The Communities and Place Fund – part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund – has already boosted local groups through the first round of funding last year.

Now organisations who want to deliver projects which build pride in local communities are invited to submit a bid for a share of the £600,000 pot in the second stage of funding.

Funding opportunities have now been increased for groups with grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 available.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “The first round of Communities and Place Funding is already making a difference across North Ayrshire thanks to the vision and dedication of community groups.

“The second round of funding is now offering larger grants, so we would invite any group wishing to make a positive difference to their community to get in touch and find out how to apply.”

Engagement events are being held across North Ayrshire in the coming weeks, giving community organisations the chance to come along and ask questions about the funding.

• Irvine – February 26 , Irvine Library, 11am-2pm
• Largs - February 29, Clark Memorial Church Hall, Largs, 4pm-6pm
• Cumbrae - February 29, Garrison House, Millport, 1pm-3pm
• Three Towns - March 7, Stevenston Library, 2pm-4pm
• Garnock Valley – March 13, Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie, 4.30pm-6.30pm
• Kilwinning – March 19, Kilwinning Library, 4pm-6pm
• Arran – March 21, Brodick Library, 11am-2pm

In addition, there will be online sessions for those unable to attend any of the drop-in events. These are scheduled to be held via Microsoft Teams on March 5, from 6.30pm-7.30pm, and March 25, from 10am-12noon. To register for one of these online sessions, please email spf@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Applications will be accepted until the closing date of Friday, April 5, 2024.

Details on the upcoming information events and application process will be available on the Council’s social media channels and website

The first round of funding through the Communities and Place Fund was made in September 2023 and saw grants worth a total of £160,000 awarded to nine groups in North Ayrshire.