Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund launched!

The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund launched today (Wednesday 22^nd May 2023) to enable community-led project groups in Scotland to design and deliver local nature restoration projects.

The aim of the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund is to help communities develop their ideas for nature restoration into a pipeline of deliverable projects with a whole ecosystem approach.

Funding will be administered by Inspiring Scotland and supported by the Carman Family Foundation, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund (managed by NatureScot) and other funders.

Erica Judge, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said:

“We know from previous work at Inspiring Scotland that there is a desire for community–led projects to further local development.

“The fund’s goal is to inspire, encourage and enable communities to explore and deliver ambitious ecosystem restoration projects locally.”

Bill Carman, a trustee of the Carman Family Foundation said:

“We need to restore Scotland’s nature – to revive damaged, degraded or destroyed ecosystems. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are hampering this revival.

“A more sustainable world where nature thrives and people can enjoy it, can only be achieved through multiple and widespread community-led effort. We aim to help raise awareness and address barriers faced by community-led efforts.”

NatureScot’s Head of Funding Iain Sime said:

“It is great to see initiatives like the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund tackling the unprecedented nature-climate crisis within local communities, helping us to bring about the nature transformation Scotland desperately needs. Our local communities across Scotland are vital for steering and helping achieve positive and sustained change that benefits people and nature.”

Community groups can apply for up to £13,500 which can contribute to nature development activities, specialist consultancy, new staff posts and core costs. They will also receive £1,500 in professional fundraising support in addition to their grant.

The deadline for applications is 12pm Wednesday 3^rd July 2024.

For more information and how to apply, please visit inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/neighbourhood-ecosystem-fund