The North Highland Initiative (NHI) Community Futures Fund is providing grants to support people, organisations and community-led ideas that can help build stronger, more sustainable communities across the North Highlands of Scotland.
The new funding programme focuses on strengthening community organisations, improving local capacity and addressing rural isolation and access to services. Grants range from £5,000 to £15,000 per year, with multi-year support potentially reaching £45,000 over three years for suitable projects.
Community Futures Fund Overview
The Community Futures Fund is designed to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities. It particularly seeks projects that strengthen the organisations, people and community networks responsible for delivering important services locally.
The fund has two main areas of focus: community sustainability and capacity, and rural isolation and access.
Projects should demonstrate how funding can contribute to stronger communities and more sustainable approaches to meeting local needs.
Community Sustainability and Capacity
One funding priority is helping community organisations become stronger, more resilient and sustainable by investing in people, skills, leadership and organisational capacity.
Potential activities supported under this theme could include funding for:
- Development officers
- Community support workers
- Volunteer coordinators
- Youth workers
- Leadership and community development roles
- Volunteer recruitment and development
- Volunteer succession planning
- Organisational capacity-building activities
Projects may therefore use funding to strengthen the people and systems needed to deliver community services over the longer term.
Rural Isolation and Access
The second major priority focuses on community-led solutions that improve access, reduce isolation and help residents connect with essential services and opportunities.
Examples of activities that could be supported include:
- Community transport
- Mobile and outreach services
- Digital inclusion initiatives
- Childcare and family support
- Projects connecting isolated residents with services
- Community networking and collaboration
- New approaches to delivering services in rural communities
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project responds to local challenges and improves access or connections for people in rural areas.
Funding Available
The Community Futures Fund provides grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 per year.
Multi-year funding may be available for suitable projects, with awards potentially providing up to £45,000 over three years.
The fund is particularly interested in initiatives capable of generating lasting community benefits and strengthening the organisations and individuals delivering vital local services.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed budgets are realistic and clearly connected to the activities and outcomes they intend to deliver.
Who Can Apply?
The fund is aimed at community organisations and initiatives serving communities in the North Highlands.
Prospective applicants should review the official eligibility and assessment criteria before preparing an application. The fund’s guidance notes provide detailed information on who can apply, eligible activities and the criteria used to assess applications.
Organisations should ensure that their proposed project clearly addresses at least one of the fund’s two priority areas.
Application Deadline
The first funding round opens on 1 October 2026.
The application deadline is 5 January 2027.
Applications received by the deadline will be assessed after the funding round closes, with funding awards subsequently made to successful applicants.
How to Apply
Applicants should first read the official Community Futures Fund guidance notes to confirm eligibility and understand the funding criteria.
They should then complete the official Community Futures Fund application form, providing the information required about the organisation, proposed activities, funding requirements and anticipated community benefits.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their proposals clearly explain the local need being addressed, how the project will be delivered and how the funding could contribute to sustainable long-term benefits.
Funding organisation: North Highland Initiative
Funding amount: £5,000–£15,000 per year
Maximum potential funding: Up to £45,000 over three years
Focus: Community sustainability, organisational capacity, rural isolation and access
Location: North Highlands, Scotland
Opening date: 1 October 2026
Application deadline: 5 January 2027
Why Apply for the Community Futures Fund?
The fund provides an opportunity for community organisations to invest in people, improve organisational capacity and develop practical solutions to challenges associated with rural isolation and access.
Its multi-year funding option may also allow suitable organisations to plan projects beyond a single funding cycle and focus on sustainable community outcomes.
How to Strengthen an Application
Applicants should clearly identify the community need their project will address and explain how the proposed activities will benefit local residents. A strong application should connect the requested funding to specific activities, demonstrate realistic delivery plans and explain how the project can create lasting benefits.
Organisations should also demonstrate how their work contributes to one or both of the fund’s priority areas and carefully follow the eligibility and application requirements in the official guidance.
