NB Due to the competitive nature of their grants, the 2010-11 grant funding has already been allocated. Therefore their grant programme is currently unable to fund any new applications in 2010 for both their existing under £10K and £10K and over grant categories. As a result, their expected 15 April deadline for £10K and over projects has been postponed for 2010.

Applicants are encouraged to contact them to discuss all project ideas in the event that further funding becomes available and the new application submission date is announced. Please advise your local area office if you intend to submit an application. For contact details of these click here.

Please come back to this page for updates or send an e-mail to grants@snh.gov.uk if you would like direct notification (please state 'Grants Deadlines' in the subject box). Please note that your email address will be stored securely and will not be disclosed to third parties.

Scottish Natural Heritage is a government body set up in 1992. It works with others to conserve and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage and to help people understand, enjoy and care for it. (The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is the Scottish Government’s main programme for financial support to rural Scotland. It is a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the six year period from 2007. If you need a grant for your rural project, you should look to see if you and your project are eligible under SRDP before applying to SNH)

What is the funding for?
From April 2010, their grants will focus on projects which get more people and communities actively involved in and caring for Scotland's nature and landscapes. Their priorities for funding will be:
Supporting opportunities for people to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors
Aim: To increase the number of people visiting the outdoors to get actively involved in and engaged with the natural heritage

Encouraging volunteering
Aim: To increase the numbers of people involved in caring for nature and using Scotland's nature and landscapes to deliver health and wellbeing

Supporting opportunities to learn about the natural heritage
Aim: To raise awareness and understanding of Scotland's nature and landscapes and their role in sustainable lifestyles

Supporting community development
Aim: To support the management, planning, use of and decision making on the natural heritage

How much money is available?

Varies according to programme.

Who can apply?
Any formally constituted community group with office bearers and a bank account.

When to apply
Applications can be made at anytime, for amounts of less than £10,000. For awards in excess of this amount, there are two funding rounds during the year, 15 April and 1 September.

How to apply
All information and guidance notes. can be found on the website. Application packs can be downloaded here.

For further information, and to discuss your project further, contact the Strategic Grants Team by email at grants@snh.gov.uk or by phone on 01738 458677.

Key words: conservation, environmental improvements, environmental, community involvement, rural issues, outdoors