Local Improvement
Fund (HADP)

The Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (Highland ADP) has awarded Scottish Government funds for third sector organisations in Highland. We are offering grants of up to £10,000 maximum to be spent from April 2027, on building organisational capacity and promoting resilience in the sector.

Investment in community-led approaches has enabled increased participation in local services and facilitated effective collaboration between providers, and we are delighted with the impact this has had on communities affected by alcohol and drug harms.

However, we recognise the very real pressures organisations currently face around financial uncertainty, capacity and staff wellbeing. In addition, the amount available this year is reduced to £58,500.

Applications will open on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

Local Improvement Fund Impact Report 2022–2025

We’re proud to share the Local Improvement Fund Impact Report 2022–2025, highlighting over £666,500 invested in community‑led projects across the Highlands by the Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership.

From mental health support and family wellbeing to recovery services and creative community initiatives, this report showcases a small portion of the real difference made by local organisations, volunteers, and people with lived experience.

Discover powerful stories, meaningful outcomes, and the impact of collaboration across our region.

LIF Report Download

Organisations supporting the Highland ADP strategic priorities can apply for grants of up to £10,000 maximum.

We are inviting applications for:

Support with leadership and governance
Support with financial plans, systems and infrastructure
Helping organisations develop and plan for the future
Supporting staff and volunteer wellbeing, especially in high-pressure or trauma-informed settings

Previous grant recipients may apply to strengthen capacity, and new organisations are welcome to apply, but you must be supporting the Highland ADP strategic priorities.

Please note, to ensure best value and fair allocation of a limited amount, we reserve the right to award reduced amounts. The majority of grants are likely to be no more than £5,000 due to limited funds. Applications for over this amount must have a strong rationale for exceptional circumstances.

As a charity ourselves, we understand the need to invest in central functions and strategic work to build organisational resilience and be prepared for future challenges. Funding this type of work can be difficult though, and many people have told us that this is what their organisation currently needs.

The focus of the Fund is on helping organisations build their capacity, focus on strengthening governance, systems and infrastructure, to develop robust plans and sustain staff and volunteer wellbeing for the future.

Previous grant recipients have the opportunity to step back from day-to-day delivery, take a holistic look at strengths and weaknesses and enhance strategic and operational practices to improve long-term sustainability.

This fund is aimed at organisations who could start this work by
April 2027.

We would anticipate the proposed activity would be concluded within
12 months.

Applications must be submitted online using the form provided, showing indicative costs for the proposed project and a summary of how you identified this need and developed your proposed project.

Essential Criteria:

Eligible organisation with relevant financial evidence
Work with people affected by alcohol and drugs harms
Contributing to HADP’s Strategic Priorities
Proposal fits with the aims and scope of the fund

If you have any doubts or questions regarding the guidelines, it's recommended you contact us for clarification. This can help prevent misunderstandings and save time in the long run.

Important Dates

Applications open soon!

Applications open Thursday 22 October 2026.

Applications must be received no later than MIDDAY Thursday 26 November 2026.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Your application will be assessed against the criteria by a funding panel meeting in December 2026.

If you have any questions about the Local Improvement Fund, please contact Marion MacNeil at funding@highlandtsi.org.uk.

Application Form

Applications will close MIDDAY Thursday 26 November 2026.

If you have any issues using Jotform please contact enquiry@highlandtsi.org.uk.

This fund is open for any constituted third sector organisation, charity or community group operating or delivering services in Highland.

All groups applying must have a bank account and accounts from the previous financial year, which provides evidence of their ability to competently deliver their plans and account for the spend provided through a grant.

Applications can be accepted from:

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO)
Companies Limited by Guarantee
Unincorporated Associations
Trusts
Not-for-profit company or asset locked company or Community Interest Companies (CIC)
Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies

Organisations previously awarded a grant may still be eligible to apply. Our aim is to improve and strengthen the existing support in Highland. Organisations who previously applied for a grant but were unsuccessful can apply again, but this must be focused on organisational capacity building, not delivering support.

You should submit an application and if you need support with this, please contact Marion MacNeil via funding@highlandtsi.org.uk.

Collaboration

This fund supports internal development rather than programme delivery, helping organisations invest in governance, staff wellbeing, strategic planning and core skills. If you do need to involve external organisations to help you with development or training, please consider local agencies to ensure these funds benefit the local economy.