Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund 2026/27

With £213,000 allocated to Orkney by the Scottish Government’s Islands Team, the fund 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.

Key Criteria

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 Community Cards worth £100 each to 150 older people to spend in local shops. This not only supported older people with a much-needed financial boost but also put £15,000 into the local economy.
Youth and Family Support: Right There provided hot meals and support with energy bills to young people in supported accommodation, while the Blide Trust offered weekly therapeutic social activities for care experienced and other young people facing mental health challenges.
Community Hubs and Meals: Stronsay Island Development Trust continued their highly successful weekly winter hubs and hot meal events.
School Participation Fund: Enabled children to attend school trips, access clothing and equipment, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Fuel Poverty Relief: 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 382 children with festive grants, helping families in crisis during the winter season.

Organisations can apply by submitting a proposal form, available by emailing community.planning@orkney.gov.uk.