Rural Development Funding

There may be many reasons why you, your business or community may be looking for funding. However, the funding situation is constantly changing and leaflets and directory soon become out of date. The following information will help you keep up to date with the latest developments.

Scotland Rural Development Programme

The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland until 2013.The SRDP brings together a wide range of formerly separate support schemes including those covering the farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism.

Funding Latest

Once a month we send out a special edition of our regular email newsletter giving you news and information on a wide range of rural funding opportunities. You can get all the editions in our Funding Latest archive.

Rural Funding Opportunities Guide

This concise leaflet contains information about grant assistance from the Scottish Government, its agencies and bodies. You will also find contact points to get you started.

You can download the both the English and Gaelic language versions of this excellent resource from our documents library or by following the links below:

Funding guide for rural communities and voluntary organisations

This guide provides a useful selection of links, signposts and information to help rural community and voluntary organisations find their way through the funding maze.

Featured Funders

Our Featured Funders series aims to give you a brief introduction and links to more information on a wide range of funders. Find out more in our Featured Funders archive.

Where can I get help?

Businesses can get help from the following organisations:

The Business Gateway - offers practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Scotland. The site includes information on finance and grants. Find local Business Gateway offices here.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise - HIE provide help and support to many types and scales of business in the Highlands and Islands.
Scottish Enterprise - Scottish Enterprise delivers a range of dedicated support services to businesses locally, nationally and internationally.

Communities groups and voluntary organisations may find the following organisations helpful:

Rural Direct - Rural Direct is a service designed to help rural community organisations to access funding from a range of sources including the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
Council of Voluntary Service (CVS) - The CVS Network works with voluntary organisations to help them to become more effective and efficient.
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) - SCVO's Rural Information Officer, Sandra Hogg, can provide information on rural funding opportunities. Alternatively, contact SCVO's free Information Service on 0800 1690022.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise - HIE can help in community land and community energy issues, arts, culture and heritage.
Local Authorities - Local councils often provide advice and funding voluntary groups. Some have external funding officers who can help you.