Community groups across East Dunbartonshire are being asked for their views on the Council’s Community Grants Scheme.
The Community Grants Scheme provides financial support for local groups and organisations for a wide range of projects and initiatives.
Previous beneficiaries include hall associations, community councils, children's groups, pipe bands, hobby clubs, sports teams, Brownies, Rainbows, Scouts, Girls' Brigade, Boys' Brigade and Girl Guides.
The Council agreed at its budget meeting on Thursday 23 February to review the current scheme to ensure that it provides the most effective support to the local community.
The approved level of grant funding which groups can apply for will increase:
- Community Grant Category A – up to £5,000
- Community Grant Category B – up to £10,000
- The cap will increase to a maximum of £15,000 annually – up from £3,000.
As part of the review, feedback from the local community is being sought. An online survey can be completed by visiting the community grant consultation and groups and organisations can also take part via in-person workshops throughout May. Paper copies of the survey can also be picked up and returned at various locations throughout East Dunbartonshire including the Community Hubs.
If you would like to find out more about the workshops, please email communityplanning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, "We all know that the last few years have been challenging for community groups and organisations. People rely on local groups for support and practical help now more than ever following the pandemic, and as we continue to face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.
As part of our commitment to supporting people in East Dunbartonshire during the cost-of-living crisis, we agreed to add a further £100,000 to the available budget for Community Grants
“We want to ensure that our Community Grants Scheme is as effective as possible and I would encourage individuals, groups and organisations to complete our survey to help shape the scheme going forward.”
The Community Grant Scheme has also received £100,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which means the total funding available over the next year will be £290,000.
The online survey will run from 1 May to 26 May 2023
