Investing in a better future for all.
We're investing £20 million in projects that make a difference across Orkney's communities - from heritage and culture to enterprise, wellbeing, and public spaces.
St Magnus International Festival
Funding toward staging & equipment
Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust
Funding toward new build visitor centre
Papdale East Playpark Association
Funding toward Papdale East Playpark Phase 4
Burray Community Association
Funding toward the Orkney Bluegrass Festival
North Ronaldsay Development Trust
Funding toward the development of a Local Place Plan
38 projects and counting.
From the Mainland to the outer isles, we're investing in projects right across Orkney.
Click any pin to find out more about what's been supported in your area.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding. It will allow PEPA to give back to the community who have supported us throughout this journey.”
Lauren Currie, Treasurer
Papdale East Playpark Association
Latest updates
See more
What we do
We're investing £20 million over 10 years to support community-led projects across Orkney, with funding released annually by the UK Government.
The Orkney Fund provides both capital and revenue funding to help bring your ideas to life. From small community initiatives to larger transformational projects, we support work that creates lasting positive change across our islands.
Funding timeline
2026/27
£742k
2027/28
£1.99m
2028/29 – 2032/33
£2.04m annually
2033/34 – 2035/36
£2.06m annually
Our priorities
See moreOur four priority themes reflect what matters most to Orkney communities.
Community and cultural wellbeing
Strengthening the heart of Orkney life.
We support projects that bring people together, celebrate culture, improve wellbeing, and help communities thrive.
Safe, accessible and vibrant spaces
Creating places where everyone belongs.
We fund improvements to community buildings, outdoor spaces, and facilities that make Orkney more accessible and welcoming.
Heritage, conservation and regeneration
Protecting what makes Orkney special.
We invest in projects that preserve historic buildings, conserve natural landscapes, and regenerate communities for future generations.
Local enterprise and creative support
Growing Orkney's economy and creativity.
We back businesses, social enterprises, creative ventures, and initiatives that create jobs and opportunities across our islands.
How it works
Applications for the 2026/27 funding round are now closed.
Download the Year 1 application guidance (PDF)Our process is designed to make sure funding reaches the projects that matter most - from your initial idea through to a final Board decision.
1
Expression of interest
Tell us about your project and how it fits with the Fund's priorities - you don't need to have everything figured out at this stage.
We'll review your submission against our eligibility criteria, with a focus on community benefit and strategic fit.
2
Invitation to apply
If your EoI is a good fit, we'll invite you to submit a full application with more detail, including costs, delivery plans, and the outcomes you're hoping to achieve.
3
Assessment and review
We assess each application against a set of agreed criteria: strategic fit, community benefit, deliverability, value for money, and long-term impact.
4
Board decision
The Orkney Fund Board makes the final call on all funding decisions. We'll let you know the outcome after the Board meeting.