Deadline: 07-Sep-2026
The Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation (HIEF) is offering grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 to support grassroots projects that protect, restore, and enhance nature across the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The fund focuses on community-led environmental initiatives that address biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, pollution, and other environmental challenges.
HIEF supports projects that combine environmental action with community engagement, helping local people play an active role in protecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, and creating long-term environmental and social benefits.
About the Fund
- HIEF supports community-centred environmental projects.
- The fund focuses on protecting and restoring nature across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
- Projects should address significant environmental challenges and contribute to long-term ecological recovery.
- Community participation and local leadership are central to the fund’s approach.
- Funding supports initiatives that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes.
- The foundation encourages innovative projects with the potential for wider adoption and replication.
Fund Objectives
- Protect biodiversity and natural habitats.
- Restore degraded ecosystems.
- Address environmental threats and pollution.
- Strengthen community involvement in conservation.
- Build local capacity for environmental action.
- Support sustainable and nature-positive solutions.
- Improve long-term environmental resilience.
- Create lasting benefits for local communities and wildlife.
Priority Focus Areas
Tackling Environmental Threats
Projects may address:
- Plastic pollution and waste.
- Ecosystem degradation.
- Destructive fishing practices.
- Impacts of intensive fish farming.
- Barriers to natural regeneration.
- Invasive non-native species.
- Other threats affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Protecting Habitats and Species
Supported activities may include:
- Habitat protection initiatives.
- Species conservation projects.
- Protection of endangered or vulnerable species.
- Research and monitoring activities.
- Conservation management approaches.
- Improved protection measures for sensitive ecosystems.
Ecosystem Restoration
Funding is available for projects focused on:
- Woodland restoration.
- Native habitat restoration.
- Marine restoration initiatives.
- Seagrass restoration.
- Oyster restoration.
- Freshwater ecosystem restoration.
- Coastal habitat restoration.
- Reintroduction of keystone species.
- Rewilding projects.
- Nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.
Community Capacity Building
Projects may include:
- Environmental education linked to local landscapes and ecosystems.
- Training and skills development for community groups.
- Community conservation initiatives.
- Local leadership development.
- Citizen science activities.
- Programs that enable communities to protect and restore nature.
Funding Information
- Grant amount: £5,000 to £20,000.
- Funding supports grassroots and community-focused environmental projects.
- Projects should demonstrate clear environmental and social benefits.
- Applicants are encouraged to develop sustainable initiatives that continue beyond the grant period.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local non-profit organisations.
- Community associations.
- Community clubs.
- Trade unions.
- Social co-operative enterprises.
- Research centres.
- Community groups and local bodies.
Non-local organisations and experts may also apply if they can demonstrate:
- Strong support from local communities.
- Community capacity-building benefits.
- Significant environmental impact.
- Meaningful local engagement.
What Makes a Strong Project?
HIEF is looking for projects that demonstrate:
- Strong community involvement.
- Local leadership and ownership.
- A bottom-up approach to environmental action.
- Measurable environmental outcomes.
- Positive social impact.
- Innovation and creative solutions.
- Potential for replication in other communities.
- Long-term sustainability.
- Opportunities to attract future support and investment.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
- Improved biodiversity.
- Better protection of habitats and species.
- Restoration of degraded ecosystems.
- Reduced environmental threats and pollution.
- Increased community participation in conservation.
- Stronger environmental leadership.
- Enhanced local skills and knowledge.
- Long-term ecological and social benefits.
Why This Fund Matters
- Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation continue to threaten many natural environments.
- Local communities play a vital role in protecting and restoring nature.
- Community-led conservation often creates lasting and sustainable outcomes.
- Ecosystem restoration supports wildlife, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
- Building local capacity strengthens long-term environmental stewardship.
- Nature-based solutions can help address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain the environmental issue your project will address.
- Demonstrate strong community support and participation.
- Outline measurable environmental and social outcomes.
- Show how the project will create lasting benefits beyond the grant period.
- Include realistic plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Highlight innovation and opportunities for replication.
- Explain how local people will be involved in project delivery.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and organizational capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation?
- HIEF is a grant-making foundation that supports community-led projects focused on protecting and restoring nature across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
How much funding is available?
- Grants range from £5,000 to £20,000 per project.
What types of projects can be funded?
- Projects may focus on habitat protection, species conservation, ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, environmental education, community conservation, and nature-based solutions.
Who can apply for funding?
- Eligible applicants include local non-profit organizations, community groups, associations, clubs, social co-operatives, unions, research centres, and other local bodies.
Can organizations outside the Highlands and Islands apply?
- Non-local organizations and experts may be eligible if they can demonstrate strong community support, local engagement, and significant environmental impact.
Does HIEF support community education projects?
- Yes. Environmental education, training, skills development, and community capacity-building initiatives are encouraged.
What factors are considered during assessment?
- Applications are assessed based on environmental and social impact, community involvement, innovation, scalability, sustainability, and long-term benefits.
Conclusion
The Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation provides valuable support for community-led projects working to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and strengthen environmental stewardship across the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Through grants of up to £20,000, the fund helps local organizations and communities develop sustainable solutions that create lasting benefits for both people and nature.
For more information, visit Highlands & Islands Environment Foundation.