Local Action Group funding now open for applications in rural Highland

Community groups and organisations across rural Highland are invited to apply to the fund, which is now open for Expressions of Interest for grants of up to £25,000 until 24 April. Following this deadline, a small grants pot will open on 28 April, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for a share of a £1 million funding pot to support projects that address two key priority areas:

Priority 1 - Community Asset Improvements: This priority supports projects that strengthen community-run assets and improve access to essential local services. Successful projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes, including:
- Resilient, warm and financially viable community-run assets
- Improved access to essential community activities
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Strengthened organisational capacity

Priority 2: Tackling Inequality for Children, Young People and Families: This priority focuses on addressing disadvantage and improving wellbeing. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes, including:
- Immediate new opportunities for isolated rural youth
- Reduced access barriers for families experiencing poverty
- Improved whole family wellbeing

This funding will be delivered via two separate processes within each priority:

• Priority 1
  • Small Grants of up to £10,000 – revenue only
  • Larger project grants up to £25,000 – capital only
• Priority 2
  • Small Grants of up to £10,000 – revenue only
  • Larger project grants up to £25,000 – revenue only

Larger grants will be awarded through a two-stage process.

• Expressions of Interest (EOI) open on 13 April and must be submitted by noon Friday 24 April.
• Successful EOIs will be invited to submit a full application, with final funding decisions expected by the end of June.

Small grant funding will operate through a single-application process. Applications will open on 28 April and will be accepted on a rolling basis. The first approvals are expected by mid-May, followed by additional approval rounds every 2 to 3 weeks , until the funding is fully allocated.

Full eligibility criteria and guidance has been published on the Highland Council website: About the fund - Community Regeneration Funding - Highland Council

Projects must:

• Be based on current costs and supported by a valid quote (where applicable)
• Be ready to start from 1 July 2026 (or earlier for small grants)
• Be completed and fully claimed by 28 February 2027

The competitive funding programme supports projects that strengthen communities and tackle inequality in rural Highland areas. Funding decisions will be made by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG), which includes representatives from the third sector, public sector and private organisations.

Applicants within Inverness City area are not eligible to apply during this round as the CLLD fund is for rural areas only.  All other areas in Highland are eligible to apply with the exception of Badenoch & Strathspey as the CLLD funding programme in Badenoch & Strathspey is managed by the Cairngorm Trust. 

Youth Impact Fund – A new funding opportunity to support young people

The Youth Impact Fund is a new opportunity from the Highland Youth Local Action Group (YLAG), part of a national network of YLAGs which are connected to Senior Local Action Group in their region.

Supported by Community-Led Local Development funding via The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Funding, the Highland YLAG and its Youth Impact Fund are facilitated by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.  

The Highland YLAG works closely with the Highland Strategic Local Action Group to learn best practice and to get a feel for the work they do. Their overall aim is to connect people aged 16-30 who are passionate about making their region a better place to live, study and work in. At a previous event, current Highland YLAG members set their priorities for Highland, and the Youth Impact Fund will support young people and organisations who work with young people to design, develop and deliver projects which contribute to these priorities and allow young people to thrive and access opportunities in Highland.

These priorities identified by the Highland YLAG are:

1. Connection - Initiatives which strengthen bonds by bringing young people together and building friendships to establish a sense of belonging in our communities. 
2. Fulfilment - Projects that help young people explore their passions, build confidence, and experience a sense of purpose or achievement within their lives. 
3. Development - Activities that support young people to learn new skills, grow as individuals and take steps towards their future goals. 
4. Change - Ideas that empower young people to challenge inequalities, raise their voices, and create positive change in their schools, communities or beyond. 

Highlands and Islands Climate Hub CEO Joan Lawrie said: “A huge part of our role at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is encouraging and supporting fair representation and the amplification of voices within rural communities. The Youth Impact Fund will allow young people and community groups working with young people to deliver projects which allow young people to thrive in Highland.”

The Youth Impact Fund is open to young people and community organisations who work with young people. The fund is now open and will close on 15^th May 2026. All projects must be complete by 31^st January 2027. Individuals can apply for up to £500 while community organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to pursue activities which align to the Highland YLAGs key priorities. In line with Community Led Local Development funding, groups and individuals within Inverness City and Badenoch & Strathspey are unable to apply.

As well as preparing to facilitate the Youth Impact Fund, Highland YLAG is interested to hear from any young person interested in joining their group and is actively inviting young people to get involved to join the decision-making panel.

Highlands and Islands Climate Hub Business Support Officer and Highland YLAG member, Ashleigh Coghill said: “It’s an exciting time for the Highland YLAG, I can’t wait to have our first taste of distributing funds to deserving individuals and community groups in Highland. It’s also a brilliant time for any fellow young people to join as a Highland YLAG member. People aged 16-30 from the Highland Council region are welcome and encouraged to join but we’re particularly interested to hear from people from West Sutherland to ensure a good representational spread. Being part of the Highland YLAG supports my work with the Hub but also gives me incredible opportunities for personal development and growth which I will carry through my working life.”

Joining the Highland YLAG allows young people to influence funding decisions, develop skills in communication, teamwork and leadership and connect with likeminded people in Highland and the national YLAG network. There’s the opportunity to attend national events as a YLAG representative too which supports young people’s ability to network and present in formal settings.

To know more about the Highland Youth Local Area Network, you can contact Ashleigh by email.