Request for Applications: Carrick Futures Community Grant (United Kingdom)

Carrick Futures is a community grant programme administered by Foundation Scotland, supported by ScottishPower Renewables community benefit funds for Arecleoch and Mark Hill Wind Farms in South Ayrshire. The fund supports charitable activities that strengthen communities across South Carrick, with project locations either in eligible community council areas or directly benefiting them. Application deadlines fall across 2026/2027, with outcomes expected in late April 2026, late July 2026, late November 2026, and late January 2027. Carrick Futures is supported by ScottishPower Renewables community benefit funds for Arecleoch and Mark Hill Wind Farms in South Ayrshire. The fund receives in the region of £500,000 each year from ScottishPower Renewables, although the amount available for new awards varies based on existing funding commitments. The fund primarily supports projects located within, or directly benefiting, one or more of the six community council areas listed in the source for Ballantrae, Colmonell & Lendalfoot, Barr, Barrhill, Dailly, Pinmore & Pinwherry, and Girvan & District. Carrick Futures supports community activity in line with its purposes set out in its Articles and Memorandum of Association. It is expected that ScottishPower Renewables will continue to make this annual donation for the operating lifetime of each wind farm. Carrick Futures provides funding across multiple grant sizes, supporting a range of costs and activities aligned with the fund’s strategy and community outcomes. Supported grant levels (normally available): Additional funding details from the source: Carrick Futures accepts applications from:

Key eligibility points:

Carrick Futures supports charitable activities that support rural regeneration and sustainability across the eligible communities in South Ayrshire. Funding supports initiatives that align with the fund’s six strategic priorities: These priorities are underpinned by a community wealth building approach, providing a proportionate response to local priorities relating to jobs, business and the local economy. Carrick Futures is designed for organisations aiming to deliver community-focused outcomes in South Carrick, including rural regeneration, reducing disadvantage, improving access to local services, and strengthening community assets. The programme’s priorities reflect both social needs (such as health, inequality, and opportunities for children and young people) and longer-term community sustainability, including climate-smart approaches. For eligible applicants, the multiple grant tiers (small, standard, and large) and the potential for multi-year awards offer flexibility depending on project scope and budget size. The source instructs applicants to read the application criteria before applying. The criteria are referenced as available on the Carrick Futures page.

The source states: “Please complete the online application form.”

Applications must be received by the relevant application deadline for the round you are targeting. The source indicates applicants can view the questions before beginning the form. Direct URLs were not provided in the supplied text. Please use the “Carrick Futures” official page for the live links and online forms.

1. What is Carrick Futures and who runs it?

Carrick Futures is a community grant programme administered by Foundation Scotland, supported by ScottishPower Renewables community benefit funds. Foundation Scotland receives and assesses applications, and the Board of Trustees makes final award decisions.

2. Where can funded projects be based?

Projects must be located within, or directly benefit, the eligible South Ayrshire community council areas listed in the source (including Ballantrae, Colmonell & Lendalfoot, Barr, Barrhill, Dailly, Pinmore & Pinwherry, and Girvan & District).

3. Do I need to be a registered charity to apply?

No. The source states that you do not need to be a registered charity to apply, provided your organisation meets the fund’s standard eligibility criteria.

4. How much funding is available?

The fund states there is no fixed amount and that available amounts for new awards vary depending on existing commitments. Funding is offered in grant tiers: £500–£5,000 (small), £5,001–£50,000 (standard), and over £50,000 (large).

5. What are the application deadlines and when will outcomes be decided?

The source lists four round deadlines in 2026 with outcome expectations:

6. What can’t be funded?

The source indicates that information on what the fund cannot support is available via a separate page (“provided here”), but the specific exclusions are not included in the supplied text. Applicants should consult the “What can’t be funded?” link on the official Carrick Futures page.

7. Is there a right of appeal if my application is unsuccessful?

No. The source states that Board decisions are final and there is no right to appeal, and unsuccessful projects cannot be reconsidered for at least one year. If your organisation works in the eligible South Ayrshire communities and your proposed activities align with Carrick Futures’ strategic priorities, review the official Carrick Futures application criteria and strategy on the Foundation Scotland website. Then submit the correct online form for your grant size by the relevant deadline, ensuring your application and supporting documents are received on time.