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 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 Community Grants Scheme is continuing its good work thanks to a funding package agreed as part of the Council's Revenue Budget for 2026/2027.

Previously the scheme was financed through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, however, that is no longer available.

The Council will provide the necessary funding for 2026/27, along with a contribution from the Talbot Crosbie Bequest charitable trust.
Look out for more information soon on this webpage and the Council's social media accounts.

When applications are being accepted, 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 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.

  • The Community Grants Scheme is continuing its good work thanks to a funding package agreed as part of the Council's Revenue Budget for 2026/2027
  • Look out for more information soon on this webpage and the Council's social media accounts.

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.

Or:

  • East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action
    Unit 4/5 18-20 Townhead
    Kirkintilloch
    G66 1NL

  • Tel: 0141 578 6680
  • Email: info@edva.org

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 2025/2026

Scheme A

The projects funded in the first round - Scheme A
Organisation name Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group Purpose of grant GAC awarded

Kirkintilloch Ladies Choir

500

Other

Hire of St Mary's Church Sanctuary
Hire of St Mary's Church Mid hall
Hire of sound adviser for church  
Support to fund guest artist - Jamie Macdougall 
New music x 5 pieces 
Teach tracks for new members to learn new music  
Booklets for singing at local venue
Commissioning of new piece for 65th concert undertaken by musical director and accompanist
Advertising for concert - 40 posters
Advertising for concert - 500 tickets
500 programmes

£2118

Milton of Campsie Village Hall Trust

4000

Community Organisations and Voluntary Organisations

Cleaning of Hall 
Boiler Service 

£1620

Probus of Allander

60

Other People 66+

1 HP Laptop
1 Hearing Loop system 
1 Wireless Body Pack

£1684

1st Lenzie Girls Brigade

30

5 to 25

Bus hire

Leaders costs for camp

£802

Woodilee Bowling Club

60

People with Support Needs

Drakes Pride Bowling Arm (short/medium)  
1 Hunter DHB Hybrid Hacksaw Arm

£499

Bearsden and Milngavie Youth Orchestra

500 +

5 to 25 young people

Venue Hire for 24 Weeks
Conductor's Honorarium for 24 Weeks

£2700

Auchinairn Parent and Toddler

100 children 30 Adults

young people 0-5 years      

Hall hire 
Jo Jingles Sessions 
Christmas Trip 
Fruit for 6 months  

£2700

Fresh Start    

40

Other People 26-65 years

Microwaves 14 packs
Household cleaning items 14 packs 
Personal hygiene items 14 packs 
Kitchen items (pots, pans etc) 14 packs 
Bedroom items (pillows, bedding) 14 packs
Towels 14 packs    

£2999

Bishopbriggs Community Council   

2000

All ages for events    

 Remembrance

Lights switch-on

Netball 

£2589

Addiction Recovery Centre       

300

People with no or low income 

Utilities gas/electric    
Laptop 
Photocopier 
Office furniture 
Office chairs
Volunteers’ expenses
Food/lunches 
Promotional materials 

£1893

Lenzie After School Club

30    

Young people 11-13 years   

Adventure day

Christmas festival            

Pool comp     

£600

FACT     

500

Young People (5-25)   

Caravans/Passes

£2880

All Minds        

25    

Young People (5 to 25 years)

Counselling costs – contribution towards wages and counselling materials
Contribution towards Overheads/Supervision and training 

£2880

45th Glasgow 2nd Kirkintilloch Scouts

63

Young People (5 to 25 years)

Child tartan neckie x10
Adult tartan neckie x10
Plastic Woggle x30
Foldable Table and Bench set x3
Foldable Table x2
Endurance Altitude Tent x5
Nitestar Alpha Sleeping Bags x4
Fire Safety/Protection 
Maps
Power Bank
Lights
Black Streak Remover 
Quick Dry Water Proofer
Skye 400 Tent x4    

£2463

 Cruse 

130

Bereaved people in East Dunbartonshire

Volunteer training freelance trainer fees

Volunteer monthly CPD session, freelance trainer

Freelance counsellor fees to facilitate monthly group supervision for volunteer team 

Volunteer travel based on estimated 28 face-to-face visits

£1800

Westerton Bowling Club         

85

over 65

3x Tamstar outdoor bench

£1067

Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed 

230

other 66 plus (elderly males)

Clarke CBS45MD metal cutting bandsaw 
Evolution swarf collector
12x Coniston high-back office chair

 £1115

The Sporting Aces         

50

Young People (5 to 25 years)

Venue Hire  
Band Hire 
Refreshments  
Equipment Hire (Karaoke & DJ)
Event Tickets 
Transport Costs

£3600

Rookie Rockstars        

200

Young people (0 to 25 years)

Ukeleles x 30
Boomwhakers (42 pack) x 4
Percussion Sets (35 pack) x 4
Djembe Drums/Shake Pack
Outdoor Xylophone Table
Yamaha P145 Digital Piano x 2
Acoustic Guitar (left-handed) x 2

£3159

The Bearsden Festival Association         

640

25 to 65

Gazebo

Brass band

Violinist

Storyteller

Face painter

PVGs

Santa gifts

Prizes

 

£2045

212th Glasgow Boys' Brigade                                  

 20

Young People 5-25

Road Tax  
Service    
Proportion of Insurance Costs 
Maintenance costs including tyres 
MOT

£978

Cadder Coffee Shop       

Approx 100 customers and 40 volunteers; this excludes those attending Community Council events which runs to hundreds

Other People (66+ years)

Commercial Bain Marie with heated cabinet to replace domestic unit
Portable table top Bain Marie to augment above & for Community Council events 
Commercial Hot drinks dispenser 
Professional Countertop Planetary food mixer 10 litres 
Medium duty Commercial Microwave 
Replacement equipment including crockery, prep boards, aprons & small equipment 
Contribution to EDC Waste Collection Charges 

£3420

Trauma Informed Parenting        

45

Young People (5 to 25 years)

Staff Costs (CEO + Admin) 
Sessional Trainer/Teacher Costs 
Volunteer Expenses 
Travel/Parking 
Overheads

£1449

Cyprian Court Residents Partnership  
 

350

Other people 66 plus

Plants 
Compost 
Fertiliser 
Plastic container box

£759

Society For English Learning Through Biblical Literature
 

15

Additional support needs

Lunch x 20
Stationery x 20
Sessional workshop trainer 
Sessional interpreter

£2700

Primary Care Chaplaincy Scotland        

150

Other People (26 – 65 years)

Salary costs

£2592

The Hive         

350

People with no or low income

Shredder
Laptop  
iPpads / tablets 
iPad cases 
Halloween supplies 
Xmas supplies   
Arts / crafts children 
Arts / crafts adults  
Food for pantry 
Christmas gifts children 
Christmas gifts OAPs
Wellbeing

£2971

Torrance Community Council        

900

Other People (26-65 years)

We are applying for funding to deliver two projects: (1) a one-day community showcase to celebrate local groups and gather views on key issues to inform a future Local Place Plan; and (2) Light Up Torrance, a four-day festive weekend including a school event, lights switch-on, market, tractor run, children’s film screening and Santa visit. Both projects will be delivered by Torrance Community Council with support from volunteers and local partners, aiming to strengthen community connection, reduce isolation, and promote local engagement.

£3407

Weekday WOW Factor  

30

Other People (66+)

Facilitator 1-24 weeks - 2 hrs p/w (prep and delivery) 
Technologist - 24 weeks - 2 hrs p/w (prep and delivery) 
Tech devices - 20 units

£3790

Woodhill Evangelical Church        

100+

Other People (66+ years)

Vinyl Banquet Chairs x 50

£3240

5th Kirkintilloch Brownies        

18

Young People (5-25 years)

Running costs

£971

Kirky Cinema                          
 

 

5000

People with low or no income

TTRO Traffic Mng
PE Band donation  
Film Licence

£2790

Walk Run Cycle East Dunbartonshire

500+

Other People (66+ years)

Insurance 
Mountaineering Scotland yearly membership 
Hall Hire for 6 months Strength and balance sessions at Bishopbriggs
Yearly First Aid training for volunteers

£1009

Projects funded in Round 1 2025/2026

Scheme B

The projects that were funded in the first round - scheme B
Organisation name Numbers benefitting in EDC and target group Purpose of grant Grant awarded

Carers Link East Dunbartonshire       

150

Young people 0-25 years

Accredited Training 
Transport, residential breaks in Ayrshire, Fort William and Fife
Catering plus Hopscotch residential for week 
Activity Costs 
Residential Breaks (x3 Hopscotch in Fort William, Honeypot in Ayrshire and YC Festival in Fife)  

£4519

Bardowie Tennis Club    

500

All areas

Decking with banister 
Removing old sandstone base and make level 
Decorative stones

£5100

Grace         

300

People with support needs

Fitness Classes 30 weeks 
Yoga Classes 30 weeks
Music and Dance Classes  
Venue Costs 
Promotion and Management Advertising and admin

£4500

Creatovators

450

Autistic people and their families/carers Rent 

£6300

Time Out Club      

4

Additional needs pupils in Milngavie

Childcare worker

£3600

Victoria Bowling Club Torrance        

200

Older population

Bowling green mower and cutting & brush cassettes

£4809

Lenzie Rugby Club        

100+

Young People (5-25)

Perimeter fencing

£6900

Deafblind Scotland         

44    

People with support needs

GEEPAS Digital Electric Kettle 1.7L Wifi Tuya Smart App Control Alexa Google Voice Compatible 2200W Talking Microwave Oven MK6 Adjustable bread slicing guide  Dycem Anti-Slip Mat – Rectangle Red - 250mm  Liquid Level Indicator audible and vibratory  Aico Ei428 RadioLINK 230V 40mA Relay Module with Lithium Battery  Solpex Solar Outdoor Lights,12 Pack Solar Path Lights  Talking Air Fryer Cobalt  Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser | 3kW Fast Boil 1.5L Gloss Black VKJ142]  XTU Wireless WiFi Video Doorbell Camera, 2K HD Smart Video Doorbell with Camera Battery Operated PIR Motion Detection Night Vision 2-Way Audio Support SD Card Acoustic Cloud hangs from ceilings and absorbs echoes and distracting sounds  Delivery  Installation of clouds 
Guide Communicators to support service users  Hourly Rate Breakdown: Guide/communicator pay (internal pay rate)Employer NI/pension contrib Training costs mileage Admin/property costs/all costs assoc with service prov. 
Senior Project Leader – proportion of annual salary to co-ordinate project: 
Basic Pay  
National Insurance  
Pension

£5861

Victim Support Scotland                                    

55

Vulnerable people

Staff 
Venue 
Co-ordinator
NI

£4802

Stitch The Gap CIC                                 

15-30

Volunteers

Salaries (sewing tutors, mechanic, retail manager and admin)             
Rent 
Utilities (electricity costs)                                                                 
Sundries (tea, coffee, snacks)

£8100

Gavin's Mill Community Project         

8000

Older people 66 +

Fire escape door 
Window 1 
Window 2 
Fitting charge 
VAT 
Waste disposal

£7200

Lenzie Community Development Trust         

11,000

All ages and demographics

Feasibility study/professional services

£4200

Friends of Campsie High Kirk

109,230

Community Organisations and Voluntary Organisations  

Ghost tower technical development, professional webpage development, community use engagement gazebo

£5118

Projects funded in Round 2 2025/2026

Scheme A

The projects funded in the first round - Scheme A
Organisation name Numbers benefitting in East Dunbartonshire and target group Purpose of grant GAC recommends

Kirkintilloch Men’s Shed

100 

Older people

Mini lathe
Lathe cutter
Induction saw                                     
Dining table and chairs                    
Workshop PPE                         
Meeting room flooring 

£2,832

West Park United

370    

Young people (5-25 years)

Salary costs

£3,000

Torrance Community Initiative

3,000    

Young people (5-25 years)

Bat survey        
Tree felling

£1,196

BetterBriggs

600    

Other people (26-65 years)

Public Liability Insurance 
Storage
Plants and compost
Replacement planter  
Tools and PPE
Watering accessories

£1,500

EDVA

110    

Other people (26-65 years)

Award trophies
Event brochure
Venue hire
Two-course meal for 110

£2,522

Lennoxtown Baby and Toddlers

 55    

Young people (0-5 years)

Rent 
Snacks and refreshments 
Public Liability Insurance 
PVG Disclosure checks  
Creative Sparks sessions 
Toys/equipment 
First aid

£3,196

Torrance Tennis Club SCIO

300    

Young people (5-25 years) 

 

Fencing
Smart access gate

£2,568

Milngavie Community Development Trust

 50    

Over 65s

Hire of venue 
Catering 
24 mugs 
PAT training 
Advert in community magazine 
Pat testing
Printing

£1,736

Bishopbriggs Men’s Shed

85    

Volunteers  

Public Liability Insurance 
Secure storage unit
Portable tools
PPE and consumable 
materials for community projects 
Volunteer expenses and support costs 
Venue hire

£2,973

Glasgow and West of Scotland Guild of Silk Painters

60    

Over 65s

Venue hire 
Fees to attend educational and promotional events 
Silks and materials 
Bank charges 
Equipment for attending events and travel costs

 £500

Scotia Amateur Swimming Club

 24    

Young people (5-25 years)

Lane hire 
Fins
Kickboards 
Pull buoy

 £3,400

Gavins Mill Community Project

500    

Other people (26-65 years)

Projector, screen, controller and installation 
Stage ceiling bars 
Lighting
Fittings 
Fans, controller and installation

£2,376

Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed

230 

Other people (26-65 years)

Security equipment

£730

Joimove Scotland CIC

163    

Other people (26-65 years)

Venue hire 
Use of stage, lighting and sound equipment at venue 
Catering 
Lighting and sound technicians
Additional lighting and 
stage equipment 
Costumes
BSL instructor 
Make-up artist
Advertising
Printing
Videography and photography
Music

£2,663

Sunshine Wishes Children’s Charity

285    

Young people (5-25 years)

Food
Hygiene, cleaning, sanitary and oral hygiene items

 £3,754

1st Waterside Brownies

25    

Young people (5-25 years)

Annual membership

£1,592

Lenzie Community Hall Ltd

5,000  

All ages

 

Salary for community worker

£2,200

Strathclyde Aquatics

10    

People with support needs, such as a disability or long-term health condition

17 bookings for teaching pool at Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre

£640

Projects funded in Round 2 2025/2026

Scheme B

The projects that were funded in the first round - scheme B
Organisation name Numbers benefitting in East Dunbartonshire and target group Purpose of grant Grant awarded

Early Years Scotland

100    

Pre-fives (0-5 years)

Salary: Family Engagement Practitioner 
Salary: Project Manager 
Salary: Evaluation and admin support 
Venue hire 
Management fee (contribution to insurance, laptop/phone, PVG, HR and employee assistance)

£6,641

Creative Care 

50    

Other people (26-65 years)

Project running costs 
Internal painting of Brackenbrae House 
Supply and installation of new fire alarms 
Supply and installation of new mixer tap

£7,667

Kirkintilloch Players

2,206    

Young people  

 

Re-upholstery of theatre seating

£6,500

Kirkintilloch Cinema Club

20,000

People on low or no income

Hall costs
Film licences
18ft screen

£7,939

Creative Spark Theatre Arts

200    

Young people (5-25 years)

Summer workshops 
October workshops 
Easter holiday workshops 
Hall hire
Lunch for full programme

£7,500

Shoenstatt Scotland

20,000

Community organisations and voluntary organisations

Smart screen and accessories 
Furniture shelving and storage 
Coffee machine and accessories

£7,880

Rossvale Community Football Club

 650    

Young people (5- 25 years)

Administrative assistant

£5,000

Bishopbriggs Men’s Shed

130    

Volunteers

Cabin appliances
Cabin furniture
Workbenches
Shelving and tool storage
PPE and safety equipment
Materials for community projects
Security locks 
Cabin site preparation
Electricity charges
Secure cabin unit

£8,000

East Dunbartonshire Befriending Service

150    

92% of service users are aged 65+ (referrals are made for individuals who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation – many also suffer from mild depression/anxiety, reduced mobility and/or a mild sensory or cognitive impairment)

Annual rent (inc. service charges) 
Newsletter costs
Stamps for newsletter

£6,000

Cue and Review Recording Service

120    

People with support needs such as a disability or long-term health condition

Development worker (part-time)
Volunteer training and outreach 
Refurbished smart speakers

£6,500

Harestanes Baptist Church

 200    

Other people (66+ years)

Wall panels and fitting 
Gates 
Security rails 
New internal flooring boards

£5,000

Glasgow’s Golden Generation

500    

Other people (66+ years)

Salary costs
Laptop (maintenance and setup) 
Training 
Payroll costs

£6,000

Lenzie Community Hall Limited

5,000    

All ages

Salary for project manager

 £4,666