Applications open for Coastal Communities Fund Grant (United Kingdom)

The Coastal Communities Fund is a grant aid scheme administered by Shetland Islands Council to support community and economic development across Shetland. Funded from net revenues generated by Scottish Crown Estate assets, the scheme backs projects that strengthen infrastructure, build community capacity, develop community assets, and encourage inclusive growth. The application deadline is Monday 19 October 2026 at 5pm. This grant aid scheme is designed to mobilise change and deliver positive outcomes for Shetland and its communities. It focuses on community and economic development by investing in areas such as: The scheme also supports regeneration of Shetland communities by funding projects that safeguard sustainable economic growth, promote inclusion, and contribute towards poverty reduction. A key requirement is that projects seeking funding must be a strong fit to the Shetland Partnership Plan 2018–2028 and the shared vision that: “Shetland is a place where everyone is able to thrive; living well in strong, resilient communities; and where people and communities are able to help plan and deliver solutions to future challenges.” Projects should support the scheme’s aim of community and economic development and regeneration through outcomes that include: Exact sector/activity categories are not enumerated beyond these themes in the provided source, so applicants should confirm further priorities in the Full Scheme Guidelines (PDF). The Coastal Communities Fund is intended to help community groups in Shetland deliver projects that strengthen local infrastructure and community capability. By prioritising inclusive growth, sustainable economic development, and contributions towards poverty reduction, the scheme supports initiatives that can translate community plans into tangible outcomes aligned with the Shetland Partnership Plan 2018–2028. Projects must be a strong fit to the plan and the shared vision described by the council. The source indicates applicants should reach out before applying. Community groups are expected to provide the following details in the application form: The application includes a checklist to guide submissions. A link to the checklist is provided on the page. The submission method is not specified in the provided article text; applicants should follow the instructions in the official application form/guidance linked on the page. The following resources are linked on the page: 3 North Ness, Lerwick, ZE1 0LZ (Any more detailed selection or scoring criteria are not provided in the supplied article text and should be confirmed in the official scheme guidelines.) What is the Coastal Communities Fund? It is a grant aid scheme administered by Shetland Islands Council, financed from net revenues generated by Scottish Crown Estate assets, supporting community and economic development projects in Shetland. How much funding can a community group request? Community groups can request grants up to £50,000 through a single-stage application process. What is the application deadline and time? When is the panel date? The panel date is Monday 30 November 2026. What details must be included in the application form? The source lists required application-form details as: project description, evidence of need, project beneficiaries, outcomes to be delivered, and support for the project. Are projects required to align with a specific plan? Yes. Projects must be a strong fit to the Shetland Partnership Plan 2018–2028 and the shared vision included in the opportunity description. Where can I find the official guidelines and checklist? The page links to the Full Scheme Guidelines, Best Value and Recruitment Guidelines, Application Checklist, Grant Claim Evidence, and Considering Climate Change in the Community (PDF documents). If you are a community group planning a project in Shetland, review the Full Scheme Guidelines and Application Checklist linked on the council’s Coastal Communities Fund page. Then contact the Coastal Communities Fund team to discuss your proposal before preparing your single-stage submission for Monday 19 October 2026 (5pm).