Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF)

The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) supports locally developed place-based regeneration projects that involve local communities.

The funding helps to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth in deprived, disadvantaged, and remote communities across Scotland.

The RCGF is currently closed. However, we’re accepting expressions of interest from local community groups and third-sector organisations who are interested in future funding rounds, if the fund opens again.

The guidance below is based on the criteria of previous rounds of the RCGF, so it may change for future rounds.

Local community groups and third-sector organisations who have capital projects which can start or have contracts in place during the 2027 to 2028 financial year can submit an expression of interest.

The fund is a capital expenditure fund. Capital funding can be used to purchase, build, or upgrade fixed assets such as land and buildings.

While the fund is not intended for projects that solely focus on housing, it can support unlocking vacant and derelict land or buildings for future housing development where it forms part of a wider place-based community regeneration project or programme.

Examples of projects

Previously funded projects have:

• supported or created jobs
• refurbished and brought back into use historic and landmark buildings
• created business spaces
• supported community facilities and services across Scotland.

What you cannot use the funding for

You cannot use it for feasibility studies, early design costs, or future running costs. 

It is not a primary source of funding for:

• major infrastructure projects relating to transport
• purchase of moveable infrastructure, such as furniture and fittings
• projects relating solely to hotel or retail developments
• projects that focus solely on public realm improvements or new or upgraded roads and paths – however, these may be eligible if they are elements within a wider regeneration project which will produce economic and social outcomes
• flood protection works or upgrades.

You can apply for up to 100% of project costs. There’s no set minimum amount.

Previous Renfrewshire-based projects have been awarded RCGF grants from £150,000 to £1,000,000. 

However, projects that demonstrate match funding are more likely to be considered for RCGF funding. 

Outcomes and priorities

You’ll need to demonstrate that your project:

• fits with the aims and objectives of the fund
• has clear regeneration outcomes in line with the Scottish Government’s Achieving a Sustainable Future strategy and local area regeneration plans

Local regeneration plans include:

• the Renfrewshire Development Plan
• Our Renfrewshire Community Plan
• Renfrewshire's Economic Strategy
• Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero
• Renfrewshire’s Centre Strategies.

The priorities of your project should:

• primarily focus on areas that have high levels of deprivation and disadvantage
• demonstrate clear community involvement
• deliver large scale transformational change with strong regeneration outcomes
• encourage additional investment and address market failure
• help achieve net-zero targets
• demonstrate deliverability – your designs and plans should be advanced, with a design team, delivery programme, clearly defined timescales, and a cost plan in place.

Expression of interest

On the expression of interest form, you’ll need to tell us:

• if you meet the eligibility for the funding
• your details and contact information
• details about your project including aims, community involvement, benefits, and net-zero targets
• how much funding you’re applying for
• how much your project will cost
• details of any match funding
• details of design work or required consents
• any relevant documents such as evidence of tenure, project plans or drawings, feasibility studies, business plans, or photographs.

Complete and submit an expression of interest online:

Submit an expression of interest

There is currently no deadline for submitting expressions of interest. 

However, this may change if there are any announcements about the RCGF fund from the Scottish Government.

We’ll evaluate and score all expressions of interest and will let you know of the outcome within 4 weeks. 

Stage 1 bids

If your expression of interest meets the eligibility criteria and is agreed by the Council’s Corporate Management Team (CMT), we’ll recommend you prepare a Stage 1 bid, and we’ll submit it to the Scottish Government for you. 

You cannot apply directly to the fund.

Stage 2 bids

If your Stage 1 bid is successful, the Scottish Government will invite you to submit a full Stage 2 application.

While we can offer advice, we do not have the resources available to help you complete a Stage 1 or Stage 2 application. 

Therefore, you should consider if your group or organisation will have the administrative capacity to complete a Stage 1 or Stage 2 application before you submit an expression of interest.

If you’re awarded funding

If your project is recommended for and offered funding, you must use it within the next financial year. 

You cannot carry it over to the following financial year. The grant offer may be withdrawn if the timescales are not met.