Funding / Opportunities
Moray CAN distributes funding directly for local projects. Applications to Moray CAN are closed, but will be reopening soon for 2025-26. Check out the projects funded, and browse other open funding opportunities below.
Community Energy Generation Growth Fund
The Scottish Government is investing £9 million to support community energy projects and energy efficiency improvements, aiming to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, create jobs, and stimulate local investment. The funding includes £3.5 million dedicated for the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.
This Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will support community groups passionate about renewable energy, who want to develop and operate projects such as installing wind turbines and solar panels. In the previous pilot phase of this fund, most funding was for capital costs, with Local Energy Scotland’s technical framework consultants providing additional support.
To find out more, read the announcement here, and for case studies and background visit Local Energy Scotland’s website.
Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund
This funding programme offers grants of up to £2,500 per applicant, for coastal communities to purchase water drinking fountains and install them for public use in busy or environmentally important areas. The aim is to reduce the impact of single-use plastic water bottles on coastal habitats. Closing date for applications is Friday 25 April 2025.
Find out more here.
Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund
The new Scottish Learning Fund aims to support early-stage or small community-based groups in Scotland involved in marine conservation activities. It seeks to facilitate learning, knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development among these groups.
Scotland is home to many examples of effective marine conservation practices. The fund aims to enable organisations to learn from one another, seek advice, share good practices, network, and collaboratively develop their skills. Find out more here
The Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation
Offers grants of up to £15,000 to community-led projects that protect and restore nature. Find out about funded projects (including projects based in Moray) and apply here. Application deadlines are: Monday, 2 June 2025, 1st September 2025.
Grants to help businesses and social enterprises cut carbon
Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands looking to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations can now apply to a new Green Grant Fund. The fund provides grants of between £20,000 and £250,000 towards projects that reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the region’s net zero ambitions. Find out more.
The green grants will cover between 10% and 40% of total costs of projects, or up to 50% for eligible applicants in remote and rural areas.
The Royal Countryside Fund- Supporting Rural Communities
This grant programme offers up to £25,000 over two years to projects enhancing resilience and sustainability in isolated rural areas. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit, community-led organisations and charities with annual incomes under £500,000. The application process includes two stages: an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) with a short video and form submission, and a full proposal for shortlisted candidates. Applications invited by 22 March 2025. Find out more Here.
Hill of Towie Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
More than £100,000 per year is now available to the local community in and around Drummuir, Keith & Mulben. RES (Renewable Energy Systems) the developer, provides the community benefit fund, REAP administers the fund, and a decision-making panel of local community representatives assesses grant applications and allocates the funds.
To be eligible groups or organisations must:
be properly constituted and have a bank account in the organisation’s name
operate mainly in the area of benefit – please see the map
Applications close Thursday 24th April 2025, 5pm.
Support is available to help you complete your application.
Call 01542 888070, e-mail info@reapscotland.org.uk or drop in at 177 Mid Street, Keith and pick up an application!
The SUEZ Communities Fund – Scotland
This fund supports community and environmental improvement projects in England and Scotland, offering grants from £3,000 up to £20,000 in Scotland for capital projects focused on physical improvements at a single site. Funding can covers materials, equipment, and contractor costs but excludes salaries, running costs, project management, or design fees. Projects must meet the eligibility criteria of the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund. The next closing date is 14 May 2025, decision by end of July.
Energy Redress Scheme
This scheme offers funding to support vulnerable people with their energy bills, the development of innovative energy related products or services and projects to empower individuals to reduce their carbon emissions. Funds available will be reviewed on a quarterly basis in January, April, July and October.
Funding Streams Available:
Main Fund: £27 million for projects seeking £50,000 - £2 million to support vulnerable households.
Small Project Fund: £1 million for projects seeking £20,000 - £49,999 to support vulnerable households.
Innovation Fund: £6 million for projects developing innovative products/services to benefit households, seeking £20,000 - £1 million.
Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund: £6 million for projects reducing UK carbon emissions and empowering households, seeking £20,000 - £1 million.
Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future
The National Lottery Community Fund has a Climate Action Fund now open for applications. Grants between £1 million and £1.5 million over 3 to 5 years (min £500K), are available to support community-led projects that inspire more people to take climate action in their everyday lives. You do not have to be a climate or environment focused organisation to apply. To be eligible, applications must be submitted by partnerships consisting of a mix of organisations and sectors, and smaller groups working locally.
Landscape Connections - Hertiage Fund
£150 million pounds of funding is open to those who care for or can partner with National Parks and other world-class landscapes in the UK. The Fund will support our most precious landscapes which are facing immense challenges due to a changing climate, changes to agriculture and rapidly declining nature and biodiversity. Before starting your application, read more about applying for a Landscape Connections grant.
The John Ellerman Foundation - People and Planet
This funding stream offers grants of £10,000 to £50,000 per year for three years to UK charities and non-profits working on natural environment conservation. Priorities are around include enhancing ocean health, building healthier ecosystems on land and in freshwater, and addressing climate change and pollution impacts. The scheme supports UK and UK Overseas Territories projects. Applications have no deadlines and can be submitted anytime. Learn more here.
Useful Links to Funding and Funding Information
Scottish Rural Network Funding Search
Scottish Rural Network has teamed up with SCVO's Funding Scotland to provide a free local, online funding search for your charity, community group or social enterprise. Have a search here.
Environmental Funders Network
The Environmental Funders Network, gives the funding community the knowledge, networks and agency they need to address the key challenges of climate change. It aims to give a more strategically-deployed approach to environmental philanthropy.