SSEs Highland Sustainable Development Fund is now open and accepting Expressions of Interest

28th November 2015

The Sustainable Development Fund was launched in 2013 to support community projects with the potential to make a significant and sustainable difference to people and communities. In this second round of funding £1m is available. Applications of over £10,000 will be accepted from non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities based within the Highland local authority boundary. Projects neighbouring SSEs renewable energy developments will be prioritised.

Groups have until 22 January 2016 to register an interest in the fund. Groups will be notified within 5 days whether their project is eligible. They will then have until 22 February 2016 to submit a full application with funding decisions made public in April 2016.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a response to the fund priorities consultation. Based on the feedback received, the new fund priorities have been finalised. Successful projects will achieve one or more of the following :

Creating opportunities: Create or enhance opportunities for education and employment through activities that develop skills and improve an individuals chance of entering the workplace.

Empowering communities: Empower communities to become more resilient and protect vulnerable residents through measures which demonstrate long-term social, environmental or economic improvements.

Sustainable places: Stimulate meaningful regeneration to improve or enhance local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity or heritage and make a lasting difference to the places we live, work and visit.

To download an Expression of Interest form, visit - http://sse.com/community/sustainablefund/