Groups carrying out great work at the heart of local communities are being invited to bid for a fresh funding boost.
Applications can now be made - online only - for the latest round of the East Dunbartonshire Community Grants Scheme.
Organisations can apply for funding up to a maximum of £3,000 - by the deadline of Friday 5 February 2021 - provided they:
- Have a constitution and a bank account
- Are not for profit
- Aim to bring benefits to the residents of East Dunbartonshire
- Contribute to the priorities of the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and help tackle inequalities.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the latest grants scheme will again be entirely online - with officers available to provide groups with support if needed.
Current restrictions will be considered as part of the assessment process and applications which demonstrate innovative - and COVID-19 compliant - programmes and ideas are sought.
The last deadline for applications was in October 2020, with around £70,000 set to be allocated to a wide range of community and voluntary sector groups.
Forms and grants guidance are available on the Council website - visit the Community Grants Scheme page for full details.
The guidance outlines the range of eligible activities which can be funded - including start-up costs, special projects, equipment, salaries and running costs - and the criteria by which grants are awarded.
Visit the website or e-mail communitygrants@eastdunbarton.gov.uk for information/support.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "We had a record number of applications for the last round of funding, with approximately £70,000 set to be distributed in grants to a wide range of community and voluntary sector groups that have adapted well to the pandemic with innovative projects for East Dunbartonshire residents. Don't miss out - apply today if your organisation is eligible."
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "East Dunbartonshire Community Grants Scheme is one of the important ways that the Council provides funding to the community and voluntary sector - supporting local organisations to continue their great work at the heart of our towns and villages. Please make sure you apply before the deadline - 5 February 2021."
Applications are assessed by the Grants Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for awards to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP).
The CPP includes the Council, East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Police Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, and other organisations providing public services locally.
Please note, sports or arts-related projects are required to apply to East Dunbartonshire Sports Council or East Dunbartonshire Arts Council in the first instance.
Organisations do not need to have Inland Revenue charitable status to apply.
The Council must receive all necessary information (including constitution, accounts and statement) by the deadline of 5 February 2021 to allow an application to be considered.
If you are successful in receiving a grant, you will need to complete and return a monitoring and evaluation form towards the end of the grant period.
- The Grants Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers, who provide a broad range of knowledge and experience - ensuring that the decisions made regarding funding make the biggest difference possible to the communities of East Dunbartonshire.
- Applications for grants are assessed against the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan, which sets out the priority outcomes for East Dunbartonshire and focuses on improving public services across the authority area.
- The outcomes are:
Local Outcome 1
East Dunbartonshire has a sustainable and resilient economy with busy town and village centres, a growing business base, and is an attractive place in which to visit and invest.
Local Outcome 2
Our people are equipped with knowledge and skills for learning, life and work.
Local Outcome 3
Our children and young people are safe, healthy and ready to learn.
Local Outcome 4
East Dunbartonshire is a safe place in which to live, work and visit.
Local Outcome 5
Our people experience good physical and mental health and wellbeing with access to a quality built and natural environment in which to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
Local Outcome 6
Our older population and more vulnerable citizens are supported to maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life, and they, their families and carers benefit from effective care and support services.