What is it?

The Support for Communities Framework 2022-2026 provides community-led organisations and social enterprises access to expert help and practical support to deliver local projects.

Through this framework, we can help community-led organisations and social enterprises access the right support at the right time. It offers flexibility and services can be tailored depending on the project at hand and what's needed.

Areas of support can include: 

• project development e.g. community engagement and planning, options appraisals, development of strategic plans.
• project management/delivery e.g. marketing and digital activities, support to manage large-scale projects, benefits realisation, risk management.
• financial support e.g. securing investment, development of funding applications, set-up of financial and monitoring systems, restructuring project finance.
• procurement e.g. undertaking and supporting procurement exercises, including use of appropriate advertising routes and portals, support to participate in procurement exercises as sub-contractors.
• performance management e.g. identifying and undertaking the most appropriate model/methodology for social impact measurement assessments, developing systems for capturing social impact data, provide information on social impacts to support funding applications.

What are the benefits?

Community-led organisations and social enterprises can benefit by progressing project activity whilst also developing skills and capacity that will enable them to progress future development opportunities with greater confidence. Our experts will work hand-in-hand with organisations throughout the process.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to the organisation for accessing this support.

Am I eligible? 

The Support for Communities Framework 2022-2026 is accessible to community-led organisations and social enterprises based in the Highlands and Islands. Typically, once HIE has assessed your needs and determined that you're eligible, organisations will work with our experts for between 5 to 10 days on projects to gain the support, skills and knowledge needed. However, this service is flexible and project need can be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Find out more and apply

If you would like to find out more about this service or make an enquiry about how we can help, please fill out our short form below.