Grants for Voluntary and Community Groups in North Lanarkshire (UK)

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

North Lanarkshire Council offers a Small Grants Scheme providing up to £1,000 for voluntary organisations and community groups to fund activities or projects with clear community benefits. The scheme covers equipment, events, running costs, building improvements, and trips, with strict monitoring and accountability requirements.

Overview

The Small Grants Scheme from North Lanarkshire Council provides quick-access funding to voluntary organisations and community groups for activities that deliver tangible benefits to their local communities. Grants are designed to support a wide range of needs, including equipment, accommodation, social events, running costs, programme expenses, trips, and building repairs or improvements.

Purpose and Objectives

The scheme aims to:

• Enable community groups to carry out projects that improve local well-being

• Provide flexible funding for essential items or activities

• Encourage sustainable, well-managed use of resources for community benefit

All funding must be used strictly for the purpose outlined in the original application, with receipts retained for at least two years for audit purposes.

Eligible Activities

Funding can be used for:

• Equipment purchase

• Accommodation or venue hire charges

• Social events and community activities

• Running costs and programme expenses

• Trips and outings

• Improvements and repairs to community-owned or leased premises

When funding is used for property repairs or improvements, the organisation must own or lease the property for at least five years and comply with relevant legislation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Democratically run voluntary organisations or community groups in North Lanarkshire

• Organisations with open membership to relevant sections of the community

• Religious organisations for projects that are open to all and do not promote a specific faith

Ineligible applicants include individuals, profit-distributing organisations, private clubs with closed membership, political parties, and trade unions.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: £1,000

• Organisations may apply up to three times per financial year for different activities

• Reapplications for the same activity are allowed if at least six months have passed since the previous application

• Total funding received per organisation must not exceed £1,000 in a financial year

Conditions of Funding

• All expenditure must be supported by receipts and retained for two years

• Publicity materials must acknowledge the council’s financial contribution

• Purchased equipment must be kept secure, maintained, and not disposed of without council permission

• Monitoring reports must be submitted promptly when requested

• Any unused funds or assets purchased must be returned to the council, including in the event the organisation disbands

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organisation meets the criteria for membership, location, and democratic structure

2. Define Project – Prepare a clear description of the activity or project, including costs and objectives

3. Complete Application – Submit the application through the council’s online portal or specified format

4. Submit Receipts and Reports – Keep accurate records and respond promptly to monitoring requests

5. Follow Funding Rules – Ensure funds are used only for the approved purpose, and assets are maintained or returned as required

Why This Scheme Matters

The Small Grants Scheme helps local community groups:

• Implement projects that directly improve community well-being

• Access funding quickly for essential activities or equipment

• Promote sustainability, engagement, and local participation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Provide a clear, concise description of your project and community benefit

• Include accurate and realistic cost estimates

• Ensure membership and governance structures meet eligibility requirements

• Plan for monitoring and reporting in compliance with council rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Small Grants Scheme?

Voluntary organisations and community groups operating in North Lanarkshire with open membership to the community.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

£1,000 per organisation per financial year.

3. Can religious organisations apply?

Yes, but only for projects that are open to all and do not promote a specific faith.

4. How many times can an organisation apply in a year?

Up to three times for different activities, or for the same activity if six months have passed since the last application, as long as total funding does not exceed £1,000.

5. What activities can the funding cover?

Equipment, venue hire, social events, programme costs, trips, and building improvements or repairs.

6. What reporting is required?

Receipts must be retained for two years, monitoring reports submitted promptly, and unused funds or assets returned if necessary.

7. What happens if the organisation disbands?

Any remaining grant funds, purchased equipment, or facilities must be returned to the council.

Conclusion

North Lanarkshire Council’s Small Grants Scheme provides vital, flexible funding to empower local voluntary organisations and community groups. By supporting projects that deliver clear community benefits, the scheme strengthens local engagement, sustainability, and well-being across North Lanarkshire.

For more information, visit North Lanarkshire Council.