Applications for the latest round of funding are being accepted until 22 December 2023.

The scheme, which aims to financially support local community and voluntary organisations with their activities, has an increased budget for 2023/24.

This funding, a combination of money from the Council and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, means grants ranging up to £10,000 are available to help groups bring projects to life and make a real difference in their communities.

Local organisations can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 or £10,000. The council welcomes applications from groups which:

• Have a constitution
• Have a bank account
• Are not for profit
• Aim to bring benefits to the residents of East Dunbartonshire.

Previous recipients include Brownies, Boys’ Brigade and Scouts, football teams for girls and boys, tennis and bowling clubs, and organisations for children and older people.

Councillor Gordan Low, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “The Grants Scheme helps to empower local organisations at the heart of our communities, supporting them to make – and keep making – a positive difference in our villages and towns.

“Over the years we’ve helped hundreds of groups doing valuable work to increase social inclusion, protect the environment, encourage healthy lifestyles and more.

“I would invite all eligible local organisations to apply for funding. We want to help as much as we can.”

As part of the 2023/24 Budget, the council doubled funding for the scheme – from £100,000 to £200,000. It also allocated £100,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

This is the second round of funding for 2023/24. The first took place between 26 June and 28 July, attracting 58 applications, with a total of £172,480 issued to local organisations.

Applying for a grant is simple. The online form, detailed guidance and eligibility criteria can be found on the Council website – www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/community-grants-scheme.

A range of eligible activities can be funded – including start-up costs, special projects, equipment, salaries and running costs.

If any individual or group is not familiar with the grant application process and needs assistance, the Council’s Community Planning team can be contacted by emailing communityplanning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 4510.

Applications are assessed by the Grants Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for awards to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board.

The CPP includes representatives of the Council, Health and Social Care Partnership, Police Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, the Leisure and Culture Trust, and other organisations providing public services locally.