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mission

Promoting and developing a vibrant third sector

Fostering resilient and empowered communities in the Scottish Borders by providing support to, and representation for, community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and individual volunteers.
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Borders Community Action

What can we do for your organisation?

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funding

Secure the funding you need to grow

We help you access vital financial support - from distributing local funds to guiding you through the Scottish Borders Community Funding Portal. Whether you're launching a new project or sustaining ongoing work, we’re here to help you navigate funding opportunities with confidence.
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Volunteering

Build a strong volunteer base

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the third sector. We support you in recruiting, managing, and celebrating volunteers, helping you create meaningful roles and lasting relationships that strengthen your organisation and community.
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Training & Events

Develop skills and share knowledge

Our training and events programme is designed to build capacity, spark collaboration, and keep you informed. From hands-on workshops to sector-wide gatherings, we create spaces for learning, networking, and growth.
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community development

Strengthen your community impact

We work alongside you to develop community-led solutions that respond to local needs. Whether you're starting a new initiative or scaling up existing work, we offer practical support, strategic advice, and connections to help you succeed.
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Employability

Support people into employment

We help you create pathways into work through volunteering, training, and employability programmes. By working with local partners, we support individuals to build confidence, gain skills, and take steps toward meaningful employment.
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Strategic Representation

Make your voice heard where it matters

We represent the third sector in strategic forums and policy discussions, ensuring your experiences and insights shape decisions at local and national levels. Together, we advocate for fair funding, inclusive policies, and stronger communities.
Health Check

Complete your organisational health check and unlock actionable insights

Our organisational health check is a practical tool for third-sector organisations to evaluate performance across six critical areas: governance and leadership, financial stability, staff and volunteer management, project delivery and impact, compliance and risk management, and communication and public engagement. Completing this assessment gives you a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement - helping you plan for growth, sustainability, and greater community impact.
Training & Events

Upcoming training & events

News

Latest Borders Community Action news

third sector

Frequently asked questions

The third sector refers to organisations that are neither public (government-run) nor private (profit-driven businesses). It includes charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises, and community organisations that exist to support social, environmental, or cultural causes.

A third sector interface (TSI) is a local organisation funded by the Scottish Government to support, develop, and represent the third sector in its area. TSIs provide guidance, training, and advocacy for charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises, and help connect them with public sector bodies and communities.

Borders Community Action is the third sector interface for the Scottish Borders. We support local third sector organisations through training, funding advice, volunteer coordination, governance support, and strategic representation. Our aim is to strengthen the sector and ensure its voice is heard in local and national decision-making.

Members receive free or discounted access to training, tailored support with governance and funding, help with volunteer recruitment and recognition, promotional opportunities, strategic representation, and priority access to funding alerts. Members also have voting rights at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

You can apply for membership by completing our online membership form. Once submitted, our team will review your application and get in touch with next steps. For more information or to apply, visit our membership page.

"This is just fantastic. Thank you so much, what a lot of information for us to get on with. Your time, advice, knowledge and support is so valuable and really appreciated. Thank you."
Cloven Kids
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Borders Third Sector Interface Ltd, trading as Borders Community Action.
Registered address: 1 Drygrange Cottages, Drygrange Steading, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9DJ