Crown Estate Scotland invests in property, natural resources and people to generate lasting value for Scotland.
The fund comprises two grant programmes, an Environment Grants Programme for tenants on the Scottish Crown Estate and the Community Capacity Grants Programme. Foundation Scotland is administering the Community Capacity Grants Programme (see below). More information on the Environment Grants Programme can be found on the Crown Estates Scotland website.
Purpose of this fund
The purpose of the Community Capacity Grants Programme is to provide early-stage financial support for local projects that will help achieve the following objectives:
- Create self-sustaining community enterprises that will promote sustainable development through the provision of local economic, social, and/or environmental benefits.
- Contribute to the regeneration of places through improvements to buildings or community spaces that will support self-sustaining community enterprises delivering sustainable development.
The fund is open to all communities that are:
- Situated up to 5 miles from coastal and estuarine foreshore in Scotland; or
- Situated up to 5 miles from the Scottish Crown Estate’s four rural estates (Glenlivet, Fochabers, Whitehills and Applegirth).
To view the boundary lines for the estates and applicable radius, please click to view Crown Estate maps with applicable radius.
Awards of between £20,000 to £50,000 for a one-year period will be made through this fund.
Additional criteria
In recognition of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) being held in Glasgow in 2021, all applications must demonstrate how net-zero considerations will be incorporated into their project.
It is anticipated that this will come in different forms depending on the project. For example, where funding is sought to develop a feasibility or business plan, the application could include a commitment for the plan to consider the emissions associated with the project and set out practical steps to reduce these. For example, through the development of a green travel plan, a review of renewable energy technologies or incorporating circular economy principles into the plan.
Alternatively, net-zero could be a central feature of a project. For example, community enterprises provide sustainable travel forms in rural areas or develop local service provisions and reduce the need to travel.
Who can apply?
All applicants must meet Foundation Scotland’s Common eligibility criteria, please check this list before starting your application.
In addition groups and organisations must be based and working to support communities within 5 miles of the coast or estuarine foreshore, or within 5 miles of one of Crown Estate Scotland’s 4 estates; Glenlivet, Fochabers, Whitehills and Applegirth.
What can be funded
Examples of what the fund is looking to support:
- Salary costs of new posts
- Feasibility studies
- Business plan development
- Legal/consultancy costs
- Training/coaching costs
- Community consultation
- Community plans
- Community engagement activities
What can’t be funded?
The Crown Estate Scotland’s Community capacity Grants Programme cannot support adaptations to buildings or large-scale capital projects or purchase equipment. This fund is designed to provide revenue to support first step investment for local projects.
Ineligible projects would also include:
- Applications where the area of benefit is more than 5 miles from the coastline or Crown Estate managed land.
- Applications from individuals or private businesses
- Applications to advance a campaign or a religious or political cause .
- The promotion of religious beliefs
- Activities that are understood to be a statutory responsibility and/or seek to replace statutory sources of funding
- Pre-existing costs that your organisation already incurred as a result of its day to day activities
Please read through the What we can’t fund page; for additional exclusions which apply to all Foundation Scotland funds.
How are decisions made?
An Awards Panel made up of a Foundation Scotland Trustee, representatives from the community and voluntary sector and from agencies with skills and expertise in sustainable development and regeneration will meet once a year to consider grant awards.
For more details on our assessment processes please visit How funding decisions are made.
Apply
To apply please see the Foundation Scotland website HERE
