
COVID-19 support for third sector organisations.
If you are a community organisation delivering, reshaping or reintroducing vital community services impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for support from the Communities Recovery Fund.
The Fund is part of the Scottish Government’s £25m Third Sector & Community Recovery programme. We are administering the CRF in the Highlands and Islands.
Available grants start from £5,000 up to £25,000 for single incorporated organisations, or up to £75,000 for partnership applications.
It is accepting applications to support costs from the start of October 2020 for up to 8 months, and is open until mid February 21, or until the available funding is committed.
Applications can be made by organisations registered as SCIOs with OSCR or community companies limited by guarantee registered with Companies House. Community councils may also apply. See the criteria here.
The fund can either support organisations to provide community support services for the vulnerable, or help them deliver or reintroduce core services, which have higher demand, or higher costs as a result of the pandemic.Nicola Ewing, Communities and Place team, HIE
The fund is open to organisations registered as SCIOs with OSCR or community companies limited by guarantee registered with Companies House. Community councils may also apply. See the criteria here.
If you aren't incorporated, or you require less than the minimum £5,000 grant, you can apply under a partnership application – through an eligible group.
Your local third sector interface (TSI) group may be able to help you find potential partner organisations. Here are their contact details.
Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface
Tel: 0300 303 4141
Email: support@argylltsi.org.uk
Highland Third Sector Interface Partnership
Tel: 01349 864289
Email: info@highlandtsi.org.uk
TSI Moray
Tel: 01343 541713
Email: info@tsimoray.org.uk
Arran Community and Voluntary Service (CVS)
Tel: 01770 600611
Email: info@arrancvs.org.uk
Voluntary Action Orkney
Tel: 01856 872897
Email: enquiries@vaorkney.org.uk
Volunteer Centre Western Isles
Tel: 01851 700366
E-mail: info@volunteeringwesternisles.co.uk
Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations
Tel: 01870 602117
Email: office@ucvo.org.uk
Harris Voluntary Service
Tel: 01859 502171
Email: carolyn@harrisvs.org.uk
Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay
Tel: 01871 810401
Email: eoin@vabv.org.uk
Voluntary Action Shetland
Tel: 01595 743900
Email: vas@shetland.org
All other areas of Scotland see here>>
The Communities Recovery Fund is grant funding to deliver support and services in communities.
There is also the Adapt & Thrive Fund which is to help organisations adapt, change, and thrive post COVID-19.
The Scottish Community Development Centre and Public Health Scotland have developed advice for community groups, organisations and volunteer networks on how to deliver their activities as safely as possible.
See their latest advice on how to start back safely, and reduce the risk of transmission.
Find out more about the amazing emergency response and recovery activity from our communities in the Highlands and Islands over the past year.
Further information on support for communities