Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing proposals for an improved process for the Supporting Communities Fund in 2025/26, adding to the outlined proposals approved by Policy & Resources Committee in December 2024.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed –

1.      a focus on digital first with promotion of an online application;

2.      non-digital application available if needed to ensure fairness and equality;

3.      a shorter application – one of the key asks from the community survey;

4.      maximum funding which can be applied reduced from £2,500 to £1,500 - allowing more community groups to be awarded funding;

5.      groups eligible to apply continue to be all third sector organisations in Argyll and Bute, with additional criteria of: ‘who have a turnover of £150,000 or less’; and

6.      funding is to remain available for projects that come under one or more of the following criteria: Fairer, Resilient, Greener and Creative.

(Report by Chief Executive dated 29 January 2025, submitted)