The latest round of funding for local groups working in communities across East Dunbartonshire has just been launched and applications can now be made to the £45k fund.
The application process for the East Dunbartonshire Community Grants Scheme is online, with a closing date of Friday 3 September 2021.
Funding of up to £3,000 is available to organisations that:
- 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.
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "This is an important pot of money that goes right to the heart of our local communities to support activities that help bring people together. We value the vital work of groups and organisations in our towns and villages and encourage them to apply for this funding to help them keep doing what they're doing."
Despite challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most projects funded in 2019 have submitted positive monitoring reports outlining how they continued with their plans to use their funding. For example, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) were awarded £408 to do a health and wellbeing course for young people whose families were involved with drugs. The planned course was unable to go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions, but SFAD delivered wellbeing bags to the young people registered for the course and held online cooking and make-up classes instead.
Joint Leader, Councillor Andrew Polson, added, "I am delighted that this popular grants scheme continues to go from strength to strength and that local groups continue to find innovative ways to invest it. If you have never applied before and are not sure about eligibility criteria or the applications process, please get in touch as we don't want anyone to miss out."
Any group that needs help or advice with the application process should contact the team on community.grants@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Forms and grants guidance are available on the Council website The guidance outlines the range of eligible activities which can be funded and the criteria by which grants are awarded.
Applications will be 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.
*The priorities of the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan 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.
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