Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund 2026/27 Now Open for Applications in Orkney

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership has announced that the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF) for 2026/27 is now open for applications. 

Organisations across Orkney are being invited to submit proposals for projects that will deliver direct support to those in need.

With £213,000 allocated to Orkney by the Scottish Government’s Islands Team, the fund will provide immediate support to the individuals, families, and communities most affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis, with a strong focus on tackling child poverty.

Grants will typically be under £25,000, although exceptional proposals may be considered for larger awards.

Last year, over 1,500 people, including hundreds of children, received direct support from the fund through a wide range of projects across Orkney, including:

Support for Older People: Age Scotland Orkney provided Community Cards worth £100 each to 150 older people to spend in local shops. This not only supported older people with a much-needed financial boost but also put £15,000 into the local economy.

Youth and Family Support: Right There provided hot meals and support with energy bills to young people in supported accommodation, while the Blide Trust offered weekly therapeutic social activities for care experienced and other young people facing mental health challenges.

Community Hubs and Meals: Stronsay Island Development Trust continued their highly successful weekly winter hubs and hot meal events.

School Participation Fund: Enabled children to attend school trips, access clothing and equipment, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Fuel Poverty Relief:  THAW (Orkney’s fuel poverty charity) provided vouchers, energy efficiency upgrades, and emergency support to households in extreme fuel poverty.

Christmas Grants: Orkney Charitable Trust supported 382 children with festive grants, helping families in crisis during the winter season.

Stephen Brown – Chief Officer for Orkney Health and Care and Chair of the Orkney Community Planning Partnership Cost of Living Task Force said: “A range of vital projects were delivered by local organisations through this fund in 2025/26.  By working with these organisations – who already provide much-needed support to our communities - the partnership ensured the funds could be targeted and go to those most in need.

“The 2026/27 round will build on this success to further strengthen community resilience, tackle poverty, and ensure those most in need are supported with dignity. The Orkney Community Planning Partnership encourages all eligible organisations to consider how they can contribute to alleviating hardship in their communities and submit proposals for this year’s fund”.

“Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis in Orkney.”

Organisations can apply for funding by submitting a proposal form, available by emailing community.planning@orkney.gov.uk.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 31 July 2026.

For queries, contact Daniel Aubrey at daniel.aubrey@orkney.gov.uk