Deadline: 13-May-2026
The Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation (HIEF) is offering match-funding through Crowdfunder to support community-led environmental projects across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands in 2026. The programme boosts crowdfunding campaigns by providing matched grants to encourage wider public participation and funding.
Grants of up to £10,000 are available, with total project support reaching up to £20,000 for eligible environmental initiatives.
About the Programme
The HIEF Crowdfunder match-funding programme supports local environmental action by combining community fundraising with foundation match funding. It aims to increase the impact of small organisations working on environmental protection and restoration across the Highlands and Islands.
The programme encourages:
- Community-led environmental action
- Public engagement through crowdfunding
- Support for small grassroots organisations
- Local environmental sustainability projects
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Deliver measurable environmental benefits in local communities
- Strengthen community participation in environmental projects
- Support small and grassroots organisations
- Encourage wider public engagement through crowdfunding
- Increase financial sustainability of local initiatives
Funding Information
- HIEF match funding: up to £10,000 per project
- Total project funding potential: up to £20,000
- Funding is provided as match support for Crowdfunder campaigns
- Funds are released through successful crowdfunding activity
Eligible Organisations
Priority is given to:
- Community-led organisations
- Small organisations with average annual unrestricted income up to £50,000 (over last 2 financial years)
Eligible applicants include:
- Local organisations in the Highlands and Islands
- Non-local organisations already active in the region
Eligible Projects
Projects must:
- Deliver clear environmental benefits
- Be community-led or have strong community support
- Be based in or actively benefiting the Highlands and Islands
- Align with HIEF environmental priorities
Examples may include:
- Conservation and biodiversity projects
- Habitat restoration initiatives
- Climate action and sustainability projects
- Community environmental awareness programmes
- Local nature recovery projects
Funding Approach
The programme uses a crowdfunding match model, meaning:
- Organisations launch a campaign on Crowdfunder
- Community members contribute donations
- HIEF matches eligible funding up to £10,000
- Combined funding strengthens project delivery and visibility
Example of Impact
HIEF highlighted a pilot project with Bute Forest, which:
- Raised £30,000 in total funding
- Supported retention of a Forest Ranger
- Included funding from HIEF, Aviva Community Fund, Employee Giving, individuals, and businesses
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form (available on HIEF website)
- Engage in an informal discussion with HIEF before applying
- Develop a crowdfunding campaign plan on Crowdfunder
- Demonstrate community support and environmental impact
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded through this programme are expected to:
- Improve environmental outcomes in local ecosystems
- Increase community engagement in conservation
- Strengthen local environmental organisations
- Encourage sustainable funding models through crowdfunding
- Build long-term environmental resilience in the region
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Empowers communities to fund their own environmental projects
- Supports small organisations with limited financial capacity
- Encourages public participation in environmental action
- Strengthens conservation efforts in remote regions
- Builds sustainable funding through matched crowdfunding
- Enhances local climate and biodiversity resilience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Projects without clear environmental benefits
- Weak community support or engagement evidence
- Organisations exceeding income eligibility thresholds
- Poorly planned crowdfunding strategies
- Applications without a defined match-funding plan
- Limited alignment with regional environmental priorities
FAQ
What is the HIEF Crowdfunder match-funding programme?
It is a funding scheme that matches donations raised through Crowdfunder for environmental projects in the Highlands and Islands.
How much funding is available?
Up to £10,000 per project in match funding, with total support up to £20,000.
Who can apply?
Community-led and small organisations working in or benefiting the Highlands and Islands region.
What type of projects are supported?
Environmental and conservation projects with strong community involvement.
How does match funding work?
Public donations raised via Crowdfunder are matched by HIEF up to the approved amount.
Is prior crowdfunding experience required?
Not required, but applicants must be able to plan and run a crowdfunding campaign.
Conclusion
The HIEF Crowdfunder match-funding programme supports grassroots environmental action across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands by combining community fundraising with foundation support. By encouraging local participation and providing financial matching, the programme helps small organisations deliver impactful environmental projects and strengthen regional sustainability efforts.
For more information, visit Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation.
