Scottish Climate Engagement Fund Grants Program (UK)

The Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund provides grants between £25,000 and £80,000 to support community-based climate engagement projects across Scotland from April 2026 to March 2027. With a total funding pot of £275,000, the Fund aims to strengthen public understanding of the climate emergency and inspire meaningful climate action. Eligible not-for-profit organisations in Scotland can apply to deliver inclusive, evidence-based engagement initiatives aligned with Scotland’s Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change.

About the Climate Engagement Fund

The Scottish Government has launched the Climate Engagement Fund to support projects that build awareness, participation, and action on climate change across Scotland.

The Fund supports initiatives that:

• Strengthen public understanding of the climate emergency

• Inspire behavioural and societal change

• Promote a just transition to net zero

• Encourage protection of natural resources

• Empower communities to influence local climate decision-making

Projects must run between April 2026 and March 2027.

Funding Overview

• Grant size: £25,000 to £80,000

• Total funding pot: £275,000

• Project period: April 2026 to March 2027

• Geographic scope: Scotland

The Fund supports organisations to act as trusted messengers within their communities and deliver measurable climate engagement outcomes.

Strategic Objectives

Projects must contribute to the Scottish Government’s Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change, which is built around three strategic pillars:

1. Understand

Increase knowledge about:

• Climate change impacts on people’s lives

• Scotland’s mitigation and adaptation actions

• Co-benefits of climate action (jobs, affordability, health, wellbeing, nature)

2. Participate

Encourage people to:

• Engage in place-based decision-making

• Join participatory climate processes

• Contribute to community-led climate solutions

3. Act

Inspire behaviour change and:

• Adoption of sustainable practices

• Lifestyle shifts toward lower carbon living

• Support for systemic climate transformation

Priority Engagement Areas

Projects may address one or more of the following themes:

Clean Heating and Energy Efficiency

• Low-carbon heating systems

• Home insulation

• Energy-saving practices

Sustainable Transport

• Active travel (walking, cycling)

• Public transport

• Reduced car use

• Car sharing

• Electric vehicles

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

• Flood resilience

• Peatland restoration

• Tree planting

• Environmental management

Nature and Natural Resource Protection

• Reducing water use

• Wildfire prevention

• Biodiversity enhancement

Circular Economy

Aligned with Scotland’s Circular Economy Strategy and Waste Route Map, including:

• Reuse and repair initiatives

• Food waste reduction

• Resource efficiency

Who Is Eligible?

The Fund welcomes applications from incorporated not-for-profit organisations with a registered address in Scotland.

Eligible Organisations Include:

• Community groups and community trusts

• Community planning partnerships

• Educational and cultural institutions

• Science and environmental organisations

• Equality-based organisations representing:

  • Disabled people

  • Minority ethnic communities

  • LGBTQ+ communities

  • Faith groups

  • Age advocacy groups

  • Gender-focused organisations

Eligibility Requirements

Organisations must:

• Operate on a not-for-profit basis

• Follow the National Standards for Community Engagement

• Be financially solvent

• Have approved accounts

• Hold a UK bank account

• Have full control over project income and expenditure

Organisations new to climate action may apply if they demonstrate relevant experience and outline how they will address any gaps in expertise.

Target Audiences

Strong proposals clearly define their intended audience. Target groups may include:

• Individuals able to make lifestyle changes

• Underrepresented or less engaged communities

• People vulnerable to climate impacts

• Individuals seeking access to green jobs

• Communities of place or interest

• Children and young people

Projects must show how they will tailor engagement approaches to these audiences using evidence-based methods.

Why This Fund Matters

Scotland’s climate transition requires societal consensus and inclusive participation.

This Fund is important because it:

• Reaches communities less engaged with climate action

• Influences higher carbon-impact lifestyles

• Connects climate action with affordability and wellbeing

• Strengthens local democratic participation

• Supports a just transition to a net zero and climate-resilient nation

It recognises that effective climate policy depends on public understanding and community-led action.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Applications are assessed based on:

• Strength of audience engagement strategy

• Ability to build understanding

• Innovative or well-justified engagement methods

• Clear definition of target audiences

• Evidence of effective climate engagement approaches

• Measurable climate engagement outcomes

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they:

• Connect climate impacts to people’s daily lives

• Highlight long-term co-benefits

• Showcase climate actions happening across Scotland

• Promote awareness of systemic change

How to Apply

Step 1: Define Your Project Scope

Identify:

• Target audience

• Engagement objectives

• Relevant climate themes

• Expected outcomes

Step 2: Align with Strategic Objectives

Ensure your project supports:

• Understand

• Participate

• Act

Step 3: Design Engagement Methods

Use:

• Place-based approaches

• Participatory workshops

• Community-led activities

• Evidence-based communication strategies

Step 4: Prepare Budget

• Request between £25,000 and £80,000

• Ensure costs are eligible and clearly justified

Step 5: Demonstrate Organisational Readiness

Provide:

• Financial documentation

• Governance details

• Evidence of community engagement capacity

Submit the application according to official guidance provided by the Scottish Government.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague target audiences

• Generic awareness campaigns without measurable outcomes

• Weak links to the Public Engagement Strategy

• Insufficient evidence of community engagement expertise

• Budgets that do not clearly align with proposed activities

Strong proposals are specific, evidence-informed, and outcome-focused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding can organisations apply for?

Grants range from £25,000 to £80,000.

2. What is the total funding available?

The total funding pot is £275,000.

3. Who can apply?

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations with a registered address in Scotland.

4. Can organisations new to climate engagement apply?

Yes, provided they demonstrate relevant experience and address any expertise gaps.

5. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects focused on climate engagement, including sustainable transport, clean energy, adaptation, circular economy, and nature protection.

6. What time period must projects cover?

Projects must run between April 2026 and March 2027.

7. What are the key evaluation criteria?

Applications are assessed on audience engagement strength, innovation, clarity of target groups, and ability to build climate understanding and action.

Conclusion

The Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund provides strategic financial support for community-led climate engagement initiatives across Scotland.

By funding trusted organisations to deliver inclusive, evidence-based projects, the Fund strengthens public understanding, participation, and action in the transition to a net zero and climate-resilient Scotland.

Organisations that demonstrate strong engagement strategies, measurable impact, and alignment with national climate objectives are well positioned to secure funding.