively to local people and local priorities, helping rural communities to thrive through community-led initiatives. 

Applications must come from communities that are defined as being rural, and can be for capital and revenue expenditure for projects to be delivered by the end of March 2022.

There are two strands of funding available:-

• Small Grants: up to £3,000 for grassroots rural groups or organisations to support community projects that fit with local needs and are locally led.
• Large Grants: between £3001 and £50,000 for not for profit organisations to invest in community led initiatives that respond to local need.

Applications opened on 13 September and close at 12 noon on 8 October 2021. For full guidance notes and to apply, visit the Inspiring Scotland website.