Count down has started to apply for two new funds launched by the Scottish Borders Local Action Group (LAG).
The Scottish Borders Local Action Group is made up of local people and local organisations from the private, public and third sector dedicated to help improve the lives of Borders residents..
Hans Waltl, Chair of the LAG said
“Last year we gave out over £500,000 to nearly 60 community organisations, businesses, voluntary groups and young people across the Borders. This year, the LAG has two new schemes based on feedback of what’s needed locally. We look forward to receiving and funding many great ideas again this year that benefit the Borders”.
All grants must be spent by 28 February 2026. Both grant schemes are anticipated to have no more than two funding rounds with closing dates of Wednesday 25 June and Wednesday 30 July 2026. Grants of up to £25,000 are available but applicants must offer a monetary contribution (match funding) for all grants. Projects must contribute to one of the four priority themes of Net-Zero/Climate Crisis; Social Inclusion/ Improving Services for the Public; Growing the Economy or Poverty Alleviation (especially for Children).
All grants are open to Small/Micro Businesses, Private Sector/Enterprise Organisations or Third Sector/Community and Voluntary organisations.
The Supporting Innovation Fund is for applicants looking to transform their organisation and require funding to carry out feasibility studies on their plans. Examples could include an organisation requesting specialised research into a new business idea or a voluntary organisation seeking a study on how to transform their services.
The Capital Development Fund offers funding for improvements and new developments to business or community premises. Examples include renewable energy projects (solar panels and/or batteries), projects supporting greater facilities for people with disabilities or purchase of equipment to allow an organisation to develop its enterprising activities.
We are working in partnership with LAG to deliver the grants, anyone wishing to apply for a grant should complete an Expression of Interest form Funding Support – Expression of Interest Form | Grant Funding for Community Projects | Scottish Borders Council (scotborders.gov.uk) available from our website.