About the Fund
The ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition Fund supports capital projects located within the Outer Hebrides which support decarbonisation and the transition to Net Zero. Projects should support local communities and stakeholders, enable growth and create employment and training opportunities.
The ICNZ Outer Hebrides (ICNZ OH) programme includes a £2.86 million fund to support capital Transition Projects. We are inviting stakeholders within the Outer Hebrides to submit transition project proposals. Successful proposals will be taken forward to be developed alongside the ICNZ OH Delivery Team to form part of the ICNZ OH Final Business Case. The final decisions on this business case will be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments as the funders of the Island Growth Deal and ICNZ.
Grant size: | Minimum grant size of £350,000 |
Total fund size: | £2,860,000 |
Location: | Outer Hebrides |
Key Dates: | |
Proposal window opening date: | 18/12/2024 |
Proposal window closing date: | 21/03/2025 |
Proposal Selection: | Week commencing 24/03/25 |
Full Business Case Deadline: | 23/05/2025 |
Purpose of this Fund
The purpose of the ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition fund is to support transformational projects, creating significant and lasting change with added benefit to people and communities throughout the Outer Hebrides, while helping to achieve the ICNZ objectives as detailed here What is the ICNZ?
Project Assessment and Eligibility
The ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition Fund will be assessed by ICNZ Outer Hebrides Board in accordance the ICNZ Outer Hebrides Assessment Guidance. This document acts as a guide to applicants, outlining the principles of assessment, eligibility criteria, and decision making for proposals. Please read this document before starting your application.
In addition to the guidance, please note that proposed projects and its beneficiaries must be located within the Outer Hebrides. Our aim is to support a range of projects spread throughout the island chain.
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this opportunity:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| The project must align with the core objectives and strategic goals of ICNZ. |
| The project must be implemented on and directly benefit either one or several of the Outer Hebrides. |
| The project must be relevant to the priorities set out by ICNZ and must align with the need to reach net zero across the islands’ economies. |
| To be eligible, you must be a registered business, non-profit organisation or public sector body, small and medium enterprise (SME), start-up, academic or research institution. |
| The project must be a sufficient stage of development to be implemented within a reasonable timeframe (±6 months). Clear definitions of project timeline, budget and resources are required. |
For information on the on the claim process for grant recipients and definition of eligible capital expenditure within the Islands Growth Deal please refer to the ICNZ OH Transition Fund Eligibility Guidance
How to Apply
Proposals must be submitted using the ICNZ Outer Hebrides Proposal Template
Please send any questions and completed applications along with supporting documents to the ICNZ OH Project Manager Matthew Logan [email protected]. Only applications received by the application deadline will be considered.
In addition to the guidance, we will be hosting a webinar on 14th January 2025 at 11:00 to provide further details and answer questions.
Please sign up on eventbrite or email ICNZ Research and Development Coordinator Joan D’Arcy joan.d'[email protected] for more information
Please note that the OH Transition Fund is a separate process to the ICNZ Expression of Interest form. The ICNZ OH Transition Fund is an opportunity for stakeholders to submit capital project proposals for delivery within the Outer Hebrides. The Expression of Interest form allows stakeholders across Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides to contact the ICNZ to discuss broader project ideas and opportunities.
ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition Fund documents: