community grant funding in the borders

At SBCAN, we’re here to empower young people to take positive action on climate change in their own communities. Young people across the Scottish Borders are full of inspiring ideas to help tackle the climate crisis and promote community climate action and we’re here to help bring those ideas to life. We’re inviting youth groups, schools, clubs and groups to apply for up to £750.00 to run a project that makes a difference in their community.

Applications open on May 11th and closes on June 7th. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by June 19th.

This fund will support projects or activities that include:

• Community Action which benefits our planet

• Developing Sustainable practices

• Encouraging Climate Resilience and Adaptations

• Learning new skills and discovering nature

We will be particularly keen to support projects which show:

• Youth-led projects where young people are involved in taking ownership and deciding what they want;

• Collaborative working between groups;

• Inter-generational working;

• Groups that promote inclusive activity with under-represented groups;

• Projects which support the young people to achieve recognition for their achievements- for example Dynamic Youth Award Climate Action Challenge/ John Muir Award/ Saltire Awards

• A long-term vision for Climate Action within your school/ group.

Criteria/Conditions

• You must be a constituted group with a bank account in the group’s name.

• Young people must be at the centre of the activity proposed.

• Any funding awarded must be spent on the project costs described in the application form.

• Groups may be visited by a member of the SBCAN team and asked to provide a report and photographs for case studies / publicity purposes.

• Action should take place in 2025 and can be one – off events or ongoing activity.

• If awarded a grant, evidence of expenditure (receipts / invoices) must be retained and provided on request.

If you're not sure where to start, here are some ideas from activities we have previously funded and supported:

• Nature/ecology walks

• Visits to food producers

• Food growing initiatives

• Eco art projects

• Recycling projects

• Tree planting

• Composting projects

• Swap events

• Young Rangers

• Litter picks

We're here to help! Please get in touch if you have any questions, wish to link up with another group or want to have a chat about your ideas.