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The purpose of the University of Micro-grant Scheme is to:- Bring value to new or existing partnerships between the University and local communities.- Have a positive social impact by contributing to one or more of these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): - 1 No Poverty- 3 Good Health and Wellbeing- 4 Quality Education- 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth- 10 Reduced Inequalities- 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through the Kelvin Valley and Falkirk Community Led Local Development Fund (the CLLD Fund), grants of up to £15,000 are available for eligible applicants based in defined Kelvin Valley and Falkirk communities for 2025/26. Communities include: Airth, Avonbridge, Baldernock, Banknock, Banton, Bonnybridge, Colzium, Croy, Denny, Dennyloanhead, Dunipace, Fankerton, Kinneil, Kirkintilloch (north of the Canal only), Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, Queenzieburn, Shieldhill, Slamannan, Torrance, Twechar, Waterside, and Whitecross.The Fund will once more be overseen by the Kelvin Valley and Falkirk Local Action Group (LAG) and administered by CVS Falkirk & District as the Accountable Body. Funded activity should take place by Saturday 28 February 2026, with final reports submitted to CVS Falkirk & District by Saturday 14 March 2026.The fund will focus on four key priorities:- Supporting community facilities and eligible organisations to contribute to the achievement of net zero- Sustaining, improving, and adding initiatives in rural communities that are the most isolated, disconnected, in need of investment, or likely to experience inequalities- Helping communities to address the cost-of-living crisis and eradicate poverty for individuals and families- Enabling communities to carry out research, engagement, feasibility studies, or other activities supporting the development of rural communities

Argyll and Bute Council is responsible for the administration of 4 active Common Good Funds: Oban, Campbeltown, Rothesay, and Dunoon.Whilst custom and practice have in effect established certain principles in each case and particularly in unusual cases, the Members of the Fund must consider whether or not it is a " reasonable judgement" for them to consider making an award from the relevant Common Good Fund. Using a "reasonable judgement" for the "benefit of the Community" could for example include expenditure on:- Maintenance of public parks where they form part of the Common Good- Donations to local philanthropic institutions- Erection of memorial or ornamental statues and meeting the costs of maintenance- Street decorations within the fund area.- Applications from individuals or groups where the granting of the application would provide a good to the community at large- The reserve generated from the Funds can in part be used to maintain common good land and buildings held as assetsThe activities below are examples of what could be considered for common good funding:- School/youth exchanges within the area- Voluntary work overseas- Attendance at summer schools/events- Excursions/Parties (up to 2 per year per group)- Visits by and from School/Youth/Sport/Music groupsThe council also administers a number of Bequest Funds, which people who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for.

Funds projects and initiatives that support the rural regeneration and sustainability of communities within the Solwaybank Windfarm area and enhance the lives of those living and working in the area will be supported.Applications are welcomed that fall into the following categories:- Enhance the quality of life for local residents;- Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities;- Promote community spirit and encourage community activity.Priority will be given to projects which can demonstrate:- Local consultation – evidence that the local community has been consulted and is supportive of the project;- Strategic projects – with longer term impacts and benefits;- Partnership working – working with other organisations (e.g. voluntary, local, regional or national) to add value to a project.- Local procurement – using local suppliers and providers for goods and services, where possible.- Environmental considerations – consideration of the project’s carbon footprint and minimising the environmental impact.Match funding of at least 10% of the project cost will normally be required, but projects with more match funding to add to the value of the project and maximise the Community Benefit funding are preferred.

Halkirk District Benefit Fund provides community benefit to individuals residing in the Halkirk are (Altnabreac, Banniskirk, Calder, Georgemas, Harpsdale, Spittal, Mybster and Westerdale).The aim of this fund is to advance education and relieve poverty for the benefit of the public and: - to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure.- provision of facilities for meetings, education, and recreation- provision of facilities for the young and elderly- provision of facilities for those who have additional needs- provision of training, education, meetings, lectures, etc.- bringing together organisations for the benefit of the public of the environment - research, collation, and promotion of the history of the Halkirk area.Applicants should demonstrate local consultation and procurement, partnership working and sustainable development.

The fund aims to support projects that make a difference to life in, and seek improvement in, the local community. They are keen to support community and voluntary organisations that are charitable, educational, philanthropic or benevolent in purpose. You do not have to be a registered charity to apply for funding but you do have to be able to demonstrate real community impetus and benefits.Projects should benefit people living in Arbuthnott; Benholm and Johnshaven; Gourdon; Inverbervie; Mearns; St Cyrus.Please check the fund guidelines to check eligibility before applying.

The fund will provide grants to not-for profit groups to support charitable activities in Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon that:- Enhance quality of life for local residents- Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities- Promote community spirit and encourage community activityPriorities for the fund are projects that:- Enhance community facilities and physical assets- Address the cost of living crisis- Build skills, knowledge and understanding among groups delivering projects and people benefiting from projects- Address issues of rural isolation- Can evidence widespread support from the local community- Take a creative approach to meeting the needs of the local community- Create opportunities for all to get involved- Source goods and services locally where appropriate- Both revenue items (e.g. running costs), and capital items (e.g. to buy equipment) can be funded. The Panel prefer that awards result in additional activity, i.e. are not used primarily to maintain existing activity.The Panel will revisit the fund aims and priorities periodically, and may make changes to these taking into account any changes in local needs and aspirations.