Read the current fund rules
Check your group, building, heating plans and proposed improvements against the CARES guidance.
CARES funding rules and application guide
CARES funding rules for community buildings.
Read what the fund can pay for, what your application needs and what installer quotes must show. The fund was open when checked on 4 October 2026.
Organisation and building rules
Could your community building qualify?
The fund is for eligible Scottish charities and non-profit companies improving an existing building used regularly for a social purpose. Your group must own it or have a qualifying lease and the right to carry out the work.
Ask FLO to assess our buildingThe survey is free. Tell us about the building, how it is used and what you want to improve.Try the six-question CARES checkCheck the official CARES rules
How to apply
What are the steps for CARES funding?
If your group and building may fit, follow the fund's application route before committing to installation work.
Send an expression of interest
Local Energy Scotland checks the first details and tells you what is needed for an application.
Get the building details and quotes
Gather bills, photos, ownership or lease details and the surveys and quotes the fund asks for.
Apply and wait for a decision
Answer any follow-up questions and wait for a written funding decision before relying on a grant.
Documents for your application
What will you need for a CARES application?
Start gathering the information below while you plan the work. The fund may ask follow-up questions before it treats an application as complete.
See the CARES document checklist Ownership or qualifying lease Building use and community purpose Condition photographs Twelve months of energy bills Comparable installer quotes Permissions, electrical supply and timing
Installer quotes
What should your CARES quote show?
Local Energy Scotland asks for the preferred installer's quotation with the application. It recommends seeking enough installers to receive three quotes; if you cannot, keep evidence that you tried.
Named projectYour group's name, the building address and an indicative installation date.
Clear equipmentSeparate costs for each technology, with equipment details and its size or capacity.
Full priceShow the VAT rate and make any additional work or exclusions clear so the project can be assessed.
FLO can survey the building and prepare a technical quote for the renewable work you want to put forward.
Request a free CARES building surveyCARES questions
What else should your group check?
These answers explain the headline rules. Confirm your building and project details with Local Energy Scotland.
Can we apply for solar without a heat pump?+
Possibly, if your building already meets CARES' heating requirement. The project still needs an eligible core measure and Local Energy Scotland checks the proposal.
Does our lease have to last five more years?+
The current rules ask for at least five years remaining after the project is completed, or the right to extend for that period, plus permission for the proposed work.
Do we need three installer quotes?+
Local Energy Scotland recommends approaching enough installers to get at least three. If that is not possible, keep evidence that you sought other quotes; a single quote may be assessed for value for money.
When is funding confirmed?+
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. It is confirmed only when you receive, sign and return a formal grant offer from Local Energy Scotland.
Talk to FLO
Just have a question?
Not sure how a CARES rule applies to your building, or what a FLO quote can cover? Send us the question and we'll reply.