The Great Glen Energy Co-op Community Fund

Great Glen Energy Co-operative work with Foundation Scotland to distribute a community fund for local community groups and organisations, assisting them with the cost of creating exciting new projects for the benefit of local people.

Projects which benefit residents of the following community council areas are eligible:

  • Glen Urquhart
  • Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston
  • Glengarry
  • Stratherrick & Foyers
  • Dores & Essich
  • Inverness West

If you are interested in applying for the fund, please see the Foundation Scotland page for details about the application window and eligibility.

This map shows roughly the area that Foundation Scotland will consider when allocating the Community Fund.

Total funds distributed to our local communities since 2008
£

Here are some examples of projects that Great Glen Energy Co-op have been thrilled to assist with:

West Glenmoriston Community Company

Awarded £20,000 in March 2024 to fund an ecological garden to improve biodiversity and create an educational and community space.

"We transformed the unused land which was formerly the old school playground around our community hub into an ecological garden. This is potentially to be used by all the community and visitors to the Glen. All the six volunteer directors of the West Glenmoriston Community Company and additional members of the community were involved. Trees for Life were also involved together with their volunteers especially when it came to planting.

Some of the quotes received from residents include: -
"It's fired my imagination"
"It's somewhere I can sit and reminisce"
"It's provided a wonderful social area"
"Every time I look, I see the changes made"
"I'm looking forward to seeing it bloom"
"What a transformation!"

"Foundation Scotland and the Great Glen Fund have been instrumental in helping us achieve our dream of developing an eco-garden at our Hub providing equality and education to the community. We could not have done this without them!”

Loch Ness Hub

Awarded £18,000 in January 2024 to purchase six multi-terrain ebikes for local hire to reduce car
travel and generate income for the community.

“We have only had these eBikes for a short time however, feedback has been extremely positive. They look great and from our own off road trials of them, we believe they will be extremely popular as they are comfortable, stable and easy to use. The tracks we have in the nearby vicinity are very good for people who are keen to experience the beauty of the the Scottish Highlands without using a car.

The Loch Ness Hub & Travel are extremely grateful to the Great Glen Energy Co-op fund for our grant award and for the incredible opportunities these new eBikes will offer. The support I have had from Foundation Scotland in compiling the funding request has been superb.”

Photo = Volunteers Andy and Russell

3 Glens Community Care

Awarded £2,400 in 2024 to fund a year of volunteer costs for a handyperson service to support vulnerable residents and help them live well and independently in Fort Augustus, Glenmoriston and Glengarry.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Great Glen Co-op Fund, which has played a vital role in helping us sustain and develop our Handy Person Service. Their funding has allowed us to continue providing free, practical help to residents in the 3 Glens area, ensuring they can live safely and independently in their homes.

A Huge Thank You! We couldn’t do this without the support of the Great Glen Co-op Fund and the local community. Your contributions through the funding have made a real difference.”

Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre

Awarded £2,500 in October 2023 to purchase sensory soft play and other equipment to support children with additional needs in the childcare setting

Staff members have observed significant behavioural improvements in the children using the sensory
play area. One staff member mentioned:

“We’ve seen remarkable changes in the children who use the sensory space regularly. Many of them
have developed better coping mechanisms, which have led to fewer meltdowns and improved
participation in our daily activities. It’s also been wonderful to see how the space has promoted positive
social interactions among children with different abilities. The sensory area has become a go-to resource not just for the children with additional needs, but for
everyone. It’s been a calming environment that helps all the kids feel safe and ready to learn.”
Audrey and Sian – Centre staff

Photo = Audrey and Sian - Centre staff

Invergarry Primary Parent Council

Awarded £2,500 in December 2023 to contribute to cost of school trip to Edinburgh for 12 senior pupils, including train and tram travel, to experience educational and cultural activities together

All the children wish to express their gratitude and thanks to this local fund, without which the trip would not have been possible.

“Foundation Scotland supported The Great Glen Energy Cooperative to provide a worthwhile trip for Highland children to Edinburgh that otherwise would not have taken place. The funding ensured that the children enjoyed at least four activities a day, making sure we took the most from the opportunity. Children grew in confidence and self esteem, learning to navigate the city with opportunities to lead the group, use map making skills and make decisions over budgeting. All the children enjoyed the trip immensely and said they would love to go again” – Tim Perkins, Principal Teacher.

 

Additional case studies...

Abriachan Forest Trust

Great Glen Energy Co-op have provided Abriachan Forest Trust with a grant of £5,000 to support the Global Goals challenge. Click here to see more about this project. Abriachan Summer 2022 Newsletter