Additional assistance for voluntary and community organisations
The following support is specifically for voluntary and/or community run rural shops.
Rural shops are advised to contact agencies direct to discuss support available.
Shetland Islands Council Community Workers
Community Workers can help communities to identify and develop local solutions to local issues
Shetland Islands Council’s Community Development Fund
The Community Development Fund is open to community development organisations to assist with the costs of delivering local projects and/or services. Grants are available between £500 and £3,000.
Voluntary Action Shetland
Voluntary Action Shetland offers support and advice, including support on governance, training and membership of the community facilities network.
Local Energy Scotland
The Net Zero Communities Building Fund can help communities reduce their community building energy costs. Grants available up to £80,000 and can fund up to 80% of eligible project costs. This fund will close as soon as all funds are committed or on 31 March 2025.
Community Energy Scotland
A nationwide charity working with local people to help them make the most of their renewable energy resources.
Plunkett Foundation
A charity which supports rural communities to help create and run community-owned businesses. It can also support community organisations to apply to the Community Ownership Fund to take ownership of local assets.
Just Enterprise
Scottish Government funded programme for the third sector. Provides support, training and information for social enterprises and enterprising charities.