Local Outcome 2: Funder Fair opens door for local groups to tap into precious funding pots.

In May 2024, the East Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership ran its second Funder Fair for local groups, following on from the success of its first event six months before.

The Fair in Kirkintilloch was an opportunity for community groups, charities and social enterprises to find out how to tap into precious funding pots.

In the financial climate, there's never been a greater need for community and third sector organisations to find out about the funding that is available to them so this event brought them together with funders under one roof.

These ten organisations attended to offer support to local groups: Corra Foundation, Co-op, National Lottery, Sports Scotland, EDLC Trust, Paths for All, Creative Scotland, Business Gateway, East Dunbartonshire Arts Council and East Dunbartonshire Community Grants Scheme.

And there were three free training workshops to help groups with ‘All things financial’, guide them through East Dunbartonshire Council Community Grants and support them with Social Impact Assessment.

Evonne Bauer, Executive Officer – Community Services said, “The Funder Fair was able to bring a range of key funders together and provide an opportunity for people to speak directly to funders, ask questions specific to their project and attend a range of workshops offering invaluable tips and advice on funding. I’m pleased that we were able to offer this Fair for a second time to groups within our communities who are carrying out invaluable work.”