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.
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
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.
The Hydro Community Fund priorities are:
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
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.
Funding is available for capital projects that create or improve places for sport and physical activity across Scotland.
What can be funded?
Priority is given to projects that:
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.
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:
Examples of eligible projects include:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 (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.
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:
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.
In an addition to the above Arran Health and Care Event on 18th May 2026, Nest are offering various neurodiversity workshops to organisations and volunteers.
Please book your free spot by scanning the QR code or clicking the links below.
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.
Organisations are invited to attend a Meet the Funder session, offering valuable insights into funding opportunities.
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 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
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.
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:
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 your organisation as well as the projects you run is important:
ESS have loads of great resources which can be found here: https://evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk/resources/
Childcare is fundamental to the sustainability of island communities. It enables parents and carers to work, train and establish businesses, reduces child poverty, and supports population retention. Without reliable childcare, islands cannot attract or retain working-age families.
Island childcare operates at very small scale, often with limited staff, fluctuating demand and higher operating costs. National funding and regulatory models designed for urban areas do not translate effectively to small island settings, resulting in fragile or absent provision and inequitable access for island children and families.
The current consultation by the Scottish Government on the definition and regulation of school age childcare presents an opportunity to develop a more proportionate framework that reflects island realities. This consultation is available on the Scottish Government website and the Scottish Government’s consultation portal, and will be open until Monday 18th May 2026. If you have any questions relating to the consultation, please contact the team at sacc_consultation@gov.scot
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.
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:
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
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.
Scottish Charity No: SC004057
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