Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my project need to be a new project?
A: No, we will consider supporting existing projects to grow or develop.
Q: My organisation is based in a main land town that CalMac does not serve, can I apply?
A: As the CalMac Community Fund supports communities in the islands and main land port towns which they serve, organisations applying should be both delivering work in and registered in these communities.
You can see CalMac's main land port towns in the following link: https://www.calmac.co.uk/interactivemap.
Only if a project is an exceptionally strong fit with the aims of the fund and the applicant can demonstrate that they have strong links to and understanding of the local community will applications be accepted from groups based outside of the areas listed. If you are delivering work in the CalMac Community Fund communities but are based elsewhere in Scotland, please therefore get in touch with Foundation Scotland before applying to discuss your project.
Q: My organisation is not a charity, can I apply?
A: We will consider applications from non-profit organisations if you meet our eligibility, please visit our eligibility.
Q: I only want support for ferry travel.
A: We will not fund ferry travel in isolation, if your projects work or activities involves traveling on our network you may use the CalMac Community Fund to cover these costs.
Q: What can I spend the award on?
A: You can spend the award on most things to ensure delivery of your project or service. You will be asked for a breakdown of your expected costs, and you may be asked to provide quotes for any items you intend to buy with the grant. There are some things we cannot fund, including retrospective costs, trips abroad, loan repayments, or general fundraising activities. You can find out more about what we cannot fund here: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/help-for-applicants/what-we-cant-fund
Q. My organisation plans to work in partnership with another organisation in a different area, is this allowed?
A. Yes. However, the lead organisation is responsible for delivering the project and adhering to the governance of the Terms of Award document.
Q. My organisation hopes to apply for capital works, can I apply?
A. We will prioritise applications that directly engages with people living in the communities listed and in line with the aims of the fund to support people facing social isolation, mental ill health, and accessing community services. If your service tackles these social issues you can apply for a small capital award that will allow you to deliver or grow the service.
However, if you are planning works to premises or land you must own the land or building, and you cannot apply on behalf of an ineligible organisation like a school, private company or an organisation registered out with our eligibility criteria, and you must be able to spend the award within 12 months of the award being made. Please also bear in mind that grants must be for at least 25% of the total project cost, and so most large capital projects will not be eligible on this basis.
Q. Is there an opportunity to apply for more than £2,000?
A. No.
Q. Is there any criteria on the size of organisation that can apply (no. of employees, turnover etc.)?
A. No. However, the fund will prioritise groups with income below £250,000 and those that are volunteer led if the programme is oversubscribed.
Q. Can we spend an award on items we have already purchased?
A. No, you cannot use an award to pay for anything you have already purchased. You will be asked to evidence your spend which must be from the date we make you an award offer and spent within 12 months.
Q. Our organisation received an award from the CalMac Community Fund last year, can we reapply?
A. Yes.
Q. What supporting documents will I need to provide?
A. You'll need to submit a number of supporting documents with your application to help us assess your eligibility for funding. This includes your constitution or governing document, an independently signed copy of your most recent accounts, details of your management committee, and a bank statement. If you are working directly with the public we may also need to see any safeguarding policies you have in place. If you are requesting specific equipment costs, you may also be asked for quotes. For more about what we need you to provide and what we will be checking, please see Foundation Scotland's eligibility criteria here: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/help-for-applicants/common-eligibility-criteria.