Our networking lunches as always are brought to you in association with Just Enterprise, the Scottish Government programme of support for social enterprises. Find out everything you need to know about the programme on their website. 

Women's Fund for Scotland
This fund re-opens for applications on Monday 18 July. The Women's Fund makes grants to projects across Scotland that support women’s development, self-sufficiency and social and economic equality.

Established in 2002, the Fund has distributed £1.4m million in grants to over 550 community groups and local charities run by or for women. 

Applications to the fund should be made by the closing date of 28 September with a decision given in mid December.

To find out more about the Women’s Fund for Scotland, e-mail: shona@foundationscotland.org.uk

 
Social Enterprise Scotland Awards 2016
The deadline for applications to the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2016 has now been extended to Monday 18 July. From Social Enterprise of the Year and One to Watch to Inspiring Youth Enterprise and Market Builder, there’s an opportunity for every social enterprise.

So get inspired, get motivated, recognise your achievements and apply today. All applications are made online at: socialenterpriseawards.scot. 


Highland Third Sector Awards 2016
The annual Highland Third Sector Interface Awards are now open for nominations until Friday 29 July.

The awards are an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about Third Sector activity within the Highlands. The Highland Third Sector Interface supports the development of volunteering, social enterprise, and a strong third sector and its participation in community and public planning. Find out more about the HTSI at: www.highlandtsi.org.uk

Award categories are - Youth Volunteer of 2016, Highland Partnership 2016, Community Initiative 2016, Board Trustee of the year, Environmental Project 2016, the 2016 Good Neighbour Award, Reducing Vulnerability through Third Sector Activity Award,  Volunteer of the Year, and the Outstanding Achievement Award 2016. 

A special ceremony will be held at the Strathpeffer Pavillion on Thursday 25 August to present the awards.


Community Engagement & Capacity Building Event - Lochaber
Thursday 28 July 1-4pm at Voluntary Action Lochaber
An opportunity to meet with Dr Oliver Escobar, Lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh and Co-Director of 'What Works Scotland'. Spaces are limited so please book by emailing: admin@valochaber.org or call 01397 706044. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.


The Big Lottery Fund - Celebrate 
This month the Big Lottery launched their Celebrate Programme and are offering grants of between £500 and £5,000 for groups to hold one-off events or activities which celebrate their local community. 

You could also celebrate something from your community’s history or a local hero. Or maybe it’s a chance to bring people together to get to know their neighbours better.

There is £575,000 available for projects in Scotland and will be awarded on a first come first served basis.

What will you celebrate? Apply today.

International Social Innovation Research Conference - Glasgow 
This conference brings together scholars and practitioners from across the globe to discuss social innovation from a variety of perspectives. ISIRC 2016 will be hosted by The Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University from Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th September 2016. The conference will take place in the heart of Glasgow City Centre at 200 St Vincent Street (200 SVS).
 
The conference will cover topics such as Social Investment, Social Innovation Education, Co-production and Co-creation, Public Policy and Hybridity and Conflicting Logics. Find out more and book your tickets here.