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East Ayrshire Council offers a wide range of grants to voluntary organisations. Grants are intended to provide or maintain cultural, social, welfare, recreational or sporting facilities or to promote these activities. The grants are also provided to assist community-based projects that are in the interests of local areas or the environment.

This Fund supports charitable activities or services that benefit people living in the Community Council area of Halkirk & District in Caithness. The outcomes for the Fund are:- Developing services and facilities.- Sustaining and creating employment.- Increasing skills and knowledge.- Preserving and enhancing or giving better access to culture, heritage and the environment.- Getting around and getting connected.

The fund provides organisations with financial help to organise events and activities for residents in their area. Depending on the criteria, funds may be awarded for:- improving the appearance of the area- attracting people into the area- positively raising the profile of the area- promoting awareness of the area- contributing to a larger scale project with a longer term goalThe criteria for each area can be found on the Council website.

The Area Committee has a small budget which can be used to 'top up' other funding sources in cases where otherwise there would be inadequate funding to allow something to happen. They will favour projects which respond to local needs and show clear evidence of community economic development and emerged from, or take cognisance of: - Community Action Plans- Settlement Plans- Town Centre First approach- The Local Community Plan: Strong Communities, Wellbeing and Connecting People- Local Place Plans- Community Empowerment Act, in support of the assembly of for example business plans or feasibility studiesPlease note that this fund is for projects taking place with the Kincardine and Mearns area only. See the website for full criteria.

The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is supporting community and faith organisations to install solar PV and battery storage in their buildings. This is a short-term pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and Great British Energy, with funds needing to be spent and claimed by 31 March 2026.Demand is expected to be high for this funding, with many communities already in a position to mobilise projects very quickly. Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are developing a new project, read the guidance and self-assessment checklist carefully and prioritise seeking a quote if you think you are eligible.To be able to install within the pilot timescale, easier installation projects will be more suited to this funding. Therefore, while it is not a requirement, they suggest that the proposed project:- Is not in a conservation area or within the curtilage of a listed building.- Is under 50kW of solar PV.- Is on an easily accessible roof, which is built after 1930s (as the roof will be more likely to meet structural requirements).- Is not part of a more significant building renovation that would increase the risk of programme delays.

Funds are given for a variety of projects which benefit residents within the Stirling Council area and help to develop vibrant, resilient communities. The Community Grant Scheme supports projects which benefit residents within Stirling Council area, whether within a single community or widely across Stirling Council area, or which benefit communities of interest (including hobby/sports groups). Projects must meet Stirling Council priorities, a list of which can be found in the fund guidance notes.The funds must be spent within 12 months of award and will pay for a wide range of projects including:- Start up costs (including first year running costs)- One off capital or equipment costs- Community events, activities or performances- Provision of training courses- Advertising an event or work- Environmental improvements

Grants will be made for applications that benefit people in the Community by advancing community development by supporting local environmental, educational, amenity or other initiatives in the area.Funds applications which benefit the residents of the Community Council areas of Abbey St Bathans, Bonkyl & Preston, Duns, Gavinton, Fogo & Preston, and Lammermuir.

The Maintenance Fund supports groups managing areas within the Galson Estate Trust area, whether that is grazings committees or cemetery committees carrying out minor maintenance works such as grass cutting, gate repairs, installing stiles or signage.Previously funded projects include Ness Cemetery grass cutting, gate replacement at Knockaird Quarry and installation of a gate on Cross Common Grazing. This is only available for works that are ineligible for funding from The Crofting Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Scheme (CAGS)

The Blackford Community Fund is a charitable fund to benefit residents of the Blackford Community Council area in Perth & Kinross local authority. The Fund has been created with a donation by Ochil Developments (the developer of the G West development near Blackford) to Blackford Community Council, and community benefit funds provided by EDF Power Solutions, owner of the Burnfoot Hill, Burnfoot North and Rhodders wind farms. The Fund is intended to be a lasting resource for the community of Blackford.The Fund's purpose is to support community groups and charities working in the Blackford Community Council area, providing grants for activities which:- Bring people together to build a sense of community- Celebrate and develop Blackford's musical and cultural heritage- Help older residents to stay connected- Improve the look and feel of the villageThe fund can support a wide variety of groups and projects. Applications that will benefit older residents of the community are particularly welcome.