Grant News
The Scottish Government has announced that funding for the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) will rise to £15 million this year to help community groups develop renewable energy projects and cut energy bills.
CARES is delivered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and provides advice, grants and loans to support local energy projects across Scotland. The scheme supports community ownership of renewable technologies, renewable energy in community buildings, shared ownership and community benefit activity.
Support available includes:
- grants of up to £80,000 through the Community Buildings Fund;
- grants and loans for larger community-owned renewable projects;
- support for technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage, onshore wind and other eligible measures.
The funding is aimed at community organisations seeking to reduce carbon emissions, lower running costs and create local benefit from clean energy. Eligible applicants include non-profit distributing Scottish charities and companies, with project requirements varying by fund. Applications are made through the CARES project portal, starting with an expression of interest and eligibility checks. The Community Buildings Fund closes at the end of October 2026, or earlier if funds are fully allocated.
Useful Links: