SLCVO Blog 9th January 2026

The First Blog of 2026 by Jo-Anne Ford SLCVO Chief Officer

The SLCVO team is excited about the year ahead, with several new projects on the horizon. We’ll continue to build on our training and support services for community groups and deliver regular outreach sessions across the area.

I kicked off the new year at the Skye and Raasay Future Board meeting, where partners including The Highland Council, HIE, Development Trusts, SLCVO, and the West Highland Chamber of Commerce reviewed current projects and agreed to focus efforts on five strategic priorities. To stay up to date with SRF, visit https://www.slcvo.org.uk/sarf

Michelle Seviour, our Third Sector Support Officer, started the year by updating our Third Sector Guide on Governance, Policies, and Procedures to reflect recent legislative changes.👉 To get a copy of the updated guide and make sure your organisation is compliant—contact Michelle for support. Michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk

Matt Davis, our Befriending Manager, was stuck working form home because of the snow and school closures. His week focused on recruiting and inducting new volunteers into our service. Over the past six years, our work with communities, social work, and NHS Highland has expanded to include hospital befriending and Home from Hospital support. This year, we aim to help more people engage in social activities and set up new social groups across the area.

👉 Interested in volunteering or supporting a new group? Contact Matt befrienders@slcvo.org.uk 

We’ve also seen enquiries about governing documents, funding applications, and strategic planning. To support this, we’re making a small change to our weekly blog: it will now feature introduction guides based on common questions. This week’s topic? Funding applications

Launch of BeConnected

Highland Council is piloting a new resource, BeConnected, designed to support

community groups across the region in developing and delivering local projects that align with strategic priorities.

BeConnected is an interactive online map that allows community groups to highlight priority projects in their area. This tool will help ensure that funders, such as the Community Regeneration Fund, have a clear picture of grassroots activity across Highland and can track the progress of emerging proposals.

Historically, community funding has been accessed through open calls for projects. While this approach has enabled many successful projects and initiatives, it has also led to oversubscription and disappointment for groups unable to secure support. In response, the Council is evolving its approach to ensure that funding decisions are better aligned with local priorities and more accessible to groups at all stages of project development.

Visit: https://highland.communitychoices.scot

Introduction to Funding Applications

Applying for funding can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn uncertainty into confidence. This guide walks you through the essentials of planning, preparing, and writing winning applications.

Why Planning Matters

Before you even start looking for funders, make sure you can answer these key questions:

• What do you want to do? Define your project clearly.

• How much will it cost? Prepare a realistic budget.

• Why is your work important? Show the impact.

• How will you measure success? Outline your evaluation methods.

A solid project plan is the foundation of every successful application.

Finding the Right Funder

Not all funders are the same. Take time to research and match your project to their priorities. Ask yourself:

• Do they fund your type of activity?

• Are they focused on new projects or core costs?

• What size grants do they offer?

• Do they require match funding?

Read their guidelines carefully. The closer your project aligns with their aims, the better your chances.

Building a Strong Case

Funders want to know:

• Why your work matters: What difference will it make?

• Evidence of need: Use community feedback and local data.

• How you’ll measure success: Surveys, attendance records, and evaluations.

Show that your project meets real needs and delivers meaningful outcomes.

Budget Like a Pro

Your budget should be accurate, realistic, and detailed:

• Get quotes for each item.

• Avoid underestimating or overestimating costs.

• Include hidden expenses like insurance and travel.

• Prepare an annual budget for your organisation.

A clear budget builds trust and credibility.

Writing Your Application

When it’s time to write:

• Use plain English—avoid jargon.

• Answer the question being asked.

• Tailor your application to the funder’s priorities.

• Be specific: outline activities, timelines, and expected outcomes.

• Meet deadlines and include all requested documents.

Example: Instead of saying “We will run sports activities for children,” say “We will run weekly football and hockey sessions for 8–11-year-olds over six months, with 15 children attending each session.”

Final Tip

Successful funding is about planning, clarity, and matching your project to the right funder. Take time to prepare, and you’ll increase your chances of success.

Want more support? Visit http://www.slcvo.org.uk or contact us at info@slcvo.org.uk for guidance and resources.