NHS Western Isles invites local voluntary groups to bid for funds  

NHS Western Isles is inviting voluntary and ‘not for profit’ organisations in the Western Isles to submit bids for capital grant funding to support projects that will provide a health benefit to the community.  

NHS Western supported a number of local organisations with Capital Grants in the past, including funding new furniture and equipment for residential organisations, Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) to purchase a trishaw and two e-bikes to enable care home residents to enjoy regular enjoyable scenic trips to different locations, a new roof for indoor riding arena and other building refurbishments.  

The local Health Board was fortunate to have had a successful bid for Capital Grant funding from the Scottish Government this year.  

The Board has now launched its 2024/25 Capital Grants process and is inviting organisations to make bids for funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 as soon as possible. All applications must be received by 31st January 2025 and a panel will consider all bids received. NHS Western Isles aims to award bids by 28th February 2025.

Capital expenditure is funds used to purchase, maintain or upgrade assets, such as buildings, equipment, infrastructure, computer hardware and other tangible property and most cost a minimum of £5k. Capital expenditure does not include, art and craft materials, small items of furniture under £5k for example. If you have any questions regarding what expenditure is applicable please contract Health Board's Finance Department, via Cheryl Martin (cheryl.martin@nhs.scot), and someone will answer your query as soon as possible.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, stated: “We were very fortunate to have had a successful bid to the government for Capital Grants and with this money, we can potentially support a variety of local projects. Voluntary organisations provide invaluable services across the Western Isles, and where there is a clear link between their work and benefits to the health of the community, we would like to offer groups the opportunity to bid for funding.”  

He added: “We would urge groups who meet the criteria not to miss out on the opportunity to access this year’s funding.”  

The Capital Grant Application Form is available from the Health Board’s Finance Department (email cheryl.martin@nhs.scot to request a form). 

Applications must be received no later than 31st January 2025, and applicants will be contacted directly regarding the outcome of the process.