Community groups across Orkney are being invited to take their first step towards a brighter future, as the opening round of applications begins for the newly named Orkney Fund.
Launched on Tuesday 24 June, this first call invites organisations to submit Expressions of Interest for projects that aim to uplift, empower and revitalise life across the islands.
A total of £200,000 has been set aside for this year to support feasibility studies and capacity building, giving local groups the chance to turn ambitious ideas into achievable plans.
Next year, an additional £360,000 will be made available to support capital projects that are ready to take shape.
This initial stage is all about building strong foundations.
Capacity funding will help organisations enhance their skills, improve systems and secure vital resources.
It is about helping groups become fully prepared to deliver lasting change in their communities.
The Orkney Fund Board is particularly keen to support projects within four priority themes.
These include Community and Cultural Wellbeing, focusing on wider access to arts, sports and community facilities that promote inclusivity and better health.
Safe, Accessible and Vibrant Spaces aims to enhance public areas and travel infrastructure so they feel welcoming and secure for everyone.
Heritage, Conservation and Regeneration seeks to bring historic buildings and neglected spaces back to life, reinforcing Orkney’s strong sense of place.
Local Enterprise and Creative Support is designed to spark new energy in local retail and cultural projects, nurturing the islands’ distinct creative spirit and supporting economic growth.
Community Councils, Associations and Development Trusts have also been invited to apply for funding to develop or update their Local Place Plans.
These grassroots plans allow communities to lay out their vision for local development, feeding directly into Orkney’s future planning strategy.
They play a crucial role in the wider vision being shaped by the Orkney Fund Board.
Stephen Hagan, Chair of The Orkney Fund, confirmed that £200,000 has been made available this year to help establish strong local governance and enable meaningful community input.
He said a key part of that work is supporting the creation and refresh of Local Place Plans, which will feed into the fund’s long-term Regeneration Plan due this November.
That plan will set out a ten-year vision and a four-year investment strategy to ensure funding has deep and lasting impact.
Hagan also encouraged organisations who need funding for planning, feasibility or capacity work this year, or for capital projects in 2026, to come forward now.
Council Economic Development officers are ready to support groups throughout the application process.
The Orkney Fund stems from a £20 million Levelling Up Fund award from the UK Government, announced in March 2024.
Originally named the Orkney Towns Fund, the name was changed to reflect the wider reach of the initiative across all of Orkney.
Over 800 ideas were gathered from islanders last summer through an extensive community engagement drive, helping to shape the fund’s priorities.
Applications are now open, and Orkney’s communities have the opportunity to bring their most hopeful visions to life.
To submit an Expression of Interest click HERE
