Let’s Do Net Zero Community Buildings Fund Now Open

Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) has relaunched the Let’s Do Net Zero Community Buildings Fund.

Managed by Local Energy Scotland, the fund focuses on decarbonising heat in community buildings and reducing community organisations’ energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and will run until March 2025 (subject to budget availability). This is designed to be an ongoing fund until that point; applications can be made at any time.

Funding is available for many types of self-managed community buildings, including:

• village halls
• community centres
• community hubs
• sports facilities
• faith buildings

Grant funding is available for up to 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £80,000.

Applicants must be constituted non-profit distributing community organisations, including organisations with charitable status, which are established and operating across a geographically defined community, or faith groups.

Eligible community organisation structures include:

• Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO)
• Community Interest Companies (CIC)
• Private Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
• Community Benefit Societies (BenCom)

Organisations which are constituted but unincorporated may also apply, but must provide additional information.

Applicants must read the full funding guidance to find out if their organisation, building, and improvements are eligible.

For further information, including how to apply and an application form, please visit the Local Energy Scotland website.