Apply For Funding

What three types of funding are available?

• Education/Training grant – maximum available is £500. (Only one grant may be applied for in any one year, but you can reapply each year up to a maximum of 4 years.)
• Small grants for individuals/unconstituted groups – maximum available £1000. 
• Grants for constituted groups – maximum available £5000.

For more information please read ‘Guidance for Grant Applicants’

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for funding you must be a resident of the Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council area, or a business based within our area, or the owner/operator of building(s) in our area that are for the benefit of the local community.

How do I apply?

First, please read ‘Guidance for Grant Applicants’, and gather together the information you need as relevant to the grant you wish to apply for.  Then download the relevant application from the website.

If you have questions, or need some help, please email info@glencoe-glenetive.org

Send your completed application form to info@glencoe-glenetive.org

When do I apply?

Funding is available annually, with the opening/closing dates publicised via this page and via community FaceBook pages and local noticeboards.

What is the SCIO’s process for assessing funding applications? How do you decide who gets the funding?

All applications received by the advertised closing date will be checked to make sure they fit the eligibility criteria.  (Any ineligible applications will be returned to the applicant with advice on how to reapply.)  Eligible applications will then be forwarded to the Assessment Panel.  The Panel will discuss all applications, and make decisions based on how well the application meets the aims of the grants programme, how the project offers value for money, and how it may be of benefit to the community as a whole. 

Where does the funding come from and how is the amount of funding available calculated?

The funds are given to the SCIO by Edge Hydro Holdings Ltd by way of community payback from the hydro schemes operated by EHH in Glen Etive.  Via a funding agreement, the SCIO receives an percentage based on the actual amounts of power generated each year. 

Decisions on applications will usually be made within 3-4 weeks of the closing dates, and funding will be available as soon as possible after the decisions are made.

According to the agreement, a minimum of 30% of the spending of the fund is to be allocated to projects relative to the Glen Etive area, but if this is not allocated in full in any given year any remaining funds from the allocation will be carried over to the next round of funding and may be used on any eligible project across the whole area. 

£1000 annually is designated to cover administrative and general costs of operating the SCIO. 

10% annually is set aside for a Legacy Fund, to ensure that the SCIO can meet ongoing commitments to applicants year on year. 

5% annually is allocated towards maintenance of the Orbital Path. 

If my application is successful, how soon will I get the money?

Decisions on applications will usually be made within 3-4 weeks of the closing dates, and funding will be available as soon as possible after the decisions are made.

How will I receive the money?

Payments will be made by cheque.  The SCIO does not currently have access to digital banking, but we hope that this will become an option for us soon. Once digital banking is available, payments to successful applicants will be made by bank transfer. 

What happens if I don’t use all the money granted to my project?

All successful applicants will be asked to write a full report on how their money has been spent, and also supply copies of any relevant invoices.  The SCIO needs to see evidence that the money has been spent correctly and efficiently according to the terms of the application.  If there is any money left over once the project is completed this will need to be repaid to the SCIO.

What is the appeals process for applications which are unsuccessful?

The SCIO will contact you as soon as possible after the Panel has met to assess applications, to let you know their decision.  The Panel may feel that you need to supply more information about your project, in which case you will be invited to reapply to the following round of funding.  If you wish to appeal the panel’s decision, you’ll need to present your case to the Panel in writing, setting out in detail why you feel your application should be reconsidered.  The Panel will discuss the appeal and make a recommendation.  The Panel’s decision on appeal is final.

Who is on the Assessment Panel?

The Assessment Panel is made up of a maximum of 12 people:

• 4 Glencoe/Glen Etive residents
• 6 independent members, resident outwith the community
• 1 member representing Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council
• 1 member representing the SCIO

In the inaugural year of the Community Fund, Panel members will be invited to join by the SCIO Trustees.  Thereafter, nominations will be accepted from individuals who wish to join the panel, and the membership of the panel will be reviewed annually at the AGM. Panel members do not have to be members of the SCIO.  Panel members agree to serve on the panel for a minimum of one year, up to a maximum of 5 years. Panel members are volunteers and will not receive any payment for their work.

How do I become a SCIO member?

Please download and complete the membership form.

How do I become a SCIO trustee?

SCIO trustees are elected by the SCIO members annually at the AGM.  There is a maximum of 6 trustees and a minimum of 3. At the AGM one-third of the elected trustees must stand down by rotation, but they are eligible to be re-elected if they wish. Any member may stand for election as a trustee.

How do I become a member of the Assessment Panel?

Nominations will be invited annually in advance of the AGM. You do not have to be a member of the SCIO to volunteer as a Panel member. 

How do I become a member of the Community Council?

Community Council elections are organised by The Highland Council every 4 years (with the most recent election having taken place in October 2023). Any resident may put themselves forward to become a member – application forms are published in advance of the elections and may be downloaded from The Highland Council website. CC members must be over 16 and resident within the Glencoe and Glen Etive boundary. They must also be named on the electoral register for the community council area in which they live.