Fundraising
Community groups have several opportunities to seek funding for their projects. Both government and businesses recognise that these groups primarily operate within the community, provide insights into local needs and serve as focal points for implementing improvements.
Parks and open spaces also offer various avenues for generating income for your project or site.
Funding avenues
- internal fundraising events are events such as plant sales, raffles, bake sales or festive gifts
- external fundraising is approaching local business for financial support
- revenue funding is to seek ongoing financial support
- capital funding is to apply for funds for specific projects or improvements
- match funding is looking for funders that match donations made by your group
- charitable trusts and foundations is researching applying for grants
- central and local government funding is applying for government grants available to community groups.
Sign up to their newsletters to be informed of funds available.
Additional routes
Various national funding bodies provide grants and support for community groups, such as:
- national lottery community fund which funds projects that improve local communities and the lives of people within them
- Scottish natural heritage offers funding for conservation projects
- local authorities will provide specific grants for community initiatives.
is a valuable channel for friends or greenspace groups, where they can submit projects for crowdfunding and share updates on their activities.
Following these key steps can significantly increase your chances of success:
- start with smaller applications before attempting larger ones
- be clear when you outline what you want to achieve, why it's important, and how you plan to implement it
- identify potential community supporters who can help strengthen your application
- make sure to include key information about your group, the purpose of the funding request and a detailed budget.