Community organisations across the Highlands are being encouraged to apply for funding designed to help local groups improve facilities, tackle inequality and bring grassroots projects to life.
The Highland Local Action Group has opened applications for a small grants programme offering awards of up to £10,000 to support projects that make a positive difference in local communities.
The funding comes through the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development programme, which provides resources to Local Action Groups to invest in priorities identified by local communities.
For 2026 to 2027, the Highland programme is focused on two key themes.
The first aims to support improvements to community owned and community managed assets, helping organisations make buildings and facilities stronger, warmer and more sustainable.
The second focuses on tackling inequality affecting children, young people and families through short term community led projects that help reduce the impact of poverty and social isolation.
To make the process more accessible, the Local Action Group has established a dedicated small grants pot with a simplified single stage application process and rolling assessments throughout the year.
The approach has already proved popular, with 23 projects across the Highlands receiving funding and further applications currently under consideration.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:
“Local communities are best placed to understand the challenges they face and the opportunities they want to realise.
“This fund is designed to support that leadership at a grassroots level, enabling organisations to take forward ideas that strengthen communities and tackle inequality.
“It’s very encouraging to see the impact this funding is already having across communities, from enhancing local facilities to addressing the challenges faced by children, young people and families.
“The small grants approach is deliberately designed to be accessible, and I would strongly encourage eligible groups to apply.”
The funding is intended to help community organisations turn local ideas into practical action, whether that involves improving facilities, creating opportunities for young people or addressing challenges facing families.
With applications continuing to be assessed on a rolling basis, community groups with projects that could benefit local people are being urged to explore the opportunity and seek support for their plans.
At a time when many voluntary organisations face increasing demands on their services, the fund offers a chance for communities to invest in projects that can make a lasting difference close to home.
If you have questions around eligibility, and what kind of projects can be funded, please get in touch with clldsmallgrants@highland.gov.uk
Funded organisations
| Organisation | Project Title | Grant Approved | Priority |
| Wick Development Trust | Air conditioning for Wick Campsite reception/shop | £4,474.08 | Priority 1 |
| Ormlie Community Association Ltd | The Social Circle | £3,120.00 | Priority 2 |
| Golspie youth Action Project | GYAP Summer of Fun & Sun (Golspie Summer Activities Programme) | £10,000.00 | Priority 2 |
| Lairg & District Learning Centre | Making Space – Family Activities for Families and Young People | £8,334.70 | Priority 2 |
| Nairn Bowling Club | Sustainable Community Facility: reducing Waste and Improving Access | £4,722.18 | Priority 1 |
| Gairloch and District Times | Production office infrastructure upgrade | £8,098.54 | Priority 1 |
| Cuillin FM | YouthSPACE Transitioning to High School | £9,880.00 | Priority 2 |
| Tain YMCA | Holiday Support Programme | £9,778.00 | Priority 2 |
| Gairloch Community Council | Gairloch Community First Responders | £3,000.00 | Priority 2 |
| Youth Highland | Games Games Games! | £10,000.00 | Priority 2 |
| Nairn Community & Arts Centre | Digital Infrastructure Upgrade for Community Access | £10,000.00 | Priority 1 |
| Nairn Community & Arts Centre | Strengthening Community Engagement & Financial Sustainability through Marketing Capacity | £8,328.00 | Priority 1 |
| Thurso Youth Club SCIO | Refresh Entrance Hall | £3,183.90 | Priority 1 |
| Eden Court | FEAST | £6,560.00 | Priority 2 |
| Beauly Shinty Club | Toilet Electrical Replacement Programme | £2,000.44 | Priority 1 |
| North Kessock Village Hall | Village Hall improvements: kitchen equipment | £2,268.38 | Priority 1 |
| Thurso Youth club | Summer Activities | £7,931.75 | Priority 2 |
| Care Lochaber | Community Car Scheme | £10,000.00 | Priority 1 |
| Acharacle Community Company | Warm Welcome | £9,377.00 | Priority 1 |
| An Talla Solais | Sustainability and Energy Improvements | £3,130.00 | Priority 1 |
| Mhor Collective | Mhor Connections | £7,751.80 | Priority 2 |
| Gairloch Community Hall | A Warm Welcome for the community | £6,492.00 | Priority 1 |
| Wick Community Hub | Rosebank Playing Fields Pavillion Access, Heating, and Maintenance Improvements | £9,997.12 | Priority 1 |
