VAER is the ‘Centre for Collective Impact’ based in East Renfrewshire. Our vision in an East Renfrewshire where people can work together to shape their communities. This can only be achieved by valuing the uniqueness of every individual and their contribution; whilst creating the conditions for participation.
Support Type: Finance
Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay has a long history beginning in the late 1960’s becoming a charity (SC015602) in 1984 and more recently a company limited by guarantee (SC162441) in 1996.We are committed to developing and delivering activities that contribute to the long term social, economic and environmental vitality of our islands.
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.
The third sector encompasses social enterprises, small community groups and voluntary organisations/charities. We provide advice, guidance and support to new, emerging and established third sector organisations on a broad range of topics and activities.
The Growth Impact Fund is a social investment fund, helping fast growth early-stage social businesses to grow their impact. It is a joint venture run in partnership with Big Issue Invest, UnLtd and Shift. It exists to make social investment better for founders from underrepresented backgrounds and their teams. Great social leaders come from all backgrounds, but many have been excluded from accessing the capital and support they need to thrive. The Growth Impact Fund is here to change that. It aims for a minimum of fifty percent of the fund to go to businesses who are already led by diverse teams, and to support social businesses who are aiming to increase their commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Scottish Civic Trust was set up in 1967, to help people connect to their built heritage and take a leading role in guiding its development. In its infancy, it successfully campaigned for the restoration of Edinburgh’s New Town, was instrumental in the revitalisation of New Lanark and can also claim credit for bringing Doors Open Days to the United Kingdom.
As a Third Sector Interface, WDCVS holds a unique position in supporting, promoting, developing and representing volunteering and sector activity across West Dunbartonshire. Our vision is of a West Dunbartonshire where everyone can contribute their enthusiasm, skills and drive, improving quality of life and opportunity in our communities.
Edinburgh Social Enterprise supports, promotes and develops social enterprise in Edinburgh and serves as a hub creating social and economic growth. Our mission is to create opportunities for Edinburgh’s Social Enterprise community to develop and thrive, recognising its positive impact on society and the local community.
SVE is Stirling’s third sector interface; a membership organisation of locally based charities, social enterprises and volunteer-led community organisations. We aim to strengthen the third-sector and broker partnerships that deliver real change by connecting people, ideas and resources.
Plunkett UK is a national charity that supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through community-owned business. Community businesses are enterprises that are owned and run democratically by members of the community, on behalf of the community. From shops and pubs to farms and woodlands and everything in between, Plunkett’s small in-house team and network of advisers across the UK provide a helping hand to support groups from their first tentative steps, and continues to be there for them, year after year, as the business develops and grows.
The Circle is a multi-award winning ‘More Than Profit’ social enterprise operating in Dundee and Glasgow, founded to create and contribute towards vibrant and sustainable communities and providing affordable consultancy, training and workspaces. We are a hub for charities, social enterprises, commercial organisations, creatives, community groups, individuals, and socially aware businesses. We provide advice, support and training in all areas, including accessing funding, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, governance, and strategic planning.
We can provide one off spaces for meetings and temporary projects as well as longer term spaces for start-ups or organisations looking for co-working environments. Spaces are available across Staffa Place, Dundee and Easterhouse, Glasgow.
Our consultancy services provide you with advice and support on a range of topics from determining the legal structure of your organisation to writing grant applications. Our experienced consultancy team bring a range of skills and practical knowledge to their roles.
The Circle Academy is a practical and educational training programme for people interested in running ‘More Than Profit’ businesses. The programme is open for applications all year round and available to anyone wanting to create positive, social or environmental change in a sustainable and commercially viable way. Find out more.
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!
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership organisation for the voluntary sector. Our mission is to support, promote and develop a confident, sustainable voluntary sector in Scotland. We’re passionate about what the voluntary sector can achieve. Along with our community of 2,860 members and supporters, we believe that charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups make Scotland a better place.
Our Information Service is an online knowledge bank and enquiry service delivered by experts. We provide information, free resources and guidance for charities and voluntary organisations in Scotland.
Our experienced and knowledgeable Support Services teams can support you in delivering the core functions that keep your organisation running smoothly, including Managed I.T, Payroll, Office Space and HR.
Find funding for your charity, community group or social enterprise using our free online search engine. From small grants to funding for big capital projects, we can help you track down the funding you need to make a difference in your community.
Our programme of webinars, training and events focuses on the topical issues affecting Scotland’s voluntary sector. Sessions cover volunteering challenges, funding, social impact, leadership skills and our book club on the best non-fiction addressing the sector.
Foundation Scotland is Scotland’s largest independent grantmaking charity, distributing more than £130 million since the community foundation was established in 1996. The foundation’s social investment team (formerly known as Resilient Scotland) offer a unique type of funding designed to support social enterprises and charities and enable them to grow and deliver positive social impact. The investment provided is a unique form of blended finance, a combination of grants and loans. Get in touch to find out more!
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