High Life Highland is committed to enhancing the well-being of communities across the Highlands by supporting the development and delivery of sport and physical activity initiatives. We work in partnership with local sports clubs and organisations to reduce barriers to participation, foster more active communities, and support the creation of new community groups.
Through inclusive and sustainable opportunities, we aim to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity, improve their health, and positively contribute to the overall well-being of Highland communities.
The Get Active Highland Fund, supported by the London Marathon Foundation and sportscotland will help enable these efforts by providing financial assistance of up to £5,000 to clubs and community groups. Whether enhancing existing sports projects or launching innovative new initiatives, our aim is to make physical activity accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all.
Who Can Apply
Constituted community clubs, groups and organisations based within the Highland Council area are eligible to apply for funding if they deliver sport and physical activity opportunities.
If your club or group is not yet formally constituted, support is available through your Community Sport Hubs and relevant National Governing Body. Once constituted, these groups will be eligible to apply.
Please note:
- Businesses and profit-making organisations are not eligible to apply.
- Each club or community organisation is eligible to receive funding once per financial year (1st April-31st March).
Eligible Funding Areas
Funding can support a wide range of activities designed to promote physical activity, with a focus on additionality and reducing barriers to participation. Eligible costs include:
- Sports Kit and Equipment
- Coach and Volunteer Development
- Facility Hire and Small-Scale Facility Improvements
- Transport Costs
- Event Costs
- Coaching Fees and Expenses
- Hardship Support (e.g. Membership Fees, Breakfast Clubs etc.)
The fund cannot support:
- Community groups and organisations based outside the Highland Council boundary
- Projects or costs that have already commenced (retrospective funding)
- Activities that have already received funding from another source
- Large Scale Building Works
- General running costs, including staff salaries or ongoing facility expenses
- Any expenditure incurred before a formal grant decision is issued
Application Process
- Ensure you are eligible to apply
- Read the application form guidance document
- You won’t be able to save your progress in the application form. Please check the guidance document to see all the information you will need to provide.
- Complete the online application form, providing details of your project, budget, and expected impact and attach supporting documents (see below)
- Submit your application
Funding Rounds
Applications are reviewed by our evaluation panel, this will be made up of representatives from the Active Highland Strategic Steering Group.
- Funding Round 1
Application Deadline: 10th Nov 2025
Decision Notification: by 19th Dec 2025
- Funding Round 2
Application Deadline: 2nd Feb 2026
Decision Notification: by 11th March 2026
- Year 26/27 Dates to follow
Supporting Documents
As part of the application process, all applicants must provide:
- Evidence of the organisation’s governance structure (e.g. constitution or other governing document)
- A copy of the organisation’s latest annual accounts (unless you are a new club or group then proof of a bank account is sufficient)
- Appropriate safeguarding policies for working with children, young people, or vulnerable groups
- Evidence of suitable insurance coverage for all activities being delivered
Monitoring & Evaluation
All successful applicants must:
- Spend awarded funding within 12 months of the grant being issued
- Submit a written Project Summary Form and Participant Surveys upon completion of the project
- Share regular updates on social media if applicable
We look forward to working with you and supporting your project. If you require further information or guidance, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
