Soirbheas Grants

Soirbheas offers a range of grant programmes to support community activity, projects and local development across Glen Urquhart and Strathglass.

Guidance and application forms are regularly updated, so please ensure you are using the current versions. If you have any difficulty accessing information please contact [email protected].

Grant Deadlines 2026–27

Applications for Tier 2, Tier 3 and Apprenticeship Grants are open throughout the year and have the following deadlines.

You can download the full schedule here:
Grant Deadlines 2026–27 (PDF)

All grants are subject to available funds and final approval by the Soirbheas Board.

Please note that Tier 3 and Apprenticeship Grants may take longer to assess, and may be decided at a later decision date depending on the complexity of the application.

Community Benefit Grants (up to £1,000) are assessed on a rolling basis, with decisions usually made within four weeks of receiving a complete application.

Community Benefit Grant (up to £1,000)

The Community Benefit Grant supports simple, practical ideas that benefit the local community. It is designed to make funding accessible for small activities, events, equipment or local initiatives that bring people together or improve community life.

Applications are welcome from individuals, informal groups, community organisations and social enterprises where the activity clearly benefits people living in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass.

Projects might include community events, wellbeing or learning activities, environmental or heritage work, or small pieces of equipment that enable local activity.

These grants are intended for smaller projects that can be delivered quickly and simply. Larger or more complex initiatives may be better suited to a Tier 2 grant.

Key points:

• Grants available up to £1,000
• Applications can be made at any time
• Decisions are usually made within four weeks
• Projects must not start before approval
• Activities must be completed within 12 months

Community Benefit Grant Guidelines and Application Form

Tier 2 Grants (£1,000 to £20,000)

Tier 2 grants support larger community projects that contribute to one or more of Soirbheas’ charitable objectives. These may include capital works, services, programmes or initiatives that deliver meaningful benefit to the community.

Applications must be made by a constituted organisation with an appropriate governance structure (for example a charity, community group, development trust, community interest company or similar body). Individuals and informal groups are not eligible to apply for Tier 2 funding.

Projects can run for up to two years, and applicants are expected to show how the project will be delivered and managed.

For requests under £10,000, Soirbheas may fund up to 90% of total project costs. For requests over £10,000, funding may cover up to 80% of costs. Salary costs may also be considered where they are clearly linked to the delivery of the project.

Applicants should submit a completed Project Plan with their application.

For further information please read the Grant Guidelines

Application forms are available here: Tier 2 Grant Application 25-26 or view as PDF

We are also currently developing a match funding guide tailored to projects in Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, highlighting potential external funding opportunities across a range of project types. This resource will be updated regularly to help groups identify additional funding options. Available soon.

Tier 3 Grants (£20,000–£50,000)

Tier 3 grants support major capital projects that deliver long-term benefit to the community.

Applications must be made by a constituted organisation with an appropriate governance structure (for example a charity, community group, development trust, community interest company or similar body). Individuals and informal groups are not eligible to apply for Tier 3 funding.

Projects must contribute to two or more of Soirbheas’ charitable objectives, and groups can normally request up to 60% of total project costs.

Due to the scale of these projects, applicants are encouraged to discuss proposals with us before applying.

We are also currently developing a match funding guide tailored to projects in Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, highlighting potential external funding opportunities across a range of project types. This resource will be updated regularly to help groups identify additional funding options. Available soon.

Apprentice Grant Scheme

Soirbheas offers funding to support local employers who wish to recruit and train Modern Apprentices.

Grants of up to £22,500 over three years may be available.

Find out more here:
Apprentice Grant Scheme

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss a project idea or receive guidance on developing an application, we are happy to help. As a small team, discussions will need to be arranged in advance.

Initial enquiries about the Community Benefit Grant should be directed to:

Lindsay Treasure – [email protected], 07514 452783

Enquiries relating to Tier 2, Tier 3 and Apprenticeship Grants, including discussions about project development, should be directed to:

Kara Scott – [email protected], 07842 781986

As a small team, responses may take a few days, so we encourage people to get in touch early where possible. If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a voicemail or send us an email and we will respond as soon as possible. We can then arrange a suitable time to discuss your project or enquiry.

All interactions with Soirbheas staff are expected to reflect the principles set out in our Positive Behaviour Policy.