Funding

If you are interested in applying for CARES support please read the general guidance note before reviewing the supplementary guidance for each of the funds. This contains details of the current funding themes and eligibility. We would encourage you to submit a project proposal form in the first instance and contact your local development officer if you need more help or information. 

The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects. The main funding streams for new applicants are:

• CARES Enablement Grant – Up to £25K are there to help you get your project started and can be used to fund feasibility for energy systems or renewable energy projects, investigation of shared ownership opportunities or work to maximise the impact from community benefit association with renewable energy projects (these can be applied for at any time).
• CARES Development Loan – Up to £150K can be provided for renewable energy projects with a reasonable chance of success. The loans can include a write-off facility that allows development risk to be mitigated.    
• CARES Innovation Grant – Up to £150K  to either fund local energy system innovation activity or improve the viability of projects by grant funding elements of the project. It can also be used to support the replication of CARES innovation projects that have worked well.

To find out if your organisation is eligible have a look at our eligibility table.