With £214,000 allocated to Orkney by the Scottish Government’s Islands Team, the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF) will provide immediate support to the individuals, families, and communities most affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis, with a strong focus on tackling child poverty.

Grants will typically be under £25,000, although exceptional proposals may be considered for larger awards.

Last year, over 1,500 people, including hundreds of children, received direct support from the fund through a wide range of projects across Orkney, including:

• Support for Older People: Age Scotland Orkney provided winter fuel grants, helping 166 households stay warm and access benefits.
• Youth and Family Support: Youth Cafés distributed free self-care items to over 120 young people, while Home-Start Orkney delivered baby weaning and first aid training to families.
• Community Hubs and Meals: Stronsay Island Development Trust ran weekly winter hubs and hot meal events, reaching over 80 individuals.
• School Participation Fund: Enabled children to attend school trips, access clothing and equipment, and participate in extracurricular activities - benefiting 251 children from 138 families.
• Fuel Poverty Relief: Orkney Money Matters and THAW (Orkney’s fuel poverty charity) provided vouchers, energy efficiency upgrades, and emergency support to households in extreme fuel poverty.
• Christmas Grants: Orkney Charitable Trust supported 390 children with festive grants, helping families in crisis during the winter season.

Stephen Brown, chief officer for Orkney Health and Care and chair of the Orkney Community Planning Partnership Cost of Living Task Force, said: “A range of vital projects were delivered by local organisations through this fund in 2024/25. By working with these organisations – who already provide much-needed support to our communities - the partnership ensured the funds could be targeted and go to those most in need.

“The 2025/26 round will build on this success to further strengthen community resilience, tackle poverty, and ensure those most in need are supported with dignity. The Orkney Community Planning Partnership encourages all eligible organisations to consider how they can contribute to alleviating hardship in their communities and submit proposals for this year’s fund.

“Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis in Orkney.”

Organisations can apply for funding by submitting a proposal form, available by emailing community.planning@orkney.gov.uk.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 14 August 2025.