Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Rural Highland Community Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 for community groups across rural Highland to support local development and reduce inequality. The fund focuses on community asset improvements and initiatives supporting children, young people, and families facing disadvantage. A total of £1 million is available, with funding awarded through competitive evaluation by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group.
Overview of the Rural Highland Community Fund
The Rural Highland Community Fund is a competitive grant programme supporting community-led development projects in rural areas of the Highlands.
It is designed to:
- Strengthen local community assets
- Improve access to essential services
- Reduce social and economic inequality
- Support families, children, and young people
- Enhance sustainability and community resilience
The programme is administered through the Highland Local Action Group.
Funding Priorities
The fund is structured around two core thematic priorities.
Community Asset Improvements
This priority supports projects that improve shared local infrastructure and community resources.
Eligible activities include:
- Upgrading community buildings and facilities
- Improving access to essential local services
- Reducing carbon emissions through sustainable upgrades
- Strengthening organisational capacity of community groups
- Enhancing long-term sustainability of community assets
Tackling Inequality for Children, Young People and Families
This priority focuses on addressing social and economic disadvantage in rural communities.
Eligible activities include:
- Creating opportunities for isolated young people
- Supporting families affected by poverty
- Improving access to services in remote areas
- Enhancing wellbeing and social inclusion
- Developing youth engagement and participation programmes
Funding Amounts and Structure
A total of £1 million is available for distribution across rural Highland.
Grant categories:
- Small grants: up to £10,000
- Large project grants: up to £25,000
Larger grants require a two-stage application process.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community groups
- Voluntary organisations
- Rural Highland-based organisations
Geographic eligibility rules:
- Must be located in rural Highland areas
- Inverness City is not eligible
- Badenoch & Strathspey is excluded (covered under a separate programme)
Why It Matters
The fund plays a critical role in supporting rural sustainability by:
- Strengthening local infrastructure and services
- Reducing inequality in remote communities
- Supporting vulnerable children and families
- Improving access to opportunities in rural areas
- Enhancing long-term community resilience
It helps address structural disadvantages faced by rural Highland populations.
How It Works
The funding process follows a structured competitive model.
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants submit proposals outlining:
- Project objectives
- Community need being addressed
- Expected outcomes
- Budget and funding request
Step 2: Assessment
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Community impact
- Alignment with priorities
- Feasibility and delivery capacity
- Value for money
- Long-term sustainability
Step 3: Decision Making
Final decisions are made by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group, representing:
- Public sector
- Private sector
- Third sector organisations
Step 4: Funding Award
Successful applicants receive funding for project delivery.
Eligible Project Types
Projects commonly supported include:
- Community building upgrades
- Rural youth engagement programmes
- Family support initiatives
- Local service accessibility improvements
- Environmental sustainability projects
- Community-led infrastructure development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from ineligible locations (e.g., Inverness City)
- Weak explanation of community need
- Poorly defined outcomes or impact measures
- Overly ambitious budgets for small grants
- Lack of alignment with funding priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define the local problem being addressed
- Show strong evidence of community need
- Align directly with one of the two funding priorities
- Provide realistic timelines and budgets
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond funding
- Include measurable impact indicators
FAQ
What is the Rural Highland Community Fund?
It is a grant programme supporting rural Highland communities through funding for local development and inequality reduction projects.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £10,000 to £25,000, with £1 million total available.
Who can apply?
Community groups and voluntary organisations based in rural Highland areas.
Can organisations in Inverness apply?
No, Inverness City is excluded from this funding programme.
What types of projects are funded?
Community infrastructure improvements and initiatives supporting children, youth, and families.
How are applications assessed?
They are evaluated based on impact, feasibility, alignment with priorities, and value for money.
Is the application process competitive?
Yes, all funding is awarded through a competitive selection process.
Conclusion
The Rural Highland Community Fund provides essential financial support for rural communities across Highland to improve infrastructure and reduce inequality. By focusing on community assets and support for vulnerable families, the programme strengthens long-term resilience and ensures more equitable access to opportunities in remote areas.
For more information, visit The Highland Council.