Grant Directories

The Scottish Building Society Foundation funds local projects that help strengthen communities across Scotland by making grants to support relevant charitable or community organisations, which make a difference within their local area. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for initiatives that help to ensure future sustainability for vulnerable individuals and communities. The Foundation particularly welcomes applications that support community facilities, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, poverty reduction, care for the elderly, events, youth education, and support for vulnerable people. The funding can be used to support costs such as equipment, running costs, staff or sessional workers, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities, and capital costs to purchase or develop community assets. The funding is provided in partnership with Foundation Scotland.

A total of £1 million is available to support community groups and schools in deprived areas of the UK to protect and restore nature in their local area. The Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund is a crowdfunding initiative that will give £2 for every £1 raised by each project. A wide range of nature projects can be supported. This can include restoring and protecting local habitats, promoting pro-environmental behaviours at the community level and connecting local communities to nature and each other. Applications can be made at any time until all funding has been allocated.

The Swire Charitable Trust makes grants to charities supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable people to overcome barriers and realise their potential, and to charities who are protecting the  environment and heritage.

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust was established in for the advancement of the arts, health and medical welfare and environmental protection or improvement.   Through the Environment programme the Trust aims to protect the countryside, species and habitats as well as well as the UKs heritage and rural crafts and skills.

The Conservation Area Regeneration scheme (CARS) is a funding programme from Historic Environment Scotland that provides financial help for Conservation Area based regeneration and conservation initiatives. Funding is available to local authorities, national park authorities and community groups over a five year period to support the various elements of setting up a Conservation Area Regeneration scheme including: a repairs programme for priority projects; community engagement through training opportunities in traditional skills and through education programmes; training opportunities for traditional craftspeople; administration costs, including for the appointment of a dedicated project officer and support staff as required.

Action Earth programme in Scotland empowers people to take action and improve their local environment through volunteering. Supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, any group of volunteers can apply for Action Earth grants of between £50-250 to run environmental activities in Scotland’s green spaces. This could include creating or improving wildflower meadows, ponds, woodlands or community gardens. Local Nature Reserve grants of up to £500 are also available for volunteer activities taking place on Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) such as wildlife recording or protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

Artists Project Earth (APE) funds projects that tackle the effects of climate change.  Applications are welcomed from organisations working to prevent the causes of climate change; defend communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate change; and support and build resilience for communities affected by natural disasters.

The Chestnut Fund is an independent charity, making grants available to encourage and enable community groups to carry out conservation activities. Groups must be part of the BTCV Community Network to qualify. The grants fall into two categories: Start-up grants - these are for groups who have no money when they are first set up and are available to groups in their first year of existence. The grant will enable them to begin practical work and will cover administrative expenses, e.g. postage, publicity, hire of meeting rooms, telephone bills and/or the first year of BTCV Community Network Membership plus Insurance fees. The maximum grant will be £150, and Support grants - these are for groups who have no money for tools, equipment and training. The maximum grant will be £350. Preference will be given to resources selected from BTCV sources. This grant is available to all BTCV Community Network groups, regardless of how long they have been members.

The John Ellerman Foundation's People and Planet funding scheme provides grants to charities that work to promote a healthier environment for both people and nature.  The scheme prioritises projects that enhance ocean health through stronger marine protected areas and on land and in freshwater through sustainable management, habitat restoration, and landscape-scale conservation.  The scheme also aims to address the impact of human activities like climate change and pollution on air, land, and water.