The Orkney Fund Announces £592,000 for Capital and Revenue Projects in 2026/27

The Orkney Fund is inviting further Expressions of Interest for capital and revenue projects, with £592,000 available in 2026/27 to support ready-to-deliver community initiatives across the islands.

This is the first time capital funding has been available through the fund, marking the shift from planning to delivery. Community-led organisations can apply for up to £50,000 for capital projects and £20,000 for revenue projects at a maximum 50% intervention rate – meaning the fund can cover up to half of total project costs.

The opening follows the completion and submission of The Orkney Fund Regeneration Plan to the UK Government. Once approved, the Plan will be made publicly available and will set out the 10-year vision and 4-year investment plan for the £20 million programme.

Stephen Hagan, Chair of the Orkney Fund Board, said: "The submission of our Regeneration Plan marks a significant milestone for the Orkney Fund Board, and we can now begin supporting projects on the ground.

“We're excited to enter this next phase and look forward to seeing community projects take shape across Orkney. The engagement we’ve had so far has been invaluable in shaping our Plan, and that collaborative approach will continue throughout the lifetime of the fund."

This first year's funding is split across two streams:

• £360,000 in capital funding
• £232,000 in revenue funding

Because the 2026/27 budget is substantially lower than in future years, priority will be given to projects demonstrating strong deliverability and secured match funding. From 2027 onwards, increased funding levels will enable the programme to support larger-scale projects.

Only community-led organisations are eligible to apply at this stage. Grant schemes for eligible private businesses will be developed for later programme years.

How to Apply

Organisations that submitted an Expression of Interest earlier this year will be contacted directly to confirm whether eligible for Year One funding.

For new applications, organisations can submit Expressions of Interest from today (8 December 2025) until 22 December 2025. The following funding limits apply to Year One applications:

• Capital projects: up to £50,000 at a maximum 50% intervention rate
• Revenue projects: up to £20,000 at a maximum 50% intervention rate

Capital projects must align with the Board's four priority themes: Community and Cultural Wellbeing; Safe and Accessible Spaces; Heritage, Conservation, and Regeneration; and Local Enterprise and Creative Support.

Eligible revenue projects include development of local place plans, feasibility studies, and capacity-building initiatives.

To submit an Expression of Interest, visit https://tally.so/r/w2zYdj