voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Local Energy Scotland: CARES Development Fund
Created: 11/09/2025
News/Events Category: Funding and Finance
This item will show under the following categories: Climate/Environment
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) supports community organisations to engage with, participate in, and benefit from the transition to net zero emissions. CARES is delivered by Local Energy Scotland. They provide expert advice and support through our development officers and specialists, as well as funding.
The CARES Development Fund is designed to help communities take that first step on their community energy journey.
The fund is open to communities that are at the start of their community-owned energy or shared ownership journey. First steps include:
- Raising awareness of your energy project idea.
- Completing an options appraisal to understand the types of projects you might carry out.
- Completing a first step feasibility study to see if your idea might work.
- Funding for some staff time to progress your idea.
Examples of support for early-stage capacity building activities include:
- funding for events
- community consultations
- community energy plans or action plans
- renewable energy option appraisals
- initial legal advice
- support for part-time or temporary staff or a development officer to take your project forward.
Who can apply?
Scottish constituted non-profit distributing organisations can apply – eligible structures include development trusts, climate action hubs, community energy groups, community councils, etc.
To be eligible for this fund you should be at an early stage in developing your own community energy project or have an opportunity to investigate shared ownership of a commercially owned renewable energy project.
How to apply
Click here for full fund details.
You can apply for the CARES Development Fund by visiting the CARES project portal log in page. Select ‘Begin a new project’ and complete the expression of interest form. Make sure to select the ‘Development Fund’.
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