Investing in Communities Fund
The Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund prioritises those places where support is needed most, for disadvantaged, rural and fragile communities across Scotland.
About the fund
All successful projects will deliver work that achieves the following outcomes:
- reducing poverty and inequality – fewer people experience poverty and inequality, with a focus on ending child poverty; with improved life chances and opportunities; and live healthier lives
- sustaining place based approaches – communities are more resilient, equal and work in partnership to achieve shared ambitions for their place
- community-led regeneration – communities are more sustainable and able to shape their own futures by strengthening the role and offering of locally controlled enterprising community (anchor) organisations, where local people are enabled to identify for themselves the challenges and priorities for their areas and make decisions on what solutions are needed
- ensuring a just transition to net zero – communities are more climate aware, are better equipped to support behaviour change and able to contribute positively to taking action on climate change.
Guidance available
Guidance is now available for round two of this funding, and can be found at:
Application dates
The fund will open at the end of March/early April 2022 and will close to applications approximately 4 to 6 weeks later. You are recommended to submit your application as soon as you are able to do so, once the fund opens.
Coordination
Midlothian Council and Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA) are keen to see several bids go in from local organisations. However, these bids will be stronger if there is good evidence of partnership working and coordination at a local level.
Information session
Any organisations who are thinking of applying for funding are invited to attend an online information session on Tuesday 1 February at 3pm, on Teams. There will be a brief presentation on the funding, followed by breakout sessions to allow local organisations to share information about bids.