Groups working at the heart of local towns and villages are being invited to focus on a funding boost.
The latest round of East Dunbartonshire Council's Community Grants Scheme is open for applications from Tuesday 1 July until 5pm on Friday 25 July 2025.
Kirkintilloch Camera Club snapped up support in 2024/25 to fund environmentally-friendly improvements.
Visit the community grants page to apply and access more information – including guidance and eligibility criteria.
Organisations can request a grant of up to £5,000 or £10,000. The maximum, over the course of a year, a group can receive is £15,000.
Applications are being invited from groups that have a constitution and a bank account, are not for profit, can provide independently-verified accounts and aim to bring benefits to residents of East Dunbartonshire.
Funding can be sought for start-up costs, special projects, equipment and salaries.
Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of the Council, said, "More than 100 grants were issued in 2024/25 – delivering financial assistance directly to people and groups making a difference throughout East Dunbartonshire.
“The scheme supports a wide range of community-led projects – helping to reduce deprivation and increasing inclusion, participation and wellbeing. I would invite all eligible organisations to find out more and apply.”
Kirkintilloch Camera Club is “wholeheartedly” encouraging other local groups to put themselves in the frame for funding.
Secretary Dave Cameron said, “We're very grateful for the Council's support. The scheme allowed us to replace the club's boiler in 2024 and this year we received a second grant that allowed us to insulate the loft area – both supporting our green initiatives as the new boiler is more efficient and the insulation will help retain more heat in the building.”
More than 100 grants were issued in 2024/25 – delivering financial assistance directly to people and groups making a difference throughout East Dunbartonshire.
The club has around 50 members and makes its Eastside premises/studio available to other groups and photographers, providing additional income. It is keen to work with community organisations and recently supported the Rotary Club of Kirkintilloch's Young Photographer of the Year Competition.
The next session starts on 1 September 2025 – for more information, visit Kirkintilloch Camera club website or email kirkycameraclub@gmail.com
The Council has ensured the Community Grants Scheme is fully financed by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and the Talbot Crosbie Bequest charitable trust.
If any individual or group is unfamiliar with the application process and needs assistance, the Community Planning team can be contacted by emailing communityplanning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 4510.
Applications are assessed by the Grants Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for awards to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board.
The CPP includes representatives of the Council, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, the Health and Social Care Partnership, the Leisure and Culture Trust, Police Scotland and other organisations providing public services locally.
It is anticipated that applicants will be informed if they have been successful by October 2025. A second round of funding is due to be open for applications between 24 November 2025 and 9 January 2026, with outcomes expected by March 2026.
