Grants

HIEF Supported Projects

Grant criteria Overview

• Click here to read our FUNDING GUIDANCE in full

   

  WHO: Local non-profit organisations, associations, clubs or unions, social co-operative enterprises and/or other local bodies, including research centres, are strongly encouraged to apply for grants.

• All applicants must display strong and effective leadership and emphasise an integrated, bottom-up approach, consulting with, mobilising and involving local communities and demonstrating positive community impact.

• Organisations previously supported should get in touch to discuss a new application before submitting an EoI, as there may be additional requirements for repeat-funding requests.

• Organisations with an annual income of over £1m, and non-local applicants, will not be considered for funding unless potential projects meet all of the criteria listed below:

  • The applicant can evidence i) the need for their capacity building to support local communities or ii) how they will work with local communities to deliver tangible impact 
  • The HIEF funding requested constitutes at least 10% of the overall project budget
  • The organisation has had an informal discussion with louis@hief.scot prior to applying

• WHAT: Applications for funding from the HIEF should fit into one of the Foundation’s key areas of interest and demonstrate clear, measurable environmental impact as a primary aim of the project.

• Proposed projects must be clear and compelling, and aim to deliver measurable and sustainable long-term results, build capacity and encourage participation by local communities.

• Ideally, the proposed activities will be sufficiently visible to leverage additional support from other funding sources.  Projects with opportunities for replicability, to amplify their impact, will be prioritised.

• Individual PhD applications and specialist research studies will not be considered for funding. Pure research will not be considered for funding.

• WHERE: The HIEF will support projects throughout the Scottish Highlands and Islands (see here).  Projects taking place in areas that fall slightly outside the boundary may still be eligible; please get in touch if in doubt.

• If you are unsure about whether your proposed project would meet the HIEF criteria, please contact Louis (louis@hief.scot) for an informal discussion before completing an EoI.