A total of £471,000 is available through the Place Based Investment Programme, and any group based in or delivering services to West Dunbartonshire is eligible to apply.

The funding has been split into two categories, with small grants of up to £5,000 available, as well as large grants for bids of £50,000 or more. Both grants must be used for capital investments, which means they can used for equipment or property upgrades.

As well as securing money to invest in valuable projects, groups will receive full support in completing their application from the Council’s Regeneration Team.

A Participatory Budgeting approach to small grants will means the local community will have the final say in who receives the funding using an online vote.

Councillor David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “The Placed Based Investment Programme funding will make a real difference to our communities.

“Residents are at the heart of all the decisions made by the council and by asking them to apply for these community grants give us a great opportunity to listen to what is needed in each area and what will have the most impact.

“I’d encourage as many groups as possible to consider the guidance to check for eligibility and apply for funding to better their community.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “There is a significant amount of money available here to be used by the community for the community.

“We understand that applying for any type of funding can be complex and that’s why the teams will be on hand to support any organisation with the process. In addition, a range of drop in public sessions are being held both in person and online in the coming weeks, so please make sure you request help at these if you require it.”

Online support meetings are being held on Monday 4 December at 2pm-3pm and again on Wednesday 6 December between 6pm and 7pm.

Groups thinking about applying for a community grant can also seek support in person at a drop in at the following venues as detailed below:

• Tuesday 9 January – 10am – 2pm: Alexandria CE Centre
• Wednesday 10 January – 10am -2pm: Dumbarton Library
• Thursday 11 January – 10am-2pm: Dalmuir Community Centre

Applications for both grants are open now. Small grants can be submitted until 23 January 2024.

The public vote for small grants will be held online in February 2024.

Large grant applications will be considered and assessed by the Council against the published criteria, with a decision expected to be given to groups in early March 2024.