Financial assistance for communities

What is covered?

We can provide capital funding to assist a wide variety of projects.  The amount and percentage of total project costs that we can give is dependent on the specific project, geographic location and our current priorities.  Each project will be considered on its own merits and the level of assistance is generally around 30% of the total project cost.

What are our current priorities?

We are particularly keen to assist projects that impact upon our most fragile and island communities.  Projects that involve or benefit young people, or that enhance local culture and heritage, will also get priority, as will the implementation or development of projects that provide vital services in our most remote communities.  We embrace the principles of sustainability and therefore are interested in projects that utilise renewable energy technology or energy efficiency, or that add value to or enhance the natural environment.

What type of projects might we support?

It is difficult to give a definitive list of the types of project that we will assist given the very broad range that come forward, however some examples are given below:

  • New buildings or upgrading / refurbishment of existing ones owned or operated by the community.
  • Assistance to local events and festivals that are community run and for community benefit - in particular those that support local culture and heritage.
  • Purchase of new equipment for community use.
  • Renewable energy projects where the benefits remain within the community. 
  • Environmental projects, including creation or upgrading of footpaths and woodland access.
  • Assistance with legal fees for establishing community organisations and trusts.
  • In certain circumstances we can assist with feasibility studies to assess the viability of projects.

Criteria for assistance

  • The applicant has to be a not-for-profit, constituted organisation.
  • There has to be a clear demonstration of community involvement and benefit.
  • All land / property has to be in ownership or held on long-term lease by the community organisation.
  • Assistance is discretionary and the majority of other funding must usually be in place before we will formally commit to a project.
  • You should not start your project prior to an AIE decision on your funding application as any work done prior to AIE's formal approval of your application will not be fundable.

What costs are eligible?

We can assist with capital and non-recurring revenue costs.  Costs associated with the normal day-to-day running of a facility or organisation, or regular maintenance and replacement of equipment or buildings are NOT normally eligible.

Next steps

If you represent a community organisation and would like assistance with the capital funding of a project please contact us directly.  We would be happy to talk to you about either fully developed projects or good ideas.