Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has today (Tuesday, July 1) launched a new £20,000 fund to support charities and community organisations delivering social inclusion and environmental improvement projects in the Highlands.
Applications are now open for the Green Freeport Capacity Fund, with applicants able to apply for up to £2,000. Groups applying for a share of the annual pot need to be working with historically disadvantaged groups and improving the local environment through, for example, enhancing biodiversity or supporting the transition to green energy.
Projects must also be located within the green freeport area. This means the fund will be open to organisations as far east as Nairn and as far west as Muir of Ord, along with Tain to the north and Drumnadrochit to the south.
Kirsteen Adams, ICFGF Operations Manager, said, “The opportunities that the green freeport will create by attracting billions of pounds in inward investment will benefit generations of Highlanders through job creation, skills development and the growth of a vibrant local economy driven by the green energy transition. The fund has been established as we recognise the important role local groups play in helping to create a stronger and more resilient community.
“Several of our individual ports already offer their own community funds which demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve, and this fund complements those great initiatives. We’re very excited to be able to launch this fund and become a partner of charities and groups that are working to improve the quality of life for people in our local area.”
Groups can apply for a share of the fund by completing an online application form in which they’ll be required to share details about their project and how they want to use the grant. Applicants are not required to be registered charities, but they do need to meet eligibility criteria.
Applications for the 2025 fund are open until August 1, with successful applicants being advised by mid-September. Further details about the scheme and the application form are available at https://greenfreeport.scot/impact/local-benefits/green-freeport-capacity-fund