Community groups across rural Highland are being offered a fresh opportunity to secure funding, with changes to a popular grant scheme recognising the growing financial pressures facing the voluntary sector.

The Highland Local Action Group has reopened its Community Led Local Development Small Grants Programme after reviewing the remaining budget and widening the type of support available to local organisations.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for community and voluntary organisations, with applications being managed by The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund team.

The latest round follows a successful first phase of the 2026 to 2027 programme, which supported 46 community projects and awarded more than £315,000 to organisations delivering local benefits across the Highlands.

Following feedback from applicants, the scheme has been expanded to help organisations meet the rising costs of simply staying open as well as delivering community projects.

Many groups told organisers they were finding it increasingly difficult to maintain staffing, support volunteers and cover day to day operating costs while continuing to provide essential services in their communities.

In response, the Highland Local Action Group has agreed to allow funding to be used to strengthen organisational sustainability, helping community organisations continue delivering the activities and services local people rely on.

The programme will continue to support projects that fall within its two main priorities, improving community assets and tackling inequality affecting children, young people and families.

Under the revised arrangements, funding can now also be used for staffing costs, volunteer support, training, organisational development, operational expenses and other essential costs that help organisations remain sustainable.

The grants are open to not for profit and community led organisations operating in eligible rural Highland areas.

Applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposal supports one of the programme’s funding priorities and benefits their local community, while confirming the activity is not already being funded from another source.

Projects and organisational support funded through the scheme must be completed by February 2027.

For many community organisations facing increasing financial pressures, the revised programme offers not only funding for new ideas but also practical support to help ensure valuable local services can continue for the communities that depend on them.

Further information, guidance notes and application forms are available at: Funding priorities and eligibility – Community-Led Local Development Fund – Highland Council