What we support
Supporting and empowering communities is one of NHI’s key objectives, and we continue to engage with and fund community projects and groups, volunteers and services that help support our rural communities.
We have funding available to support communities in different ways – from smaller-scale improvements and projects through to longer-term investment in the people, organisations and services that help communities thrive.
NHI Community Futures Fund
Building stronger, more sustainable communities for the future
NEW – applications open on 1st October 2026
The NHI Community Futures Fund is our new funding programme designed to help community organisations build their capacity, strengthen their resilience and develop solutions to some of the challenges facing rural communities.
The fund has been shaped by what community organisations told us through our recent consultation, and focuses on the things that can make a lasting difference – investing in people, strengthening organisations, reducing rural isolation and improving access to services and opportunities.
Up to £15,000 per year
Multi-year funding available
Potentially up to £45,000 over three years
The fund can support new roles and investment in the people who help community organisations deliver vital services locally, as well as innovative community-led solutions to rural isolation and access.
Community Infrastructure Support Programme
Smaller grants for community projects and improvements
The Community Infrastructure Support Programme (CISP) provides support for smaller-scale community projects and improvements. It is open year round with no deadlines, and offers support of up to £2,000 per project.
CISP perfectly supports the new Community Futures Fund.
It can support projects such as:
- Small-scale community infrastructure
- Community facilites
- Environmental improvements
- Energy efficiency
- Community wellbeing projects
- Other practical improvements that benefit local communities
If your project is primarily about improving a building, facility, outdoor space or other piece of community infrastructure, CISP may be the more appropriate funding route.
Which funding is right for my project?
Not sure where your project fits?
Community Futures Fund
Think people, capacity and long-term sustainability.
This fund is for projects that strengthen community organisations, create capacity, improve access, reduce rural isolation or develop new ways of delivery vital services.
Funding: £5,000 – £15,000 per year
Multi-year funding: up to three years
Potential total: up to £45,000
Community Infrastructure Support Programme
Think practical projects and improvements.
CISP supports smaller-scale infrastructure, facilities, environmental improvements, energy efficiency and community wellbeing projects.
Funding: up to £2,000 per project
Open all year round
The two programmes are designed to work alongside each other, helping NHI respond to different community needs across the North Highlands.
