Charities and community groups can apply for a maximum of £100,000
Island communities are set to benefit from a £2 million programme of locally-led green projects designed to help support their economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Islands Green Recovery Programme, now open for applications, is split into four strands delivering investment in low carbon transport, food sustainability and zero waste projects.
One strand, delivered by Inspiring Scotland, is making £900,000 available to charities, local groups and businesses working among island communities.
The funding aims to support these communities through capital expenditure that contributes to green recovery, reduced emissions and development of natural capital.
Organisations can apply for a maximum of £100,000, and it is anticipated that between 10 and 20 projects will benefit from the funding.
Celia Tennant, Inspiring Scotland chief executive, said: “We are delighted to support this programme of investment which will contribute to the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of our island communities.
“We welcome the opportunity to fund and support locally-led green projects and look forward to working with all sectors – from businesses to sole traders, from charities to community groups – to help the economic prosperity of our islands.”
Islands minister Paul Wheelhouse added: “We know that Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on our island communities. We want to use the learning from impacts encountered and solutions that have been identified during this pandemic to build the resilience of our island communities.
“The Islands Green Recovery Programme will stimulate new economic activity across our islands, helping businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and creating new, quality jobs.
“We know being environmentally responsible and mitigating the effects of climate change can be more expensive for people living on our islands. This investment will also help reduce that financial burden and back projects that support sustainable, on-island employment.”
Details on how to apply for funding can be found on the Inspiring Scotland website.
