Subventions NHI Community Futures Fund 2026

Contexte

The North Highland Initiative (NHI) Community Futures Fund is providing grants to support people, organisations and community-led ideas that can help build stronger, more sustainable communities across the North Highlands of Scotland.

The new funding programme focuses on strengthening community organisations, improving local capacity and addressing rural isolation and access to services. Grants range from £5,000 to £15,000 per year, with multi-year support potentially reaching £45,000 over three years for suitable projects.

The Community Futures Fund is designed to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities. It particularly seeks projects that strengthen the organisations, people and community networks responsible for delivering important services locally.

The fund has two main areas of focus: community sustainability and capacity, and rural isolation and access.

Projects should demonstrate how funding can contribute to stronger communities and more sustainable approaches to meeting local needs.

Missions et responsabilités

Community Sustainability and Capacity

One funding priority is helping community organisations become stronger, more resilient and sustainable by investing in people, skills, leadership and organisational capacity.

Potential activities supported under this theme could include funding for:

• Development officers
• Community support workers
• Volunteer coordinators
• Youth workers
• Leadership and community development roles
• Volunteer recruitment and development
• Volunteer succession planning
• Organisational capacity-building activities

Projects may therefore use funding to strengthen the people and systems needed to deliver community services over the longer term.

Rural Isolation and Access

The second major priority focuses on community-led solutions that improve access, reduce isolation and help residents connect with essential services and opportunities.

Examples of activities that could be supported include:

• Community transport
• Mobile and outreach services
• Digital inclusion initiatives
• Childcare and family support
• Projects connecting isolated residents with services
• Community networking and collaboration
• New approaches to delivering services in rural communities

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project responds to local challenges and improves access or connections for people in rural areas.

Profil recherché

• Community organisations and initiatives serving communities in the North Highlands
• Organisations capable of demonstrating how their proposed project clearly addresses at least one of the fund’s two priority areas
• Applicants able to review and meet the official eligibility and assessment criteria
• Proposals capable of generating lasting community benefits and strengthening the organisations and individuals delivering vital local services
• Projects with realistic budgets clearly connected to the activities and outcomes they intend to deliver

Conditions et avantages

• Funding amount: £5,000–£15,000 per year
• Maximum potential funding: Up to £45,000 over three years for suitable projects
• Multi-year funding option allowing suitable organisations to plan projects beyond a single funding cycle
• Investment in people, skills, leadership, organisational capacity and practical solutions to rural isolation

Dossier de candidature

• Official Community Futures Fund application form
• Information required about the organisation
• Details on proposed activities
• Funding requirements and realistic budget
• Anticipated community benefits explaining the local need being addressed

Comment postuler

Applicants should first read the official Community Futures Fund guidance notes to confirm eligibility and understand the funding criteria.

They should then complete the official Community Futures Fund application form, providing the information required about the organisation, proposed activities, funding requirements and anticipated community benefits.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their proposals clearly explain the local need being addressed, how the project will be delivered and how the funding could contribute to sustainable long-term benefits.

Opening date: 1 October 2026

Application deadline: 5 January 2027

Applications received by the deadline will be assessed after the funding round closes, with funding awards subsequently made to successful applicants.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY