Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Ballantrae Community Fund provides annual grant funding to support community-led projects in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, funded by ScottishPower Renewables through the Glen App Windfarm. It offers grants from £1,000 to £25,000 for initiatives aligned with the Ballantrae Community Action Plan 2024–2029, including infrastructure, wellbeing, housing, transport, and local economy projects. The fund supports both small and large-scale community development initiatives that deliver direct local benefit.
The Ballantrae Community Fund is a place-based grant programme supporting community development in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire (Scotland).
It is designed to:
- Strengthen local economic and social development
- Improve community infrastructure and services
- Support wellbeing and inclusion
- Fund projects aligned with long-term community planning
The fund is financed by ScottishPower Renewables via the Glen App Windfarm.
Key Objectives of the Fund
Projects must align with the Ballantrae Community Action Plan 2024–2029, which prioritises:
1. Local Economic Development
2. Infrastructure & Community Spaces
- Upgrading community buildings
- Maintaining shared public spaces
- Enhancing local amenities
3. Housing & Accessibility
4. Transport & Connectivity
5. Health & Wellbeing
- Support for older people
- Community care initiatives
- Mental and physical wellbeing programmes
6. Community Life & Events
- Local festivals and events
- Recreational and leisure activities
- Social inclusion initiatives
Funding Overview
Grant Amounts
The fund offers structured financial support:
- Small Grants: £1,000 – £5,000
- Standard Grants: £5,000 – £15,000
- Large Grants: £15,000 – £25,000
- Multi-year funding: Up to 3 years
Annual Budget
- Approximately £55,000 per year
Important Requirement
- Projects over £15,000 must first submit a grant enquiry form before full application.
What the Fund Supports (Eligible Costs)
Funding can be used for:
- Community equipment purchases
- Staff salaries (project-related)
- Operational and running costs
- Facility repairs and refurbishment
- Professional consultations
- Community programme delivery
- Organisational development activities
Time-sensitive or urgent applications may be considered outside normal cycles in exceptional cases (via Foundation Scotland approval).
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be community-based organisations that meet governance standards.
Eligible Organisations:
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Voluntary organisations
- Non-profit local organisations
Governance Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least 3 unrelated board/committee members
- Clear governing documents with charitable purpose
- Proper financial management systems
- Organisational bank account
- Approved or independently examined accounts
- Dual financial signatories
Safeguarding Requirements:
If working with:
- Children
- Vulnerable adults
Then applicants must have:
- Safeguarding policy
- Clear procedures and responsibilities
- Compliance with UK safeguarding law and guidance
Why This Grant Matters
The Ballantrae Community Fund plays a key role in:
- Supporting rural community sustainability
- Strengthening local resilience
- Funding essential community infrastructure
- Improving quality of life in small communities
- Enabling long-term strategic development
It ensures that renewable energy investment directly benefits the local population.
How the Application Process Works
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify Project Fit
Check alignment with:
- Community Action Plan 2024–2029
- Local development priorities
Step 2: Select Grant Level
Choose appropriate funding tier:
- Small, standard, or large grant
Step 3: Pre-Application (if required)
- Submit enquiry form for projects above £15,000
Step 4: Prepare Application
Include:
- Project description
- Budget breakdown
- Governance documents
- Community benefit explanation
Step 5: Submission & Review
- Application reviewed for eligibility and impact
- Some cases may require further clarification
Step 6: Funding Decision
- Approved projects receive funding agreement
- Conditions of funding must be followed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete governance documentation
- Applying without alignment to Community Action Plan
- Missing safeguarding policies (if required)
- Overlooking pre-application requirement for large grants
- Weak or unclear community impact justification
- Unbalanced or unrealistic budgets
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link project to community priorities
- Demonstrate measurable local impact
- Provide realistic and detailed budgets
- Show long-term sustainability
- Include strong evidence of community need
- Ensure governance documents are up to date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where is the Ballantrae Community Fund available?
It is available exclusively to projects in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, Scotland.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to £25,000 per project, depending on category.
3. Can projects run for multiple years?
Yes, funding can support projects for up to three years.
4. What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects aligned with the Community Action Plan 2024–2029, including infrastructure, wellbeing, and economic development.
5. Can urgent projects apply outside deadlines?
Yes, in exceptional cases with prior approval from Foundation Scotland.
6. Do applicants need safeguarding policies?
Yes, if working with children or vulnerable adults.
7. Can individuals apply directly?
No, only eligible organisations and community groups can apply.
Conclusion
The Ballantrae Community Fund is a targeted rural development grant programme designed to strengthen community life in South Ayrshire. By funding infrastructure, wellbeing, and economic initiatives, it ensures long-term, locally driven growth.
It is a structured funding opportunity that prioritises community benefit, strong governance, and alignment with the Ballantrae Community Action Plan 2024–2029.
For more information, visit Foundation Scotland.