Planning a well-connected project - 3 inspiring examples
13 April 2026
When applying for our funding in Scotland, we want applicants to consider how their project can bring out the best in their communities. Projects that help people reach their potential through shared knowledge, skills, and experience.
If you’re applying for our Community Action, Fairer Life Chances or Young Start programmes, we want you to tell us how your project will:
involve the people and community you support in how it’s developed, delivered and led
make use of their existing skills and interests
complement and make connections with other services that support them
A well-connected project complements and makes connections with other services that support the people they work with.
In this blog, we share 3 examples of projects that have connected with other services to support the people in their community.
1. Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions, Scottish Highlands
Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions had £90,000 of National Lottery funding. The funding supported its popular befriending service and social activities. The group aim to reduce loneliness and rural isolation in Aviemore and in the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area. At the heart of the project is their community transport service. It’s essential for people in their community so they can access the project’s activities.
The group thrive on connecting with other organisations. They’ve worked with several local organisations including:
Age Scotland
NHS Highland and Cairngorm National Park
The group also attend events to collaborate, network and share tips on running a successful community transport scheme.
Colin Whitton, Marketing and Communications Officer at Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions said:
“Working collaboratively with other organisations is vital in terms of us delivering the services we offer to the community and supporting others doing the same.
"Sharing best practice and effective networking has been key to our success over the years. In an ever changing political and economic landscape, maintaining an open dialogue with like-minded organisations is pivotal in preparing for a potentially uncertain future. This also supports our ability to adapt and change, aiming to be always on the front foot, efficiently positioning what we deliver.”
What we like about this project
Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions have excellent links across the statutory and third sector and are a well-established local resource. Their community transport project has gone from strength to strength over the years and they have often shared their decades long learning and best practices with groups across the country, who are looking to establish their own transport projects. Understanding the needs of their customers and community is at the heart of what they do, and they have developed solid referral links and pathways to help them reach those most in need.
Caroline Hammond - Funding Officer
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2. Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club, Glasgow
Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club was awarded £183,809 of National Lottery funding to support deaf adults from ethnic minority communities. The project helps people:
increase confidence
become more independent
reduce isolation
The project complements and makes connections with other services and organisations. This wraparound support helps New Scots to integrate into the community.
One example of this is their Deaf Relay Interpreting Service, which they offer to other organisations who work with New Scots.
Tasnim Ahmed, Operations Manager at Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club said:
“At Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club we are notably proud of our growing Deaf Relay Interpreting Service. This unique service enables us to support New Scots and their families with no British Sign Language skills, to be able to integrate into the community and access advice and information on legal matters, the welfare system, health and education and human rights. Deaf Relay Interpreters work alongside a British Sign Language Interpreter, unpacking British Sign Language into alternative forms of sign so that there is full understanding communicated between a non BSL user and the hearing person.
"We are a necessary conduit between our members and lawyers, mental health teams, housing associations and NHS health services. A recent collaboration with Glasgow City Council’s Homelessness Team has increased the visibility of this unique service, as requests for the service from other organisations rise, such as Migrant Help and The British Red Cross.”
What we like about this project
The support Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club offer to people who would otherwise be living in extreme isolation relies on the organisation having excellent connections with others such as local job centres, housing associations and even driving schools. This means the people they work with can access the resources they need to live healthy lives, on top of the groups and one to one support facilitated by Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Club. “Their deaf relay interpreting service provides an invaluable service to people, ensuring their voices are heard and they can access the information they need.
Carrie Donnelly - Funding Officer
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3. The Usual Place, Dumfries and Galloway
The Usual Place was awarded £199,852 of National Lottery funding to support young people between 14 and 16 years old with:
learning disabilities
autism spectrum disorders
additional support needs
It delivered a personal development and skills programme in its community café.
The Usual Place regularly makes connections with other organisations and services to create meaningful pathways and pioneer change for young people with additional support needs.
For example, the group have many partnerships so that the young people they work with have employability and citizenship pathways.
The Usual Place excels at sharing what they do to create lasting change. Many organisations frequently visit the project, eager to learn more from their approach so they can replicate it within their own communities.
The Usual Place’s influence extends to external agencies such as:
the House of Lords Select Committee
their local council
the Scottish Government Enquiry into the Disability Employment Gap
These organisations reached out to find out more about their work, and the issues that affect young people with additional support needs.
The project has secured a seat at the table in several key Scottish Government cross-party groups, which has helped them:
expand their influence
deepen their connections
amplify the voices of the young people they work with
Craig McEwen, Chief Executive at The Usual Place said:
“These connections form the backbone of our efforts to create meaningful employability and citizenship pathways for young people - particularly those who are often furthest from the labour market and, sadly, too often written off by society.
“Our partnerships enable us to bring valuable experiences to the young people we work with, while also showcasing their abilities and strengths across a wide spectrum of skills.
“Being well-connected also amplifies The Usual Place’s profile, often bringing unexpected opportunities that further our mission.
“Ultimately, these connections are about more than just collaboration; they represent a powerful ecosystem that supports young people, strengthens our organisation, and contributes to lasting change across the sector.”
What we like about this project
The Usual Place are an excellent example of the power of good networking. They are comprehensive in their approach; making connections at all levels. They have built strong relationships with schools and other statutory services, third sector groups, and families, to ensure they identify those young people who might benefit most. “Similarly, they work with the young people so that they can access all the appropriate wrap-around support available, to ensure success on their journey while with the project. “Finally, they work with employers and further education providers and are involved in strategic groups at regional and national levels to influence decision makers and ensure the best opportunities can be accessed by their young people both now, and in the future.
Neal Bennison - Funding Officer
Planning your own project
To help you plan your project, read our other blogs:
Learn more about our funding in Scotland.