Grant News
Not for profit organisations and charities in Scotland can apply for grants of between £500 and £3,000 for local community and environmental projects.
The funding is being made available through Network Rail’s Community Rail Fund, which is being administered by Foundation Scotland. A total pot of £40,000 earmarked for at least 13 projects.
Eligible applicants include organisations with an annual income of £250,000 or less, based on their most recent accounts. While a link to the rail network or a local station is not required, projects with such a connection may receive priority if demand exceeds available funding.
Eligible organisations include:
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Constituted community groups
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Charities (registered in Scotland)
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Social enterprises and community interest companies (CICs)
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Voluntary organisations with a governing document and bank account in the organisation’s name
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Community councils
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Development trusts
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Other not-for-profit organisations that can demonstrate a clear social purpose
Projects must align with one or more themes:
- Economic Prosperity – such as skills training, tourism initiatives, community enterprises, or digital inclusion schemes.
- Equal Opportunities – including accessible transport, multilingual advice services, IT workshops, mentoring, or initiatives supporting women’s return to work.
- Wellbeing – from community gardens and environmental enhancements to health programmes, cultural events, and food access initiatives.
The closing date for applications is 1 September 2025. Successful projects will be announced during the week commencing 3 November 2025.
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