Renewable Energy Fund Grants

These themes help you understand what the Renewable Energy Fund looks for when assessing applications. Your project must meet at least one theme. Projects that also match the investment priorities are more likely to receive funding.

Theme one: stronger communities

We support projects that help local people shape their own priorities and improve everyday life in rural areas. This includes:

• tackling fuel or financial hardship
• improving access to services
• helping older or younger residents in remote communities
• improving transport and mobility
• helping groups take on or run community buildings or land

Theme two: prosperous communities

We support projects that strengthen the rural economy. This includes:

• training, education and employment activities
• improving the health of village or town centres
• developing business infrastructure (but not funding individual businesses)
• supporting social enterprises and not‑for‑profit groups to grow
• improving tourism facilities or creating new visitor opportunities

Theme three: healthy active communities

We support projects that help people live well and stay active. This includes:

• sports, leisure and recreation activities
• projects that help older people or disadvantaged groups stay independent
• work that reduces hardship linked to age, health, disability or low income

Theme four: sustainable environmental communities

We support projects that protect, enhance or raise awareness of local natural or cultural places. This includes:

• environmental improvements and upgraded infrastructure
• work that improves energy efficiency or reduces carbon emissions
• sustainable transport
• climate action
• community growing projects

Renewable Energy Fund priorities

We give priority to projects that create long‑term change in rural South Lanarkshire. Strong applications often focus on:

1. transport and connectivity
2. community and recreation facilities
3. rural business growth
4. jobs, skills and training
5. net‑zero and environmental projects
6. rural poverty and wellbeing
7. tourism and visitor facilities

Applications with limited strategic impact may not be funded or may need more match funding. These include requests for:

• kit and clothing for clubs
• bus hire or trips not linked to priorities
• environmental projects with little carbon or community benefit
• Christmas lighting with no carbon‑saving impact

All applications are assessed on value for money and community benefit.