Arctic Connections Fund 2023-24 open for applications

In the spirit of the Scottish Government’s Arctic Connections policy framework, the fund will support projects that can raise awareness of Scottish-Arctic links and promote exchange of expertise around shared challenges and ambitions. The fund will support initiatives including (but not limited to) community projects, seminars and conferences, hackathons and workshops, and academic research. Projects that set the scene for longer-term initiatives and applications seeking funding for Scottish participation in Arctic projects coordinated by multilateral organisations are welcome.

Scotland-based organisations can apply for a minimum of £1,000 and maximum of £10,000. They will need to demonstrate in their application that they will use grant funding to partner with organisation(s) based in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Kingdom of Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), United States and Canada.

For this round of funding, Russian institutions, organisations, and businesses are not eligible partners, nor will we consider applications proposing activity in Russia.

Applications should be consistent with the key goals, themes and priorities outlined in the Arctic Connections policy framework and should demonstrate how they will bring tangible benefit to both Scottish and Arctic communities. Cooperation and engagement with Indigenous communities is encouraged. Applicants are also invited to set out how their project reflects on and addresses the social, cultural, and economic effects of the cost crisis.

Projects of particular interest, and given added weighting during the assessment process, will address one (or more) of the following themes:

Just transition, energy security and renewable energy solutions, including rural fuel poverty

Food security and sustainable food production

Nature protection, restoration and sustainable management of resources

Rural innovation and wellbeing

Gender equality, with a focus tackling inequality for marginalised groups, inclusion and human rights

Cultural exchange and collaboration, with a focus on indigenous storytelling and languages

Completed applications must be emailed to europeanengagement@gov.scot and must be received no later than 17:00 BST on 12 May 2023.

Projects are expected to begin from 1 July 2023 and must be completed by 31 March 2024.

We would be grateful if you could help us promote this call. Feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested and eligible to apply.

For more information and to apply please visit www.gov.scot/arcticfund