Information and FAQs for Applicants – Reactive Strategic Fund

• More Younger People Wanting to Stay and/or Come Back to Shetland
  • Projects and activities aimed at promoting the benefits of a range of employment opportunities within Shetland.
  • Employment support schemes to maximise uptake of training and learning opportunities within Shetland, including potential areas of support to both individuals and businesses.
  • Incentive schemes for "young starters" to set up new businesses on their own account, potentially including shared facilities / hubs / pop-up premises for new start and small businesses.
• Better Transport Links Within and Between Communities
  • Support for a range of shared community transport options such as “car clubs” and “dial-a-ride” community transport.
  • Feasibility grants to develop new transport initiatives.
  • Projects to encourage safe walking and cycling within communities and promotion of walking and cycling as transport choices.
• Reduced Cost of Living in Shetland
  • Support for initiatives which tackle fuel poverty including improving the local insulation supply chain, new small-scale community heating schemes and home improvements that enhance energy efficiency.
  • Encouragement of growing initiatives to make locally grown food more affordable and available.
  • Support for projects to reduce household costs in areas such as food waste.
  • Better Broadband and/or Mobile Phone Connections
  • Projects that support a greater number of people and businesses having access to good quality broadband.
  • Projects that support a greater proportion of people and businesses having access to good quality mobile phone coverage.
• Improved Housing Supply and Affordability
  • Targeted funding and support to unlock other schemes and delivery of small-scale community-based and social housing schemes, which could include feasibility study support and subsequent gap funding.
  • Fund an independent housing report to identify how the fund could make a difference to the housing situation in Shetland.
  • Supporting work to reduce the number of empty properties in Shetland and how they may be brought back into use.
• Preservation and Enhancement of Shetland’s Natural Environment
  • Woodlands and peatland development
  • Funding of scientific studies and other research and feasibility work to support protection of natural environments, including the sustainable harvesting of those resources.
  • Encouragement of volunteering activity in the environment and conservation field, targeting young people in particular.
  • Projects to enhance the capacity available locally in relation to protection of the natural environment; for example by training of local scientific, environmental management, and conservation staff.
  • Specific project activity aimed at protecting and / or enhancing aspects of the natural environment.

FAQs

• Is this Strategic Fund different to the Community Grant Scheme (CGS)?

  Yes. There are several differences between the two. Applications to the Reactive Strategic Fund must meet the strategic priorities adopted by SCBF following the community consultation. Applications will be considered directly by SCBF.

• Can you explain how the application process works?

  Applications will be invited 3 times per year. On receipt of the application, SCBF carries out due diligence (checking group’s bank statement, accounts, constitution, application meets fund priorities etc) and once the fund closing date has been, the application will be scored against set criteria. The decision whether to award funds will be made by Delegated SCBF Officers based on these scores. The grant offer or grant rejection will be undertaken by SCBF administration. SCBF aim to return a decision within 4 weeks of the fund closing date.

• Can we apply to the Strategic Fund if we have applied to the CGS?

  Yes, however this cannot be for the same project.

• When can I reapply to the scheme following a successful application?

  Applicants can apply annually to the scheme (12 months from the date of their most recent grant offer letter). Unsuccessful applicants can reapply at any time.

• Can I apply annually for the same project?

  No, however, you can apply for a multi-year project, i.e., funding for a two- or five-year project. The strategic fund aims to be a ‘project funder’ and not an ongoing funder. Applicants could reapply for the same/similar project 5 years after their initial grant award.

• Can I apply for core organisation costs, i.e. running cost (rent, rates etc)

  SCBF are a ‘project funder’ and would not be looking to support an organisations ongoing core running costs, however, in exceptional circumstances SCBF will consider short-term assistance of core costs to support during a period of organisational transition.

• How much can we apply for?

  The ‘reactive’ strategic fund opens 3 times per year with £80,000 available each time. Applications should represent value for money. SCBF do not intend to fund 100% of project costs and applicants are encouraged to also apply to other funders as part of the overall funding package for their projects.

• When people apply for a grant do they have to agree to publicity?

  Yes, however, this would be relevant and appropriate to the size of grant awarded. SCBF would discuss what publicity is appropriate with the successful applicant.

• Who carries out evaluation and monitoring?

  SCBF carries out monitoring and evaluation and will request updates on your project at regular intervals. If funding is staged, updates will be required prior to funds being released. The evaluation process will be undertaken once your project has been completed and you will be asked to return an evaluation form and along with any invoices relating to grant expenditure and any publicity or media coverage of your grant award.

• Will applicants be asked for feedback on the scheme?

  Yes.

• Can schools apply for grant funding?

  As a statutory body, schools themselves cannot apply, however, the scheme accepts applications from Parent Councils. Again, the project must meet one of the SCBF Strategic Priorities.