The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is here to support communities to engage with, participate in, and benefit from the energy transition to net zero.
The Community Energy Generation Growth Fund helps community organisations to develop their own renewable energy projects, including wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The fund can help community organisations with grant funding, advice, and loan funding to progress your renewable energy projects. Support can be at the feasibility, development or construction stages of a project.
This funding round will target projects that can deliver a specific, significant milestone by Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Available funding
Feasibility and development support will be provided through grant funding or support via CARES framework contractors. Later stage funding for installation and construction will be supported by grants and loans.
Who can apply?
The following types of organisations are eligible to apply for support:
- Scottish registered and incorporated non-profit distributing organisations
- Community groups interested in developing, owning, and operating renewable electricity generation projects
- Established and constituted community groups, for example Development Trusts and constituted Community Energy/Climate Action Groups
- Charities including Arms Length External Organisations (ALEOs)
Please note that all funding applications need to be completed by you, not an installer or contractor acting on your behalf. If they receive such an application, it will be rejected.
How to apply
Click here to apply on their website.
