Search

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.

The Community Benefit Grant supports simple, practical ideas that benefit the local community. It is designed to make funding accessible for small activities, events, equipment or local initiatives that bring people together or improve community life. They particularly welcome activities that bring people together, improve wellbeing, support learning, celebrate local culture or heritage, care for the environment, or help people feel more connected in their community.Projects might include community events, wellbeing or learning activities, environmental or heritage work, or small pieces of equipment that enable local activity.They can support a wide range of community-benefit activity, including community events and activities, learning and wellbeing projects, environmental or heritage work, equipment and materials, and community responses to disruption such as storms or service interruptions. They can also consider modest, essential costs where they are clearly linked to making the activity possible, such as venue hire, insurance, transport, volunteer mileage, or basic administration linked to delivery. Activities must be completed within 12 months.

The South Kyle Wind Farm Community Benefit is providing assured income to the communities of Dalmellington, Patna and New Cumnock in East Ayrshire and Carsphairn in Dumfries & Galloway. The Fund’s outcomes are:- Improved and enhanced built and natural environment (housing, buildings, public spaces, the natural environment).- Increased leisure and tourism opportunities. - Improved infrastructure and connectivity (digital, physical, social, getting around). - An improving economy with inclusive and accessible opportunities for training, employment and enterprise.Improved opportunities for children and young people living hereUnderpinning these outcomes are four objectives that will can help maximise the social, economic and environmental benefit being achieved:- Promoting participation & equality- Supporting the communities to become more climate smart- Building community infrastructure- Building community wealth

The programme is delivering grants and support to organisations in England, Scotland and Wales. Grants will support a wide range of organisations that address local need, promote social inclusion, and strengthen communities in underserved areas.Applicants must demonstrate that they are using sport for social purposes, focused on the following programme outcomes:- Improving health and wellbeing- Reducing inequalities- Empowering communitiesApplicants must demonstrate support to one or more of the following underrepresented groups; people experiencing poverty, women and girls, racially diverse communities, disabled people, rurally isolated, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community.Funding offered is unrestricted.

Large Grants focuses on work that addresses the impacts of poverty and trauma under one or more of the following themes: - Financial security- Education pathways- Work pathways- Nurturing relationshipsThey seek to fund work that: meets people's immediate needs, provides earlier help, tests new approaches or does more of what work, and is universal or targeted. See website for details of target groups.

Community groups, charities and projects working in Dumfries can apply for grants.The support is being provided by the University of Glasgow as the anchor academic institution through their Dumfries Campus.They are looking for project proposals from a broad range of ideas that can lead to tangible social, civic, sustainable skill development or community benefit to those in Dumfries. Examples of projects eligible for funding may cover:- Equality, diversity and inclusion focused initiatives- Health, wellbeing and fitness/sport- Sustainability and climate change- Food poverty- Arts, heritage, and culture- Education, and outreach- Finance/debt advice- Any group set up to represent underrepresented groups in society or special interest groups- Community spacesThese projects may be new ideas, or opportunities to expand existing community projects – in this case funds may be sought to increase the scope, coverage, duration, and impact of already existing initiatives.They will consider being a part-funder alongside other organisations. However, the University of Glasgow will require to see evidence of other parties’ funding being in place before issuing their funding award and may withdraw a funding offer should this evidence not be provided. Whilst such collaborations are welcomed, the University would only transfer a grant to one organisation. The organisation receiving the grant would then be responsible for passing on money to any project partner organisation.Applicants can only apply for (and be in receipt of) one Civic Fund award at a time. However, organisations or individuals (only if they are applying on behalf of a wider community group or organisation) are welcome to apply more than once. That is, you can reapply if you have an unsuccessful application or when a Civic Fund funded project is complete.

The Mossmorran Wind Farm Ltd Community Fund will support community projects that benefit residents living in the Hill of Beath, Cowdenbeath and Crossgates & Mossgreen Community Council areas. This charitable fund is provided by Mossmorran Wind Limited (MWL) the owner and operator of the Mossmorran Wind Farm in Fife. The fund opened in 2016 and receives an annual payment from MWL, this started at £14,100 and rises in-line with inflation. Payments will continue for the operating life of the wind farm, expected to be 25 years. Grants of up to £2,000 can now be considered towards a range of activities. However, applicants should be advised that, where demand on funds is high, a lower offer may be made. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that:- Enhance quality of life for local residents.- Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities.- Promote community spirit and encourage community activity.Grant requests to support a wide range of costs and activities will be considered: e.g. equipment costs, running costs for local groups, consultations, staff or sessional workers and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities and activities to reduce carbon emissions.

The Community Empowerment Fund (part of the broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund or UKSPF) is a community capacity building initiative that aims to boost local community projects across the Falkirk area.There are two programmes:- Capital Facilities Improvement Grant: Up to £15,000 capital funding towards projects that result in the creation or significant improvement of a building/facility owned or controlled by a non-profit, community benefit organisation. - Small and Start-Up Grants: Funding to deliver new or expanded services within our communities, including activities, events and volunteering opportunities (up to £5,000).The UK Government have introduced a revised set of outcomes for the SPF programme. The 25/26 Outcomes for the Community Empowerment are listed below:- Number of amenities/facilities created or improved - Number of local events or activities supported - Number of people reached - Number of volunteering opportunities supported - Improved engagement numbers - Number of volunteering opportunities created as a result of support For projects aiming to be completed by 31 January 2026.

The fund is a vehicle through which two different funds are administered, provided by:- Nadara, the owner and operator of the Galawhistle Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire (opened in 2017)- Greencoat UK Wind, the owner of the Douglas West Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire (opened in late 2021)The Fund supports community projects benefiting those living in Douglas (incorporating Glespin and surrounding areas) and/or Coalburn community council areas. It supports positive change by investing in a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity that is strategic, positive and creative and helps deliver a legacy of lasting impact.Applications are expected to address one or more of the following outcomes: - help people into work- improve local transport- improve quality of life, health and well-being- build capacity for local groups and individuals- building sustainable community assets, including capital assets, community enterprises, local exchange systems, people’s skills and abilities, culture and the local environment.

The Council has a number of settlement trusts which support projects under a wide range of categories including education, arts, local communities and the environment.Check the website for a full list of trusts and for contact details for each.You can apply for funding from a Settlement Trust if it falls under the following categories:- Prevention of Poverty- Advancement of Education- Advancement of Religion- Saving of Lives-Advancement of Citizenship- Advancement of Arts- Advancement of Public Participation in Sport- Provision of Recreational Facilities- Advancement of Human Rights- Promotion of religious or racial harmony- Promotion of Equality- Advancement of Environmental Protection- Relief of Those In Need- Advancement of Animal Welfare- Analogous Purposes- Advancement of Health