Foundation Scotland

Annandale and Nithsdale Community Benefit Company

A community benefit fund paid for by ScottishPower Renewables' Harestanes Windfarm and run with Foundation Scotland, for charitable projects supporting the rural regeneration and sustainability of 42 community council areas in Annandale and Nithsdale, Dumfries and Galloway. Grants are £500 to £20,000, can run over up to three years, and need match funding above £2,000 (25% up to £5,000, 50% above). The next deadline is 5 December 2026.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £500 – £20,000
Deadline: 23 days left; 5 December
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Groups and organisations working to benefit people in the 42 eligible community council areas of Annandale and Nithsdale (Dumfries and Galloway), listed on the fund page in three areas: East (Lockerbie, Kirkmichael, Eskdalemuir, Moffat, Kirkpatrick-Juxta, Johnstone, Templand, Lochmaben & District, North Milk, Wamphray), South (Dalton & Carrutherstown, Heathhall, Holywood/Newbridge, Irongray, Georgetown, Tinwald, Lochside and Woodlands, Loreburn, Terregles, Torthorwald, Troqueer, Mouswald, Corrberry and Laurieknowe, Kingholm Quay, Lincluden, Locharbriggs, Ryedale, St
Michaels, Summerville, Stakeford) and West (Auldgirth, Carronbridge, Closeburn, Dunscore, Glencairn, Keir, Kirkmahoe, Penpont, Thornhill, Tynron, Durisdeer, Ae)
Not all of Annandale and Nithsdale is eligible; contact Foundation Scotland if unsure
Applicants must meet Foundation Scotland's standard eligibility criteria: a governing document setting out charitable purposes, with a charitable asset lock and restrictions on benefit to individuals; at least three unrelated people on the management committee or board (a majority unrelated, and only a minority paid); the latest approved accounts (not abbreviated or micro-entity accounts) unless the organisation is under 18 months old; a bank account in the organisation's name with two unrelated signatories; ownership or a lease of at least five years for any building or land project, and independent advice for renewable or energy-efficiency installations; and a safeguarding policy if working with children or adults at risk
You don't need to be a registered charity
Groups outside the area are considered case by case if they show clear benefit to residents
Match funding: none for grants of £500-£2,000; at least 25% for £2,001-£5,000; at least 50% for £5,001-£20,000
A distinct project can receive no more than £20,000 over any three years, and further applications in a year when you already have an award are not prioritised

What it funds

Charitable activities supporting the rural regeneration and sustainability of communities in the area of benefit; applications addressing these issues are particularly welcomed:

Community facilities, services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care of the elderly
Community or local events
Environmental projects - including climate change reduction and progress towards net-zero carbon emissions
Heritage
Enterprise to generate skills, employment, tourism, reducing poverty, isolation, and disadvantage, improving rural business opportunities, building the capacity of community and voluntary organisations, supporting innovation and social enterprise
Sport, recreation, and improving the health and well-being of residents
Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters
Promoting care and support of vulnerable people; improving community safety, minimising isolation, and maximising wellbeing

Costs considered include equipment, running costs, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities, and capital costs to buy or develop community assets. Parent Teacher Associations and Parent Councils may apply for activities beyond the core curriculum with clear benefit to the wider community.

What it will not fund

Applications from individuals to funds designed for groups
Schedule 3 Community Interest Companies
General fundraising appeals or activities
Trips abroad, unless the fund page says otherwise
Costs already incurred, or activities taking place before a grant decision (retrospective funding)
Repayment of loans or payment of debts
The advancement of religion or politics, including the core activities of religious or political groups (religious groups can apply for non-religious activity open to the wider community)
Work understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities
Costs directly related to the sale of alcohol, including refurbishing a bar area
Organisations or activities where membership is restricted to particular groups, unless there is a clear and appropriate reason in line with the Equality Act 2010
Activities likely to bring the fund, Foundation Scotland or the fund donor into disrepute
Activities that conflict with the interests of the donor, such as anti-windfarm or anti-renewables projects where a renewable energy company provides the funding
Projects that don't benefit people living in the fund area (applicant organisations can be based outside it)

How to apply

Read Foundation Scotland's application criteria and preview the application questions
Choose the small grant form (£500 to £5,000) or the standard grant form (£5,001 to £20,000)
Complete the online application and upload your supporting documents by the deadline (next: 5 December 2026)
The ANCBC board of directors nominated by the community councils decides; the main fund runs three rounds a year

Community councils also run local grants schemes; if your area has no community council, apply to the main fund.

Have ready

Constitution or other governing document
Latest set of approved accounts (unless your organisation is less than 18 months old)
A recent bank statement showing account name, number and sort code
Safeguarding policy and procedures, if your core work or the project involves children or vulnerable adults
At least one quote for each item costing £300 to £3,000, and at least three quotes for each item costing more than £3,000

supporting documents must be received with the application by the deadline.

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