Community Grants Scheme
The Community Grants Scheme is one of the ways that the Council provides funding to the community and voluntary sector.
Any group that has a constitution, a bank account, is not for profit and aims to bring benefits to the residents of East Dunbartonshire can apply to the grants scheme. You do not need to have charitable status to apply.
The Community Grants Scheme is committed to encouraging and supporting community-led activities which result in a community benefit for East Dunbartonshire residents.
Applications for grants are assessed against the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) which sets out the priority outcomes for East Dunbartonshire and focuses on improving public services across the authority.
Applying
The latest round of funding is open now – apply between Monday 25 November 2024 and Friday 10 January 2025.
Organisations can apply for either a grant of up to £5,000 or £10,000. The maximum, over the course of a year, a group can ask for is £15,000.
Please use the application form below to apply.
It is anticipated that applicants will be informed if they have been successful from week commencing 24 March 2025.
Please see below for eligibility criteria, guidance and more information. There are also links below to get in touch if you need assistance or printed application forms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply, an organisation must be operating in the East Dunbartonshire Council area and must:
- Have a constitution or other document setting out how the organisation is constituted
- Be a not-for-profit organisation
- Have a bank account in the name of the organisation
- Have properly approved, independently-examined accounts and agreed procedures in place for recording income and expenditure, or – if a new organisation – provide a copy of your projected accounts
- Have met the reporting requirements in relation to any projects previously funded by the Council
- Ensure the project must meet at least one outcome of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP).
- You can apply for a grant for a wide range of projects as long as it is not for profit and brings benefits to the residents of East Dunbartonshire. You can apply for capital, revenue, consumables, ongoing capital and overhead costs
- In your application you can ask for funding for start-up costs, special projects, equipment and salaries
- Applications may only be made for costs incurred throughout the period of one year
- Religious organisations that want to carry out work in the community can apply to the grants scheme.
- Round 1 of 2024 opened on 1 April and closed on 26 April 2024
- Round 2 opened on 1 July and closed at noon on 26 July 2024
- Round 3 will open on 25 November 2024 and close at noon on 10 January 2025.
Submit a completed signed application. Provide the requested supporting information:
- A copy of your organisation’s constitution or other document setting out how the organisation is constituted
- A copy of your organisation’s most recent approved, independently-examined accounts or – if you are a new organisation – an income and expenditure plan for the first year
- A copy of your organisation’s most recent bank statement
Copies of two quotes/estimates that your organisation has obtained for individual items costing £500 or more that you are seeking funding for - Proof of ownership or signed copy of a lease in favour of your organisation, if this grant is to be used to fund improvements to land or buildings owned/leased by your organisation
- Copies of any licences/consents granted to your organisation which may be relevant to the application (only if applicable)
- A job description for each post to be funded or part funded with this grant.
Applications are considered on individual merit by the Grants Advisory Committee. Your application will be assessed on the following criteria:-
- Community impact
- Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)
- Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)
- Value for money
- Financial viability
- Project management (for applications £5,000 - £10,000).
All applications will be assessed and scored against the same set of criteria, as set out in the Scoring Matrix.
Scoring Matrix - Scheme A funding up to £5000
Scoring Matrix - Scheme B funding from £5,000 to £10,000
- Due diligence checks will be undertaken
- Applications made will be assessed by Grants Advisory Committee
- Applications with a score of 10 or above for grant applications below £5,000 and those scoring 13 or above for grant applications between £5,000 and £10,000 will be put forward for award
- Final determination of the outcome of your application will be made by the Community Planning Partnership Board
- If awarded a grant you will be notified by letter
- When a grant has been approved, and the terms and conditions met, payment is usually made directly to your organisation’s bank account, normally within 28 working days of formal notification via BACS transfer
- A blank monitoring report is issued with your award letter; this should be completed and returned as soon as your project is completed. All grants must be spent within 12 months of award. Further applications cannot be considered until previous projects have been satisfactorily monitored and accepted as complete
- If you are not awarded a grant, you will receive a letter explaining why. Unsuccessful applicants can reapply in future if they have an eligible project.
- Email: communityplanning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
- Community Planning
East Dunbartonshire Council
Southbank House
Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
G66 1XQ - Tel: 0300 123 4510.
Or:
- East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action
Unit 4/5 18-20 Townhead
Kirkintilloch
G66 1NL - Tel: 0141 578 6680
- Email: info@edva.org
Application form
To complete an application you require the following:
- To ensure your organisation is not for profit, has its own bank account, has a constitutional document and that the application aims to bring benefits to people in East Dunbartonshire
- Copies of correspondence about any licences / consents granted which may be relevant to the application
- A copy of your organisation constitution
- A copy of your most recent approved independent examined accounts
- If you are a new organisation you may submit an income and expenditure plan for the first year
- A copy of your most recent bank statement
- Copies of two quotes/estimates your organisation has obtained for individual items/works costing £500 or more
- Proof of ownership or signed copy of lease if this grant is to be used to fund improvements to land or buildings
- Copies of correspondence about any licences / consents granted which may be relevant to the application (only if applicable)
- A job description for each post to be funded or part-funded with this grant.
Application form
Please use this form to apply for a grant of up to £5,000, or a grant of up to £10,000.
Monitoring and evaluation
If successful in receiving a grant, at the end of the year when your project is completed you need to send us a monitoring form. This form will be sent to you by email.
Case studies
Projects funded in Round 1 2024/2025
Scheme A
| Organisation name | Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group | Purpose of grant | GAC awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Milngavie Pipe Band |
14 Young people |
Travel costs for coach to Forres Championship Greenock single day Lochore Fife single day Dumbarton Championship single day Perth Championship single day Glasgow Green World Championship single day Cowal Games Dunoon |
£1,400 |
|
Walk, Run, Cycle ED |
3,000+ Young people, older people, vulnerable and people with disabilities |
Hall hire, tea and coffee Bus hire Fairy House carvings Contribution towards storage Hut Launch day Summer sports day Hallowe’en Christmas Easter 2025 Wheelbarrow Adult gloves Gazebo Events |
£2,161 |
|
Lenzie After School Club |
30 Primary 7 pupils transitioning to high school |
The group want to make transition to secondary as easy as possible and be inclusive for all young people. |
£450 |
|
Scotia ASC |
140 Young people (aged five to 25) |
Club expansion – pool time/coach time/coach qualification Starting system/stopwatches/cases Snorkels/pull buoys |
£2,644 |
|
Kirkintilloch Men's Shed |
100 Older people/vulnerable, lonely |
PC Ideapad Lockable storage units |
£1,667 |
|
7th Bearsden Brownies |
17 Girls of Brownie age (five-25), Westerton, Bearsden |
Projector Blu-ray player Tripod, case and screen Mini ovens with hobs Baking/cooking utensils |
£756 |
|
Scottish families affected by alcohol and drugs |
75 Young people, with families suffering from drug addiction |
Food and transport for group and one-to-ones. Transport for activities – reducing barriers to participation Electricity costs Hot meals |
£4,608 |
|
Clydeside Orientees |
300 0-25 years |
Professional map of Lennox Forest and Mugdock Country Park and installation of permanent courses |
£1,500 |
|
Lenzie Probus Ladies Club |
50 Community organisations and voluntary organisations |
Projector |
£450 |
|
65th Company Girls’ Brigade |
31 Young people – 0-25 years |
Entry to park for girls and leaders Entry for leaders – concession |
£494 |
|
Addiction Recovery Centre |
220 People with support needs, substance users/recovering |
Running costs – food, volunteers, utensils, toys |
£2,000 |
|
MRWPG (Morrison Redhills Woodland Protection Group) |
Anyone who walks in the area of Lennoxtown woods area All walkers in the area |
This is new group looking to enhance the area. Further info required to allow this to progress. Support for clean-up and environmental/ nature activities on land sought – including equipment. |
GAC recommendation is nil award, and signpost to other organisations who could support, including the Council. |
|
Auchinairn Afterschool Care & Forrest School |
200 Young people (aged five to 25) |
Waterproof trousers Waterproof jackets Boots Bags Adult waterproof jacket and trousers |
GAC recommend defer, pending further information |
|
Cyprian Court Partnership |
200-300 Older people and wider community |
Compost Plants/bulbs Tree Feeder Preservative |
£500 |
|
Creative Care Scotland |
100+ Other people |
Fridge freezer Sandwich toaster Vacuum Health grill and air fryer Folding tables |
£1,945 |
|
G64 Community Support |
114 Elderly requiring help with shopping or attending appointments |
Volunteer expenses Events Meetings Stationery and admin |
GAC recommend award of £1,200 with condition service is free to individuals using |
|
Antonine Theatre Group |
6000 Older people 66+ |
Re-upholstering 60 stackable seats for audiences |
£1,638 |
|
Bearsden and Milngavie Youth Orchestra |
500 Young people (aged five to 25 years) |
Venue hire Conductor's Honorariums |
£3,600 |
|
Harestanes Baptist Church |
80+ Elderly |
Front door security fixtures Garden gate Cooker Internal lock fitting Microwave |
£1,455 |
|
Lenzie Midi Rugby Club |
90 Young people |
4G pitch hire Bus hire Rugby balls for training First aid kits |
£3,399 |
|
Milngavie and Bearsden Men's Shed |
230 Older people 66+ |
Projector Ceiling mount, screen and speakers Hearing system and DVD player Black-out roller blinds |
£1,259 |
|
Gavins Mill Community Project |
200 All ages, including visitors |
Website supervisor and web maintenance worker |
£3,240 |
Total awarded: £36,366
Projects funded in Round 1 2024/2025
Scheme B
| Organisation name | Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group | Purpose of grant | Grant awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kirky Cinema |
1,500 East Dunbartonshire residents, all ages |
Projector Screen Film licence Public Liability Insurance Cash float Tuck food |
£4,000 |
|
Torrance Tennis Club |
500 Young people |
Resurface and paint tennis courts |
£8,000 |
|
Time Out Club |
200 Early years after school care |
Additional childcare worker |
£7,316 |
|
Creatovators CIC |
450 direct and potentially 1,000 online People with support needs, such as a disability or long-term health condition. People on the autistic spectrum and their families. |
Rent cost |
£10,000 |
|
Ceartas |
300 Individuals who experience loneliness and isolation – prioritising those living with a long-term condition or disability and adults over the age of 16 |
Venue Catering Travel running costs |
£8,667 |
|
Milngavie in Bloom |
2,000 Older people 66+ |
Planning permission Structural engineer Sealer Plaque and contingency Fabrication of sculpture Base of sculpture Delivery and installation |
£5,000 |
|
Mugdock Trust |
3,200 People aged 26-65 |
Consultant fees – archaeologist |
£6,400 |
|
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire |
40 People with long-term health conditions and carers |
SMART Board Adjustable trolley Set up/commissioning Software Contribution to insurance, IT/phone, office consumables, audit, etc |
£8,500 |
Total awarded from Scheme B
Total awarded: £57,883
Projects funded in Round 2 2024/2025
Scheme A
| Organisation name | Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group | Purpose of grant | GAC awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The way ahead group |
24 Stroke victims with mobility issues |
To pay salary costs for physiotherapist |
£1,120 |
|
Rionnagan Beaga |
30 Parents and children of Gaelic community |
Fishing Game-Cost 78.99 |
£312 |
|
Auchinairn Parent and Toddler Group |
90 Pre 5 year olds |
Hall Hire £3,600 Jo Jingles £4802 x tables £211 each |
£2938 |
|
Creatovators |
480 Families of those with autistic kids |
Christmas gifts-£1,520.96 |
£4200 |
|
Cadder Church Guild |
65 Other People (66+ years) |
Dell Laptop £749 & Projector £480 |
£831 |
|
Clyde Cycle Hub Ltd |
150 People with no or low income |
Volunteer PVG Checks (Assume 10 volunteers) |
£3580 |
|
Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support |
130 People who have experienced bereavement |
Breakdown of £3600 |
£2592 |
|
Campsie Local History |
60 Other People (26 – 65 years) |
Group Printing costs for book £2606.08 |
£2111 |
|
Bishopbriggs Community Council |
1800 People with low or no income |
Defibrillator £1734 Electrician £177 Christmas lights switch on at Library £943 Switch on at Comm Garden £388 Halloween Event £300 Santa Gifts £400 Banners £350 |
£3262 |
|
The Bearsden Festival Association |
780 Young People (5 to 25 years) |
Item 50 additional hours for Coordinator - Dance Festival Cost £1100 Amount needed £1100 |
£1617 |
|
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland |
40 Isolated older people (50+) living with dementia, depression, and other long-term conditions |
Item Volunteer expenses Cost 300 Amount needed 300 Item Communication and promotion of Club – leaflets, posters Cost 200 Amount needed 200 Item Resources - reminiscence and physical activity equipment - Boccia, Kurling, targets, balls and bean bags Cost 2189 Amount needed 2189 |
£1936 |
|
Victoria Bowling Club Torrance |
150 Older people 66+ |
Supply and fit combi boiler system 3948.00 |
£2685 |
|
Strathclyde Aquatics
|
80 |
Item 10 x Inclusive balls for disability group (Size 5 balls), 8 x Otterball (Size 3 |
£1708 |
|
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO |
36 People with support needs such as a disability or long-term health condition |
Item Minibus with escort for 5 people at £67 weekly for 40 weeks Cost £2,680 Amount needed £2,680 |
£4200 |
|
Lenzie Rugby Club |
120 Young People |
Gym Equipment |
£3211 |
Total awarded: £36,303
Projects funded in Round 2 2024/2025
Scheme B
| Organisation name | Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group | Purpose of grant | Grant awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ceartas
|
268 People with support needs |
Salary Costs |
£4433 |
|
The Glasgow Group of Riding for the Disabled Association |
36 Young People (5 to 25 years) |
Item Bedding Cost 2820 |
£4987 |
|
Schoenstatt Sisters of St Mary |
20,000 Community Organisations and Voluntary organisations |
Item Bee Enclosure Cost 3500 Amount needed 3500 Item Bee hives (wooden & nucleus) Cost 2650 Amount needed 2650 Item Apiary shed and storage boxes Cost 1000 Amount needed 1000 Item Bee suits, gloves Cost 1430 Amount needed 1430 Item Bee honey tank, wax extractor and ancillary equipment Cost 1000 Amount needed 1000 |
£7,983 |
|
Harestanes Baptist Church |
200 People with no or low income |
Replace windows and fitting of x 12@ £168= £2016 |
£8,164 |
|
Differabled Scotland SCIO |
60 Other People |
Item Neuro diverse Course Trainer Cost 7,200 Amount needed 3,600 Item Training & Peer Support coordinator Cost 16,640 Amount needed 6,400 |
£6,667 |
|
Kirkintilloch Camera Club |
45 Other People |
Warm Air Boiler C16U £6828 |
£5,235 |
|
Acorn Shed Music |
24 Other People |
66+ workshops + event hall hire & refreshments £1740 event sound engineer £250 freelance musician/workshops + composing £3150 freelance musicians/recording/rehearsal/performance £2400 volunteer training & expenses £1480 materials £250 |
£6,489 |
|
Sense Scotland |
60 People with support needs such as a disability or long term health condition |
Item Tactile room padding Cost 2353.20 Rebound Support-Wedge Small, Wedge Large, pod roll and beanbag Cost 632.22 Ceiling projector and mount Cost 1061.99 Smart board Cost 2,422.80 Carpet and Blinds Cost 800 |
£5,332 |
|
Cue and Review |
95 People with additional support needs |
Item Access to Audio Development Worker |
£7,283 |
|
Creative Care Scotland |
100+ People between the ages of 26-65 |
Contribution towards the cost of replacing obsolete emergency lights installed in 2007 (Amount requested as per quotation - £418) |
£6,806 |
|
Waterside Miners Charitable Society |
5,000 Community Organisations and Voluntary organisations |
CD Architects professional fee for planning application Cost 9600 Amount needed 9600 |
£7,040 on condition that previous funding work has been successfully completed and monitoring form completed |
|
Rossvale Community Football Club |
650 5-25 year olds |
Item ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT AND COACH |
£7,667 |
|
Freinds Of Campsie High Kirk |
108,330 People with low or no income |
Drone video - for capital fund raising, public engagement and architectural investigation feasibility / technical content. |
£3,000 |
Total Award: £81,086