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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.

Community groups, charities and projects working in Dumfries can apply for grants of up to £5,000.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 GRID Civic Grant Funds have been set up by Glasgow University to support communities in its surrounding areas, and are intended to help local groups make an enduring positive impact for those living, working and learning within Glasgow Riverside Innovation District. Projects may be new ideas, or opportunities to expand existing community projects.Example proposals may cover any of the following – non exhaustive – sorts of initiatives: - Equality, Diversity & 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 (examples of such groups might include, but not limited to, multi-cultural groups, women’s groups, men’s mental health groups, LGBTQ+ youth groups)- Community spaces

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- Relationships (this pathway will launch later in the year).They 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.

Falkirk Council's Housing Services are committed to working closely with tenants.Tenants' Choice is the name of the participatory budgeting scheme to specifically benefit Falkirk Council tenants. It gives tenants a say in how their rent can be used for small projects in their community.Tenants Choice will have a total fund in 2025/6 of £35,000. Constituted groups will be able to apply for up to £5000 for a project that will benefit tenants and the communities where they live.An application for funding should aim to meet all or some of the following criteria:- Benefit Falkirk Council tenants- Help improve the quality of a community where tenants live- Enhance the environment and or improve the appearance of a housing estate which includes Falkirk Council tenants- Help solve a problem identified by a group which will assist tenants- Help with costs of starting up a new group – applications must be made within 6 months of the group becoming constituted, the group must also not have anymore than £2000 in their bank account. Start up costs can include things like setting up Wi-Fi, utility costs and equipment.When thinking about a project those applying will need to consider any ongoing costs and how the project will be sustained. For example, if you apply for a community garden, you will need to think about the costs of keeping the garden neat and tidy. Also, consider the cost of yearly planting which you may want to ask for a contribution to as part of your application. Please also seek permission from the landowner. If you need assistance with this, please contact the Community Engagement Team prior to submitting your application.It is important also to consult on your project. This could be conversations, phone calls, texts, emails, meeting notes etc.

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.

This charitable fund is provided by GDF Suez, Carscreugh Renewable Energy, Glenchamber Wind Farm, SSE, Greencoat and ScottishPower Renewables, owners of nearby wind farms, who channel their community benefit funds through this single Fund. The Fund primarily supports projects located within or directly benefiting the Old Luce Community Council area, including the communities of Glenluce, Dunragit and Auchenmalg. It will 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. Awards can support a wide range of costs and activities including. equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities etc.Priority for awards can be given to projects that demonstrate the following additional criteria:- Match funding- Local procurement- Sustainable development- Local consultation- Partnership working

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 Robin Rigg Community Fund is available to community groups and organisations in the Solway area undertaking activities that contribute to the reduction of the effects of climate change or otherwise benefit the local community.Projects should support and promote the following causes:- Environmental- Renewable energy- Energy efficiency- Sustainable development- Charitable- Educational- Community- General community amenity schemes or projects