Local Improvement
Fund

Applications are now closed for submitting an Expression of Interest.

The Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (Highland ADP) awarded funds to Highland Third Sector Interface to distribute to third sector organisations.

In recognition of the local knowledge and close connections with people with lived experience, we are offering six grants up to £50,000 to be awarded to third sector organisations between 2023-2025.

We believe that this community-led approach can improve local participation in services, encouraging community resilience and capacity.

We are inviting expressions of interest from organisations operating in Highland who wish to support delivery of the Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership Strategy: Rights, Respect & Recovery, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Reduce the number of people developing problematic use of substances by tackling the root causes of alcohol and drug-related harm at a local level.
Reduce the number of people developing alcohol and drug-related harm by developing prevention and early intervention programmes through whole family approaches and family inclusive practice.
Reduce harmful behaviours by offering targeted local support to individuals, families and groups.
Improve access to support and treatment for individuals affected by alcohol and drug-related harm.
Reduce stigma and improve reach and engagement with people affected by drug and alcohol problems, by promoting more inclusive, supportive communities.

Type of Projects Supported

The focus of the Fund is on projects which help whole communities and/or community groups of any age.

We would welcome projects that are both Highland-wide and those that focus on a particular local area.

The underlying principle which we will be looking for is meaningful involvement of the community (thematic or geographic) you aim to support with your proposals.

You should aim to start your project on or around October 2023 and you have until March 2025 to complete the delivery and evaluation.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) 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. You must meet the essential criteria to progress to the next stage of the application process.

Essential Criteria

In line with local strategy
Previous experience operating or delivering services in the Highland area
Previous experience working with vulnerable people
People-led proposals (lived experience shaping the project)
Clear outcomes for the participants (which will be measured)

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 are now closed.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by
Midday Thursday 27 July at the latest, to be considered for an invitation to submit a detailed application in Stage Two.
Please submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any potential last-minute technical issues or delays.
Late submissions will not be accepted.

Guidance on how to complete the expression of interest is available here.

As soon as your EOI is received, your proposal will be considered against the criteria, and we will let you know whether or not you may proceed to the next stage. Processing time may vary depending on capacity and the volume of applications received. The earlier you submit your EOI, the more time you will have to complete your application form.

At the second stage, we will share the guidance and application form. The closing date for more detailed applications will be Monday 23 August. Please contact us if you need advice or information on how to meet the second stage criteria.

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

Application Form

Applications are now closed.

This fund is open for any constituted third sector organisation, charity or community group operating or delivering services in Highland to submit an expression of interest.

All groups applying should have a bank account and accounts from the previous financial year, who can evidence 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
Trusts
Not-for-profit company or asset locked company or Community Interest Companies (CIC)
Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies
Community councils

Organisations previously awarded a large grant in 2022, may still be eligible to apply, if proposing a new project. However, our aim is to increase and diversify the existing support in Highland so initiatives creating new avenues for support would be more favourable.

Organisations who previously applied for a large grant in 2022, but were unsuccessful, can apply again. You should submit an improved proposal and if you need support with this, please contact Marion MacNeil via funding@highlandtsi.org.uk.

Collaboration

We actively encourage collaborative approaches, and those including organisations from other sectors are not excluded, but a third sector organisation needs to be the accountable and lead member of the collaborative project.

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HADP Strategy Document

HADP Website

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Local Improvement
Fund