Partner
Scottish Borders Council and Borders Community Action (BCA) are pleased to announce that the Neighbourhood Support Fund (NSF) will be launching again this year for 2026/27.
With a total fund of £166,523 available for distribution, the updated NSF will continue to support grassroots projects, while prioritising those running community spaces, tackling social isolation, mental and physical wellbeing and increasing participation in community life.
The new NSF will support projects for shared Community Spaces, including Emergency grants for rural village and community halls. It will also support projects focussing on Health and Wellbeing and Digital Inclusion. With £500 to £5,000 available, projects will be able to apply for revenue funding (start-up, scale-up, continuation) or capital funding (equipment, minor repairs, shared community spaces).
Independent assessment panels are being established, with representatives from across the Scottish Borders to ensure fair scoring.
The new Neighbourhood Support Fund will open on the 8th June 2026, with detailed guidance and an application portal available via the Borders Community Action website.
Juliana Amaral, Borders Community Action Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We know that when local organisations are supported, communities become stronger. This fund is an important way to invest in resilience, inclusion and opportunity, while recognising the vital role the voluntary sector plays in supporting local people across all parts of the region”
Cllr Caroline Cochrane, Portfolio Holder for Community and Partnership Development said:
“I know how much local groups and organisations contribute to the wellbeing, resilience and connectedness of communities across the Scottish Borders. The Neighbourhood Support Fund supports a wide range of community activities including community events, social and leisure groups, arts and culture events and projects that help more people to take part in community life. I would encourage community organisations to make the most of this opportunity to apply for funding for projects that will make a real difference locally.”
Scottish Borders Council and Borders Community Action are committed to making this fund a powerful tool for local resilience, inclusion, and opportunity, supporting the voluntary sector to do what it does best: strengthen communities from the ground up.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Borders Community Action – [email protected]
Scottish Borders Council – [email protected]
