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Arran Bulletin 24/04/2026

Funding and Guidance

Funding Support Tool for CICs – GrantNest

GrantNest is a small UK-based initiative designed to help Community Interest Companies (CICs) identify funding opportunities that are genuinely relevant and suitable to apply for. The service aims to reduce the time CIC founders often spend searching through large volumes of funding information by providing more targeted and accessible grant leads. It is particularly useful for smaller organisations that may not have dedicated funding staff, helping them to quickly find opportunities that match their work. You can find our more information here.

Rocket Science Survey

Rocket Science, is an independent social policy consultancy, working with FreshSight, a student-led social enterprise that partners with third sector organisations to solve strategic challenges. They have a sector survey aimed at understanding the youth talent pipeline in the Scottish Third Sector and would be grateful if you could please complete the survey.

You can find the link to the survey here: www.freshsight.com/research

Nature Grants Now Open for Urban Community Projects 

Volunteering Matters Action Earth has announced that applications for its 2026 nature grant programme are now open, supporting urban communities to take practical action on nature recovery and climate change.

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the grants are designed to support volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to take part in hands-on environmental activities across Scotland’s towns and cities.

Small grants of up to £250 are available for community-led projects that improve green spaces in built-up areas. Activities may include creating or enhancing community gardens, wildflower meadows, ponds, woodlands, and other wildlife habitats. Projects that deliver strong environmental benefits or involve wider community participation are particularly encouraged.

Please note that applications cannot support projects focused primarily on food growing. All projects must be completed and feedback submitted by 28 February 2027. Further information can be found here.

 Asda Foundation

The Asda Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Local Community Spaces Fund, which supports community groups across the UK that provide safe and welcoming places for people to meet, connect and take part in local activities. The fund helps organisations repair, renovate and improve community spaces, recognising the vital role these venues play in tackling loneliness and isolation and strengthening community wellbeing.

Since 2022, more than £3 million has been invested in community hubs, with a further £1 million committed for 2026. The fund is open for applications until Monday 28th April. Further information can be found here.

 The Weir Charitable Trust – Funding for Scottish Community Groups

The Weir Charitable Trust supports Scottish‑based community groups, charities and constituted organisations that provide services in Scotland, helping to improve quality of life across communities. Funding is considered for activities in the areas of sport, health, culture, animal welfare and recreational facilities, and grants are usually up to £25,000.

Application Deadlines: 5.00 pm Friday 1st May 2026 (outcomes advised end June/July)

Applications and guidance can be found on the Trust’s website.

The Screwfix Foundation

The Screwfix Foundation provides grants of up to £5,000 to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK for projects that improve, repair or maintain buildings and facilities used by people in need.

Funding is available for practical building works such as heating upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, kitchen and bathroom installations, safety improvements and sensory spaces.

Eligible organisations must be formally registered and support individuals experiencing hardship, disadvantage, illness, disability or financial distress. The Foundation does not fund salaries, rent, vehicles, removable items, loan repayments or general public amenities.

Grants must be spent within 12 months, with applications submitted online and reviewed quarterly by the Board of Trustees. Applications close on 10th May. Outcomes received by 30th June 2026. More information can be found here: SF_Foundation_Eligibility_Criteria_2024.pdf

Hydro Community Fund

At SSE Renewables, we are proud of our hydro heritage which has been vital to bringing clean energy to the north of Scotland for over 80 years. Our new £10 million community fund is open to projects that support residents in the community council areas which proudly host our hydro assets.

Project eligibility

The Hydro Community Fund priorities are:

  • To protect the natural environment of the local area, including landscapes, natural habitats and biodiversity.
  • To enhance access to safe, affordable and sustainable community transport opportunities and low-carbon solutions within the local area.
  • To improve access to affordable, quality and safe housing, including developing community housing initiatives, enhancing local housing stock and improving home energy efficiency schemes.
  • To encourage the establishment and sustainable economic growth of small businesses, including social enterprises.
  • To develop and improve community assets and infrastructure such as halls, hubs and paths.
  • To promote the physical and mental well-being of communities through community arts, culture, sports and recreation.

For this fund, the panel are also interested in projects that support education, skills development, and employment opportunities. However, no specific priority will be given, as all project areas will be considered equally.

Closes: 26th June 2026    Click here for more information

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund

Community sports clubs across Scotland are invited to apply for funding through the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, which is celebrating its 10th year by increasing the top award to £3,000. The fund supports registered community sports organisations with essential costs such as equipment, kits and training, helping to increase participation for people of all ages and abilities.


Applications for our area open on Monday 6th July and close Sunday 2 August.

If your group is based in North Ayrshire or the wider West of Scotland, this is a key opportunity to secure funding—make sure to plan ahead and submit your application before the deadline. For full details and to apply, visit the fund webpage.

Sport Scotland Capital Facilities Fund

Funding is available for capital projects that create or improve places for sport and physical activity across Scotland.

What can be funded?

  • New or upgraded sports facilities
  • Inclusive changing facilities
  • Outdoor sport and adventure access improvements
  • Floodlighting
  • Major sports equipment

Priority is given to projects that:

  • Serve areas identified by SIMD
  • Promote equality, inclusion and participation
  • Support post-pandemic “Return to Sport” activity
  • Engage underrepresented groups

Who can apply?
Non-profit distributing, constituted organisations, including community groups, sports clubs, schools and local authorities.

Dead line is 1st September 2026 (5pm). Apply online via the sportscotland website.

The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Community Action

Do you have a project idea that could bring people together, improve wellbeing, or make a positive impact on the environment? The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) is offering grants from £20,001 to £250,000 for projects lasting up to 5 years.

This fund is designed for communities across Scotland – whether that’s people who share an identity, interest, or experience, or those living in the same place.

Projects must achieve at least two of these outcomes:

  • Build positive relationships
  • Support people’s health or wellbeing
  • Improve access to and connection with nature
  • Make a positive difference to the environment

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Regular programmes of activities that bring people together and boost wellbeing
    Community kitchens, larders, pantries, and advice/support sessions
  • Community gardens or growing projects
  • Environmental clean-ups, waste-reduction initiatives, and upcycling workshops

Find out more and apply: Home | The National Lottery Community Fund

Applications can be made at any time.

Islands Emergency Cost of Living Fund

Grants are available up to £2,000, but if your proposed project will cost more than this, please get in touch as we may be able to help you find additional funding.

Apply here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6910929/islands-emergency-cost-crisis-fund-2025  

Further information can be found here

Access the cost of living leaflet here.

Rising Energy Network Charges for Community Venues

Organisations involved in running venues or non-domestic community spaces may wish to be aware of upcoming changes to energy costs. From 1 April 2026, Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges — which cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading the UK’s high-voltage electricity transmission network — are expected to increase by around 60%.

Utility Aid has provided a helpful overview of what these changes mean, along with guidance for organisations that may be affected.

Organisations responsible for paying utility bills for community buildings and venues are encouraged to review this information and consider any potential impact on their budgets. Further information can be found here.

Victim Support Scotland – Emergency Assistance Fund

Funding for Victims of Crime Experiencing Financial Hardship in Scotland

Victim Support Scotland offers grants to groups and organisations in Scotland to support people affected by crime who are experiencing financial hardship due to their experience and who typically lack access to other means of support.

Through the Emergency Assistance Fund, groups can apply for the direct purchase or reimbursement of goods and services on behalf of the victim in the aftermath of a crime, such as:

  • Emergency household, food, utility, or clothing expenses (mobile phone/broadband contract payments and expenses related to the purchase/upkeep of motor vehicles will not normally be considered).
  • Costs to repair or replace damaged property or goods.
  • Contributions to funeral costs.
  • Moving costs.
  • Travel costs to a place of safety or to attend court.
  • Security equipment costs.

Funding is available for people who live in Scotland, as well as victims of crimes that happened in Scotland.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

https://victimsupport.scot/vss-eaf/ 

Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services

Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) is funded by the Scottish Government through Disclosure Scotland to support the voluntary sector with their disclosure checks.

If your organisation has volunteers or members of staff in roles that are covered by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) legislation, then you will need to be registered with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services to get your PVG checks for volunteers done for free.  The member of your organisation tasked with organising your PVG checks is called a signatory.VSDS provide a range of online sessions with multiple dates available to help you in this role.  For details of their programme, please see:

VSDS Training or PVG - Your Signatory Role

The 'Your Signatory Role' session is designed for those who are new to the role, about to step into the role or are interested in finding out more about what the role of being a signatory involves.

PVG Scheme Changes – From 1st April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme moves to a five-year membership model, helping ensure records remain accurate, up to date and secure.

Key points:

  • No change to current application processes
  • No additional cost
  • New applicants from 1 April will automatically join the five-year scheme
  • Existing members will be moved across in stages – no action required

Disclosure Scotland will contact members in advance of any changes.

Action required:
Members who have not applied since 2021 should update their email address with Disclosure Scotland to ensure they receive important updates.

Further guidance, including support on assessing regulated roles, is available on the Disclosure Scotland website, along with training and resources to help organisations meet requirements.

Training and Events

Updates from the Third Sector Employability Forum (TSEF)

Recent updates from the Third Sector Employability Forum (TSEF) may be of interest to organisations supporting people into employment.

Tourism & Hospitality Toolkit launched
A new Tourism & Hospitality Toolkit is now available, offering practical resources on training and skills, workplace rights, and visas and immigration.

Developed by Serving the Future in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and Springboard, the toolkit supports both employers and those entering the sector.

Find out more: https://www.tourismhospitalitytoolkit.co.uk/

Funding updates
The Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind allocations for 2026–2027 and the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund Prospectus for Scotland have been published:

About TSEF
TSEF is an independent forum supporting collaboration between third sector employability providers and government, helping to shape policy and share information on training and opportunities.

Join TSEF
To join, create an account on Knowledge Hub (https://khub.net/) and request access to the TSEF group.

National Lottery Community Fund

Upcoming ‘Developing Sustainability Residentials’ are due to take place in the Highlands & Cumbernauld in May & June 2026. See link for more information: https://your.socialenterprise.academy/course/view.php?id=2669

Please note that this is only open to National Lottery Community Fund grant holders. They also ask that all participants are connected to an organisation with an environmental purpose or project, or that delivers environmental benefits.

Meet the Funder SCVO Session

Organisations are invited to attend a Meet the Funder session, offering valuable insights into funding opportunities.

  • Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF)
  • 5th May |  10.00–11.00
    Participants will hear about the AHF’s grants, advice and support for projects focused on revitalising historic buildings and strengthening community-led regeneration. The session will also outline eligible activities and provide practical guidance on developing strong applications.

At the session, information will be shared on how Funding Scotland can support organisations, and attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a live Q&A.

To book a place, visit the SCVO website.

Families Outside

Families Outside have announced a new date for their online training session for professionals, delivered via Microsoft Teams.

This interactive half-day session is open to multi-agency professionals from any sector and local authority who want to build confidence in supporting families affected by imprisonment.

Training details:
Date: Wednesday 27th May
Time: 9:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: £95 per person

Click here to register your place

Aims of the training:
Participants will gain a better understanding of the impact of imprisonment on children and families, including their needs at different stages of the criminal justice process. The session will also explore relevant UNCRC articles, introduce Child Impact Assessments, and support participants to apply their learning confidently in their own role.

The training is interactive, combining group activities, discussions, and trainer-led input, and offers a valuable opportunity to share learning across sectors.

For further information, please contact: rebecca.joyce@familiesoutside.org.uk

Suicide Prevention Ayrshire & Arran Training 

This training can help you feel confident in spotting the signs and knowing how to support someone who’s struggling. For more information, March dates and booking information please click here. 

Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 : A Quick Referral Guide

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk of harm as an who is aged 16 years or over who:

  • Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests
  • Is at risk of harm; and
  • Is more at risk because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity

This is known as the 3 point criteria. Please remember that the capacity of the adult to be aware of/or understand the harm, is not part of the criteria and does NOT prevent referral. Evidence is NOT necessary for referral; belief that the criteria is met is enough for an adult to be referred. Consent from the adult for referral is desirable, but NOT a necessity because of the lawful basis to share information under this legislation. Where possible, the adult should be made aware that a referral will be completed.

How to make an Adult Support and Protection Referral:

If you know or believe that an adult may be at risk of harm a referral to social work should be made within 24 hours. Referrals can be made online via ‘ASP Referral’ North Ayrshire ASP Referral Or by completing a multi-agency AP1 referral form and sending to adultprotection@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 

Complete the form to the best of your knowledge. The referral form will take you through the three-point criteria for Adult Support and Protection. You should provide information to explain why you think each of the criteria is met. If you believe each of the criteria is met, select yes for each and the referral is made under Adult Support and Protection. If you answer no to any of the criterion, you can still submit a referral as an adult concern, using the same form. Consent should be sought to make an adult concern referral. Social Work can upgrade adult concern referrals to ASP, if during their analysis they have reason to believe that the ASP criteria is met.

Advice and Support:

Due to complexity and nature of some types of harm, such as coercive control and undue pressure, as well as becoming a more trauma informed workforce, it is sometimes necessary or beneficial to discuss concerns. Therefore, if you are unsure about any aspects of Adult Support and Protection consult with your line manager or the ASP representative in your organisation. You are also welcome to discuss your referral with Social Work prior to submitting your written referral. Our multi-agency Adult Support and Protection Policies and training can be accessed via:

Adult support and protection (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)

Adult Support and Protection Training Calendar (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)

For Further Information:

Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 - an intro to part one

Adult Support and Protection: Updated Code of Practice 2022

Facebook:  North Ayrshire Protecting People Together People

Evaluating Support Scotland (ESS)

Evaluating your organisation as well as the projects you run is important:

  • It helps you learn & improve your practices
  • Ensures that you can measure and explain your impact to funders – this is useful for both writing funding applications as well as reporting back to funders

ESS have loads of great resources which can be found here: https://evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk/resources/

Volunteer Opportunities

Calling All Groups and Organisations!

Looking for a helping hand?  We are here to promote your volunteer opportunities. We frequently get people through our door looking for ways to volunteer, so now is the time to let us know who you need! Whether it's a charity event, community project, or something in between, we're here to spread the word and connect you with passionate individuals ready to make a difference.

Volunteers Required for Brodick Hall

Volunteers are required for Brodick Hall to help with stranded passengers when ferries are unable to sail. Currently there is a very small pool of council staff and volunteers but we are looking to supplement these numbers with some community members who have some time and would be able to assist.

In the case of the ferry being unable to sail, volunteers will be called upon to be in the hall overnight with other team members.
If you think this is something you could help with or would like any more information, please contact Lesley Jeffery on 01292 616289.
Befriending Volunteering - Volunteer Blether Buddies Needed!

Could you spare an hour a week to brighten someone’s day?

We’re looking for warm, friendly volunteers on Arran to become Blether Buddies — visiting isolated people in their homes for a chat, a cuppa, and some companionship.

Many people in our community experience loneliness, especially those living alone or with limited mobility. Just a short visit can make a huge difference.

What does a Blether Buddy do?

  • Pop in for a friendly chat

  • Offer company, laughter, and a listening ear

  • Build confidence and connection

  • Help reduce loneliness in our community

Time commitment

Only 1 hour a week or fortnight, flexible around your schedule.

Community Transport 

We are looking for volunteer drivers to support our Community Transport Project from all areas of the island, but we are especially on the lookout for drivers in the undernoted areas:

  • Corrie & Sannox
  • Kildonan & Kilmory
  • Blackwaterfoot

Community Transport is aimed at assisting individuals getting to and from medical and social projects here on the Island, where public transport may not always be easily accessible. If you would like more information or have a chat about becoming a volunteer driver, please do not hesitate to contact Jeanette, Transport Co-Ordinator here at the office. Call on 01770 600611 or email her at jeanette.farrell@arrancvs.org.uk

Volunteer Chefs Required

Any budding chefs out there that would be willing to help out at either Glen Estate or McKelvie Road on a Monday? If so please call the office on 01770 600611.

Stay Connected: Join Our Mailing List and Share Your News

If you have received this bulletin via another source and would like to be added to our mailing list, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@arrancvs.org.uk

If you wish to share anything from your group/organisation contact me at info@arrancvs.org.uk by the Thursday before the date you wish for it to be shared.

 

Arran Community & Voluntary Service provides a comprehensive range of services to third sector organisations.

Call 01770 600611 info@arrancvs.org.uk

We are a local charitable organisation that provides a range of information and office services to voluntary and community organisations operating on Arran.

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Scottish Charity No: SC004057

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