The £1.5 million Community Empowerment Fund will allow communities to use the buildings or land to make a positive difference in their area.

The fund will support groups through the Community Asset Transfer process in three ways; by supporting them to develop business plans; to develop their capacity as an organisation and to invest in assets before or after transfer.

Council officers will work with groups to develop their projects and guide them through the application process.

Applications are expected to show a positive impact on their areas, fit the strategic aims for Renfrewshire and have community involvement in the project. They should also have good working relationships and partnerships, value for money and be financially sustainable.

Approximately £500,000 of the fund will support groups to develop their organisation or project, with applications of up to £10,000 being accepted. A total of £1m will support with direct property costs, with applications of up to £50,000 accepted.