Community Assets Knowledge Exchange Fund

What is it?

The Community Assets Knowledge Exchange Fund offers grants of up to £2,000 to help community organisations take part in training and learning activities related to owning land or buildings.

This funding focuses on sharing knowledge and experience between organisations through visits, peer-to-peer learning, and practical training opportunities.

Support can be tailored to meet your organisation’s specific needs, for example, training that helps you build skills or confidence in community asset ownership.

Eligible activities include:

• Visiting another community group (up to three representatives) to share experiences and learn from their approach.
• Hosting up to three representatives from another organisation to share your knowledge and experience.
• Holding events aimed at exchanging knowledge and best practice.
• Other activities, at HIE’s discretion, that support the development of the community assets sector.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if your organisation:

• is place-based and located within the Highlands and Islands
• works to deliver benefits for the wider community
• owns community assets (land or buildings) or has plans to move into community ownership

How much funding is available?

You can apply for up to £2,000 in grant funding.

Organisations are expected to contribute at least 10% of total project costs, either from their own funds or other sources.

Please note that project costs must be paid upfront - you can then submit a claim to receive your grant reimbursement.

Who's it for?

This fund is for community organisations in the Highlands and Islands that own or aspire to own land or buildings for community benefit.

How long does it take?

Applications can be submitted at any time, but ideally at least six weeks before the proposed activity begins.

We aim to provide a funding decision within three weeks of receiving your completed application. If approved, activities should take place within three months, or within a reasonable timeframe agreed with HIE.

Important information

After your activity is complete, you’ll need to submit a short report outlining what your organisation has learned, and how this new knowledge will be applied to benefit your community.

To get started, simply complete our short enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.