GrantRadar

Foundation Scotland

Halkirk District Benefit Fund

A community benefit fund paid for by the Causeymire Wind Farm and run by the Halkirk District Benefit Fund board with Foundation Scotland, for groups and projects benefiting the Halkirk District Community Council area of Caithness, Highland. Grants go up to £25,000 for community development, recreation, sustainable development, environmental and heritage education, and buildings or sites of local importance. Applicants must be members of the fund. The next deadline is 31 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £25,000
Deadline
80 days left
31 January
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Members of the fund
  • Organisations and clubs based in the Halkirk District Community Council area (including Altnabreac, Banniskirk, Calder, Georgemas, Harpsdale, Spittal, Mybster and Westerdale) can apply for membership, as can residents
  • Applications from groups outside the area, or for projects outside it, need at least 10% of members or participants to be Halkirk District residents
  • Applicants should show local consultation and community support, and consider partnership working, local procurement and sustainable development
  • Applicants should also read Foundation Scotland's standard eligibility criteria (governing document with charitable purposes and asset lock, at least three unrelated committee members, approved accounts, a bank account with two unrelated signatories, and a safeguarding policy where relevant)

What it funds

Purposes consistent with furthering the achievement of sustainable development, including:

  • Advancing citizenship or community development within Halkirk District
  • Recreational activities and facilities within Halkirk District
  • Sustainable development and regeneration of Halkirk District
  • Education relating to environment culture heritage or history
  • Improved environmental amenities within Halkirk District
  • Buildings or sites of architectural, historic, or community importance within Halkirk District

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)
  • Groups or organisations without a representative membership structure (that unduly restrict membership or whose committee or board is not elected by, or accountable to, a wider group of people)

How to apply

  1. Become a member of Halkirk District Benefit Fund using the membership form on the page, if you are not already
  2. Read Foundation Scotland's application criteria and preview the application questions
  3. Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documents by the deadline (31 January 2027, then 30 April 2027)
  4. Foundation Scotland checks fit with the criteria, the organisation's competence and finances, planning and budget, and may phone or email for more information
  5. The board of seven volunteer directors decides; applicants are told within two weeks of the board meeting

Individuals have a separate Halkirk fund page. All decisions are final; unsuccessful applicants get feedback.

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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