Senior representatives from third sector organisations are invited to attend the session at The Barracks Conference Centre on Thursday 23rd January. Attendees will receive practical advice and support on sustainability including, for example, finding ways to save energy.

Speakers from Circular Communities Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Community Fund Climate Action team, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and building surveying and construction services community interest company, EALA Impacts, will be on hand to share expertise and answer any questions about reaching and funding net zero goals.

A 2021 survey by SCVO and SENScot highlighted that a majority of third sector and voluntary organisations want to do more to tackle climate change, but don’t always know where to begin. The same research found that 68% of organisations that do not measure their carbon footprint would like to and 65% are trying to reduce, reuse or recycle their waste.

The event forms part of SIS’s Funding Socials series, designed to help social entrepreneurs looking for fresh ideas and connections to help boost income generation. The session comprises a mix of presentations and group discussions, followed by networking opportunities over lunch.

Kieran Daly, head of market building at SIS, will be on hand throughout to answer any questions and explain the support avenues available to charities and social enterprises.

He said: “January is a great time to think about goals and targets for the year ahead and we know that for many social enterprises and charities, the environment is a top priority. Even for organisations that do not have a sustainability mission at their core, the ambition to achieve net zero in Scotland by 2045 will inevitably impact their operations in the years ahead.

“Now is the perfect time to start taking action, but knowing how to get started with change can be one of the biggest hurdles. That is why we are bringing experts and ways to generate income together in Stirling to help spark ideas and offer advice. Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal and by signposting support and improving access to finance, we hope to help good causes and social enterprises all over Scotland to create an even greater impact for the communities they serve.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund director for Scotland, said: “Within our strategy, Heritage 2033, we have a goal to reach net zero through our investments and grants. We know that to achieve this we all need to work collaboratively and share best practice across nature recovery, climate justice and climate adaptation. In particular, we hope to support community projects that help nature recover and which reduce the impact of climate change on Scotland’s heritage, from our historic towns and villages to our coasts and landscapes.”

“Our team are really looking forward to attending this event it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the passion and creativity of those working to preserve Scotland’s unique heritage. We’re excited to be part of the conversation and share how communities can access funding and support to create a lasting impact.”

To find out more about the event, please visit here.