Funding sources
Finding funding to carry out work is one of the most common challenges that arts organisations tell us they face to achieving their environmental goals. This resource gathers together funding options with a sustainability element, and links to regularly updated listings of funding pages.
We will aim to update this resource on a regular basis, but please note some of the funds listed below will not be active and are included for information on what could be available in the future.
Funding for cultural activity
- Creative Scotland funding programmes – funding open to individuals, groups or organisations.
- Culture & Business Scotland fund
- Museums Galleries Scotland grants programme – distributes grants funding through the Museum Development Fund, Small Grants Fund and occasional special funding.
- British Council opportunities – includes a ‘climate and sustainability’ filter.
- The Touring Network funding – small funding grants, supporting members to bring world-class performances to their communities, as well as giving them space and opportunity to learn and travel.
- Art Fund – for UK museum and galleries.
Community funds
- Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations funding page
- Inspiring Scotland ‘Creative Communities’ funds – Since its launch in 2020, the Creative Communities programme has provided numerous funding opportunities at both national and city levels.
- 360 Giving – ‘sustainability’ search in grant fields (there are also non-community focused and wider type of grants)
- Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative community fund
- Coast-R Network funding page – The Coast-R Network is an inclusive and collaborative community of practice, working to build knowledge, action and resilience for UK coastal communities and seas.
Climate funds
- Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund – annual fund to help build people’s understanding of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives and how they can take action.
- Scottish Communities Climate Action Network funding page
- Highlands & Islands Community Climate Action Fund
- Forth Valley Climate Action Hub Grants and Leadership Programme
- Moray Climate Action Network funding & opportunities page
- NESCAN (North East Scotland Climate Action Network) Hub fund your project page
- Environmental Funders Network – database of funders
- ScottishPower Foundation funding – previously ran the ‘Art for Climate Fund’
- John Ellerman foundation funding page
- The Great Big Green Week funding page
Building funds
Energy funds
- Zero Waste Scotland funding – for businesses, community groups and others who are working together to tackle the climate emergency.
- Community Energy Scotland funders and financing
- Local Energy Scotland CARES funding – The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) supports communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net-zero emissions.
- Business Energy Scotland SME Loan Scheme – Scottish Government funding to help you pay for your energy efficiency projects.