The CARES Community Buildings Fund will open soon, and is accepting expression of interests (EOIs) for this funding call. Local community groups and third sector organisations can submit an EOI via the CARES Project Portal.
Local Energy Scotland administers and manages Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES supports communities to engage with, participate in, and benefit from the transition to net zero emissions. Through CARES, Local Energy Scotland offers a range of free and impartial financial support and advice to community groups to get local energy projects up and running.
The CARES Community Buildings Fund provides grants to help community organisations reduce their building’s energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. It does this by funding the installation of renewable technologies like heat pumps, battery storage, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, as well as some energy efficiency measures.
Up to 80% of eligible costs can be funded, up to a maximum grant amount of £80,000. CARES funding can be used to develop applicants’ projects and install renewable measures in their community building.
The fund will be open to applications until the end of October 2025, or until funding is fully allocated, whichever is sooner. This aims to allow projects time to complete and draw down funding before the end of the financial year in March 2026. Approved projects must be completed and all funding claimed by the end of February 2026. CARES funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis once a fully completed application with all required supporting information is received, and any queries resolved.
For further information, including eligibility guidance and FAQs, please visit the CARES website.
