Voluntary and community groups in East Dunbartonshire are being urged to apply for funding.
The East Dunbartonshire Community Grants Scheme has £46,000 available to be distributed among local organisations.
Groups can apply for up to £3,315 per year, provided they:
- Have a constitution
- Have a bank account
- Are not for profit
- Aim to bring benefits to the residents of East Dunbartonshire.
The deadline for this latest round of funding is Friday 15 February. Application forms and grant guidance are available on the Council website - www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/community-planning/community-grants-scheme
The guidance outlines the wide range of eligible activities which can be funded - including group start-up costs, equipment, building renovations and staff costs - and the criteria by which grants are awarded.
Applications are assessed by the Grants Advisory Committee (GAC) which makes recommendations for awards to the Community Planning Partnership Board.
Joint Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Polson, said, "Every year a wide variety of grants are approved to support a whole host of different local organisations – helping them to carry out important projects and work in local communities.
"I would encourage as many groups as possible to apply for their share of the latest round of funding."
Joint Council Leader, Councillor Vaughan Moody (pictured), added, "Grants awarded from the scheme go directly to local groups of all sizes - helping them to continue their invaluable work within our communities.
"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."
There are two deadlines for funding applications per year.
The fund is open to all of East Dunbartonshire, but applications are being particularly sought for projects which support residents in 'Place' areas - Lennoxtown, Auchinairn, Twechar, Hillhead and Harestanes.
Rookie Rockstars, which is based in Kirkintilloch, received funding for its music in schools project in 2016 and also the inspirational Rookie Minds initiative in 2017-18 - providing mental health support to young people.
Dave Brackenridge, Founder and CEO of Rookie Rockstars, said, "We were delighted to receive support from the Community Grants Scheme, which has allowed us to work with a variety of children and young people in East Dunbartonshire - inspiring the next generation of musicians, as well as providing vital mental health support."
Check out the latest grants newsletter which outlines projects that have been funded recently by visiting www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/community-planning/community-grants-scheme
- The GAC generally looks for groups to commit some of their own funds to the proposed project - for example, from fundraising or membership fees. It also assesses whether there is an evidenced need for the project, if it is good value for money and if it meets one of the six strategic goals set out by Community Planning Partners in the East Dunbartonshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP).
- Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/our-local-outcomes for more info.
- There are currently a small number of vacancies on the GAC and people are being invited to come forward. It usually comprises 25 members of the local community and is a great way to find out about the hundreds of groups which exist in East Dunbartonshire.
- Members help to decide how public funds are spent, benefiting people of all ages, with around £90,000 available this year. Please e-mail communitygrants@eastdunbarton.gov.uk if you are interested in getting involved.
- Don't worry if you haven't done anything like it in the past - support is available for new members and the GAC is keen to get as varied a mix as possible.
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