HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government. This year the council received an allocation of £3,886,450.43. The Highland Council administers HCCF funding as part of the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF), bringing together multiple funding programmes and delivering them via a streamlined process together under one clear, practical approach.

Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome this funding, which continues to build on the strong track record of investment in our communities across the Highlands. Between 2022 and 2025, over 400 projects have been supported by the Community Regeneration Fund, helping to direct more than £18 million into local areas and unlocking over £50m in total investment. This shows the real impact that partnership working and flexible funding can deliver.

“I would encourage community groups and organisations to come forward and apply. This is an opportunity to turn local ideas into meaningful action - supporting local economies, improving quality of life, and creating lasting benefits for communities across the Highlands.”

For the 2026/27 funding allocation, the CRF team will not be issuing an open call for new projects. Instead, BeConnected will be used as the primary starting point for identifying potential projects. The CRF team are piloting BeConnected, an online interactive map that allows community groups to upload their projects, allowing decision makers to see the grassroots activity happening across Highland.

The CRF team will use the map to identify eligible projects within their areas and assess which best align with fund priorities. Community groups are encouraged to upload their proposals to BeConnected to be considered for CRF area funding.

Elected members will consider eligible projects in their area and agree which should be invited to submit an expression of interest outlining the project’s development stage and key details.

Following assessment, elected members will consider these submissions and agree which to invite to full application later in the year.