Organisations across Orkney are being urged to apply for vital funding as the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF) for 2025/26 opens for applications.
The fund, worth £214,000 and provided by the Scottish Government’s Islands Team, is designed to deliver direct help to individuals, families and communities most affected by the cost‑of‑living crisis, with a strong focus on tackling child poverty.
Grants will usually be under £25,000, although exceptional proposals may be considered for larger awards.
Last year the fund supported more than 1,500 people, including hundreds of children, through a wide range of local projects from fuel grants and winter meal hubs to youth support programmes and school participation schemes.
Initiatives funded in 2024/25 included Age Scotland Orkney’s winter fuel grants, weekly hot meal events on Stronsay, baby weaning and first aid courses from Home‑Start Orkney, and festive grants from Orkney Charitable Trust which reached nearly 400 children.
Stephen Brown, Chief Officer for Orkney Health and Care and Chair of the Orkney Community Planning Partnership’s Cost of Living Task Force, said the impact of last year’s projects showed the difference that locally‑driven solutions can make.
“A range of vital projects were delivered by local organisations through this fund in 2024/25,” he said.
“By working with these organisations who already provide much‑needed support to our communities, the partnership ensured the funds could be targeted and go to those most in need.”
He added:
“The 2025/26 round will build on this success to further strengthen community resilience, tackle poverty, and ensure those most in need are supported with dignity.
“We encourage all eligible organisations to consider how they can contribute to alleviating hardship in their communities and submit proposals for this year’s fund.”
Applications are open now and close at 12 noon on Thursday 14 August 2025. Proposal forms are available by emailing community.planning@orkney.gov.uk.
For any queries, contact George Vickers at george.vickers@orkney.gov.uk.
