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Apply to the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund - Inspiring Scotland

Apply to the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund

Round two now open for applications

The aim of the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund is to help communities develop their ideas for ecosystem restoration into a pipeline of deliverable projects.  We know that communities are at different stages of this work and that it can be challenging to get support for the early stages of projects.  

This Fund is supported by the Carman Family Foundation, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is managed by NatureScot, and others. Inspiring Scotland is administering this funding. 

Key Information

The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund enables community groups in Scotland to design and deliver successful local nature restoration projects.  

  • Grants of up to £13,500 are available 
  • Place-based community groups with an income of under £200,000 can apply  
  • Projects should focus on the development and feasibility stages of undertaking ecosystem restoration, rather than physical delivery.  
  • Successful applicants will receive up to £1,500 in professional fundraising support in addition to their grant. 
  • Projects must be delivered between 1 June 2025 – 31 March 2026. 
  • The deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) Monday 3 March 2025.   

How to apply

Please read the guidance notes to find out more about the fund and check you are eligible to apply to the fund. We also have an Easy Read version. 

If you think you are eligible and would like to apply, you need to complete the Expression of Interest Form.  

After completing the Expression of Interest form, you will receive an email with: 

  • A link to the online application form, through which you submit your application 
  • A budget template, which you will be asked to complete and upload as part of your application 
  • A Microsoft Word copy of the questions, to help you prepare your application 
  • A copy of the Fund Information & Guidance Notes 

You must submit your completed application by 12pm (midday) on Monday 3 March. We cannot accept applications after this deadline. 

Get help & more info

If you have any questions when completing your application, you can email: nature@inspiringscotland.org.uk.  

We want this information and application to be as accessible to as many people as possible. If there are barriers to you accessing this information or the application form, please get in touch: 

You can also contact us through an online British Sign Language interpreter using Contact Scotland BSL. You may find the information on the Ability Net website: mycomputermyway useful in providing help on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs.

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Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund

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