Scottish Funding Sources
English Funding Sources
Carbon Credits
The UK Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) – The creation of new woodland enables landowners to obtain an additional income stream by selling carbon credits associated with the new woodland. By having your woodland creation project assessed and verified by the WCC, this adds credibility to your project which can help attract buyers who want a reliable source of carbon credits. The WCC also reports that landowners tend to sell carbon credits upfront for between £5 and £15 per tonne of carbon dioxide sequestered. Income made from carbon credits is not subject to income or corporation tax and selling voluntary carbon credits does not incur VAT. There are a number of examples of different Scottish woodland creation projects that have utilised carbon credits such as the Caledonian Woodland Carbon Scheme and Glenlochay Native Woodland Creation.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunder – Tolhurst Organics successfully used this platform to fundraise money to upgrade one of their buildings. As the example of Tolhurst Organics shows, it is useful if possible to incentivise donations by offering different rewards based on how much a person donates.
Global Vegan Crowd Funder (GVCF) – Given that stock-free and veganic agriculture are essentially the same, stock-free agricultural projects could make great use of this crowdfunding platform, provided that the project is in keeping with other vegan principles. Highland Veganics, another one of our case studies, used this platform to help purchase their croft, and to cover the planting costs of their hazel trees. GVCF also hosted another crowdfunding project which successfully raised funds to buyout land in order to use it for veganic farming and rewilding.
Other Funding Sources
A Well Fed World – They offer funds of $500 to individuals and $1,000 to organisations for plant-based farming projects. While this organisation is based in the U.S., it’s grants are offered worldwide.
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation – One of the foundation’s aims is to support projects that produce sustainable and ethical food, so in theory it could be relevant for Scottish agricultural projects. However, their eligibility guidelines are quite strict and so amongst many other criteria (see here) only agricultural businesses which are charitable and have an annual turnover of more than £100,000 for example are eligible for funding.
The Agri-Food Charities Partnership – Their website contains a list of agricultural charities, although relatively few will be useful for farms and crofts in Scotland. The most relevant funding source I have found so far on this website is The Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust. They award grants on the basis of showing leadership in your growing practices, namely using resources efficiently and remaining productive. Although, these grants will only be awarded where the benefits of your work can be measured and quantified, and you can demonstrate how you will share this knowledge with the wider agricultural community.