Culture & Business Scotland is an independent Scottish charity (Scottish charity SC042631). We act as the connector between culture and business sectors to enable, inspire and support exciting and mutually beneficial cross-sector relationships, to build knowledge, skills, and expertise where they’re needed most, and to champion the impact and value of cultural experiences on all of our lives.
Sector: Arts/Culture & Media
Fife Historic Buildings Trust is a charitable trust working with Fife Council, community groups and others to find new users and funding to secure a long-term future for historic buildings at risk. We have helped deliver over £40m in historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The AHF exists to help communities and other not for private profit organisations find enterprising ways to revitalise the old buildings they love. We help with advice, grants and loans. Our support acts as a catalyst for putting sustainable heritage at the heart of vibrant local economies. For over 40 years, we’ve been the leading social investor in creating new futures for historic buildings.
Project Viability & Development Grants
With support from Historic Environment Scotland, Project Viability Grants are to fund initial studies to look at potential new uses for a building and at its current condition, usually resulting in a Viability Report produced to a standard template. Project Development Grants help add detail to outline plans, assisting in getting projects to the point that they can apply to larger capital funders. It can fund professional fees or capacity building for organisations.
With support from the William Grant Foundation, projects in Scotland may be eligible for the TSF. Projects applying are generally characterised by a community-led ethos, a desire to give new purpose to a building valued locally for its architectural heritage and plans that demonstrate strong social, economic or environmental benefits that meet local need. Projects that don’t fit well in other funding streams are particularly welcome to enquire and apply.
We can also support projects through loan finance, offering flexible and competitive terms to provide greater assistance to projects that will deliver local economic and community impact, as well as providing sustainable use of a historic building for future generations.
What is eligible for the Social Investment Programme?
Loan finance can be used for building acquisition, plugging a short-term funding gap, for working capital during a project delivery phase or to support further growth of a social enterprise or other community business based in a historic building. Contact Asha Karbhari to discuss any queries.
The sole focus of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association is to support Scotland’s Shedders and their supporters to create sustainable and thriving Men’s Sheds in their communities across Scotland. If you need help, inspiration, or just a chat, you have come to the right place. The SMSA is not affiliated to any other UK Men’s Sheds Associations and works exclusively in Scotland as a registered Scottish charity, ‘In Scotland – For Scotland’. Our website has ample information to help you become part of the growing grass roots movement – become a member for free and gain access to our online resource library. We can also mail you information leaflets. We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of a life enhancing and thriving community!
Creative Lives is a registered charity that was established in 1991. We champion community and volunteer-led creative activity, and work to improve opportunities for everyone to be creative. In particular, we celebrate and promote people expressing themselves creatively with others, recognising the benefits this can bring.
At GCVS, we’re here to support community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises with the help and training they need to succeed. By strengthening the voluntary sector, both citizens and communities can benefit. We provide free support in Glasgow for the essentials like fundraising, governance, measuring impact and climate friendly practice. Our paid for services Scotland wide for Payroll, HR and Health & Safety provide in-depth expertise.
CVS Falkirk & District is recognised by Scottish Government and Falkirk Community Planning Partnership (CPP) as the third sector interface for the Falkirk area. We have a primary role in ensuring the continuation and development of a vibrant third sector (charities, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups etc) in Falkirk.
We work with existing social enterprises, and encourage individuals and organisations to be more socially enterprising, through a range of services, including but not limited to start up guidance, idea development, business planning, identifying funders, partnerships, legal and compliance issues, measuring social impact and tendering and procurement. We have a variety of local support options for social enterprises in Falkirk, who are familiar with the social enterprise model and can offer guidance on different subjects.
Organisation information here.
The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) is a small charity based in Saltcoats offering services to the community and voluntary sector (also known as third sector) across North Ayrshire. Our mission is to deliver programmes and projects that make a difference to people’s lives by encouraging, supporting and promoting community action.
Creating opportunities for the Social Enterprise community in Perth and Kinross to develop and thrive, and recognising its positive impact on society and the local community. The group operates by working collaboratively to improve the social enterprise offer in the Perth and Kinross council area and to promote their goods and services.
VAO supports the third sector in Orkney by providing advice, information and practical services. The third sector is made up of voluntary, community and charitable groups, social enterprises and volunteers.
The Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) promotes businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in Scotland’s rural and island economies. Participating enterprises are included in the online directory and have the option to accept the REDS gift card.
GrowBiz offer support to social enterprises across rural Scotland. We can offer 1:1 meetings with our friendly advisers for guidance and support to help you identify what you need to get started or to achieve your enterprise goals. From talking through your initial idea, helping you to develop a business strategy or identifying areas where you require training and development. GrowBiz also offer online learning sessions so can upskill in the areas necessary to run a successful enterprise, host informal networking events and have an award winning mentoring programme.
The Chamber was founded in 2005 to support and promote the development of social enterprise in the Scottish Borders. We have a passion for supporting social entrepreneurs and work closely with the national social enterprise support organisations to achieve the best outcomes for our members.
