Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Community Grants Scheme provides small-scale financial support to voluntary and community groups in North Lanarkshire to deliver projects that create social and community benefits. Funding can support equipment, activities, venue costs, programmes, events, trips, running costs, and community improvements.
Eligible organizations can apply for up to £1,000 per financial year to support community-led initiatives that improve local participation, inclusion, and quality of life.
Overview of the Community Grants Scheme
The Community Grants Scheme supports local voluntary organizations and community groups operating in North Lanarkshire.
The programme is designed to help groups deliver practical activities that benefit local communities through:
- Community participation
- Social connection
- Local services
- Inclusion
- Community development
The scheme provides flexible small-scale funding for organizations that strengthen community life.
Purpose of the Grant Programme
The scheme aims to:
- Support community-led projects
- Improve access to local activities
- Strengthen voluntary organizations
- Encourage community participation
- Help groups deliver valuable local services
The funding allows community groups to respond to local needs through practical projects and activities.
What Activities Can Be Funded?
The grant can support a wide range of community-related costs.
Equipment Purchases
Funding may support:
- Community equipment
- Activity materials
- Resources needed for project delivery
Accommodation and Venue Costs
Funding can cover:
- Room hire
- Meeting spaces
- Let charges
- Activity venues
Social Events and Community Activities
Support may be available for:
- Community gatherings
- Social events
- Inclusion activities
- Local celebrations
Running Costs
Funding may help with:
- Essential project-related expenses
- Day-to-day activity costs
- Operational needs linked to approved activities
Trips and Outings
Projects may include:
- Community visits
- Educational trips
- Group outings
- Participation activities
Programme Costs
Support can be used for:
Improvements and Building Repairs
Funding may support:
- Repairs
- Improvements
- Community facility upgrades
However, premises must be owned or leased by the applying organization.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Voluntary organizations
- Community groups
- Community-based associations
Organizations must:
- Operate in North Lanarkshire
- Be democratically run
- Have elected or appointed members
- Allow membership from eligible sections of the community
Religious Organizations
Religious organizations may apply if:
- Activities are open to everyone
- Projects benefit the wider community
- Activities do not promote a specific faith or religious viewpoint
Organizations Not Eligible
The scheme does not support:
- Individuals
- Profit-distributing businesses
- Private clubs with restricted membership
- Political parties
- Trade Unions
Grant Amount and Application Limits
Eligible organizations can receive:
- Maximum grant: £1,000
Application rules:
- Organizations can apply up to three times in one financial year
- Applications can be for different activities
- The same activity can be reconsidered after six months
- Total funding received cannot exceed £1,000 per financial year
How the Grant Works
Step 1: Identify a Community Need
Applicants should explain:
- What community issue they want to address
- Who will benefit
- Why funding is needed
Step 2: Plan the Activity
The proposal should include:
- Activity details
- Expected benefits
- Budget requirements
- Timeline
Step 3: Submit an Application
Applications should be submitted before activities begin.
Projects that have already started before applying are not eligible.
Step 4: Deliver the Project
Approved organizations must use funds only for the agreed purpose.
Step 5: Report and Maintain Records
Organizations must:
- Keep receipts
- Maintain financial records
- Complete monitoring reports if required
- Show how funding was used
What the Grant Cannot Fund
The scheme does not support:
- Activities started before application submission
- Personal equipment items
- Repairs to buildings not owned or leased by the organization
- Unapproved expenses
Funding must directly support community benefit.
Responsibilities of Funded Organizations
Organizations receiving funding must:
Use Funds Correctly
Funds must only be used for the approved activity.
Acknowledge Support
Groups must recognize the council’s contribution in publicity materials where required.
Maintain Records
Organizations must keep:
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Financial documents
- Project records
Protect Grant-Funded Equipment
Equipment purchased through funding must be:
- Securely stored
- Properly maintained
- Used for community purposes
Return Unused Resources
If an organization closes or cannot use the grant as approved, it may need to return:
- Unused funds
- Remaining grant-funded resources
Expected Community Benefits
The scheme supports projects that create:
Stronger Communities
- Increased participation
- Better community connections
- Local involvement
Greater Inclusion
- Accessible activities
- Support for diverse groups
- Equal participation opportunities
Improved Well-Being
- Social interaction
- Community support
- Reduced isolation
Why This Grant Matters
Small community grants can help local organizations deliver meaningful activities that improve everyday life.
Even modest funding can help groups:
- Start new activities
- Purchase essential resources
- Bring people together
- Strengthen community networks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying after activities have already started
- Requesting funding for personal items
- Providing unclear budgets
- Using funds for unapproved purposes
- Forgetting to keep financial records
Tips for a Strong Application
Organizations should:
- Clearly explain community benefits
- Provide realistic cost estimates
- Describe who will benefit
- Show local participation
- Explain how activities will continue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Community Grants Scheme?
It is a small funding programme supporting voluntary and community groups in North Lanarkshire to deliver community-benefit projects.
How much funding can organizations receive?
Organizations can receive up to £1,000 per financial year.
Can organizations apply more than once?
Yes. Organizations can apply up to three times per year, but total funding cannot exceed £1,000.
Can religious organizations apply?
Yes, if their activities are open to everyone and do not promote a specific religious viewpoint.
Can individuals apply?
No. The scheme is only for eligible voluntary and community organizations.
Can funding cover building repairs?
Yes, but only where the organization owns or leases the premises.
Can completed activities receive funding?
No. Activities must not have started before the application is submitted.
Conclusion
The North Lanarkshire Community Grants Scheme provides valuable support for local organizations delivering activities that strengthen communities.
By funding equipment, events, programmes, and community improvements, the scheme helps voluntary groups create inclusive spaces, improve participation, and deliver positive local impact.
For more information, visit North Lanarkshire Council.
