Foundation Scotland (Caledonian MacBrayne) Grants

CalMac Community Fund 2026

Foundation Scotland (Caledonian MacBrayne)

The CalMac Community Fund offers grants of £1,000 to £10,000 to local groups in the island and port communities served by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries on Scotland's west coast. The fund aims to help people connect with services and each other, especially those most in need. Each grant covers one year only. Your project should fit one of three priorities. The first is improving health, wellbeing and quality of life. This could include accessible sport, outdoor activities, creative programmes and chances to socialise. The second is tackling poverty and financial hardship. This covers affordable food, essential household items, and advice on income, debt and budgeting. The third is building stronger, connected communities by reducing loneliness and helping underrepresented people take part in community life. Meeting more than one priority will not strengthen your application. The fund suits smaller organisations with an income of £250,000 or less. Your project must support people facing disadvantage or barriers to opportunity. It must also show evidence of local need, give direct benefit to the people it serves, and avoid duplicating what already exists locally. Applications close at midnight on Monday 16 November 2026. Decisions will be shared by early April 2027. Panels of CalMac employees make the final decisions. There is £175,000 to share, and up to around 30 awards are expected. Demand is high. Application levels are reviewed weekly, and the fund may close before the deadline if requests far exceed the money available. You must also be based in one of the listed islands or port towns. Delivering services there is not enough. Official source: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/calmac-community-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.