Argyll and Bute Council’s Third Sector Grants programme is aimed at supporting communities and vulnerable people, and helping to kick start new projects and events.   

Now, community groups are being encouraged to apply for grants for 2016-17 before the deadline of Monday 8 February 2016.

In 2015, the Council made available £140,000 for Third Sector grants to community groups across Argyll and Bute working to improve community life at a local level. Budget decisions in February will determine the amount available in 2016.

A total of 103 community groups and organisations across Argyll and Bute benefited from the Council’s Third Sector Grants programme in 2015. 

The council’s Policy Lead for Communities and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie, said, “I am always impressed by the enthusiasm, ideas and energy of the individuals and groups working tirelessly within their communities to the wider benefit.

“The council is keen to encourage new groups with fresh ideas to apply for grants to bring their plans to fruition.

“Applying is easy with an online application form, and the team can also help with exploring way to generate income as well as identifying other sources for income.”

In Bute and Cowal successful applicants included Cowal Community Care Forum, Achievement Bute, Dunoon and Cowal Youth Project, Sandbank Senior Citizens Club, Buteshire Natural History Society and the Pass it On project which provides starter packs for people arriving on Bute who need a helping hand to set up their home on the island. 

Frances Martin, the project’s Treasurer explained: “An average of five or six packs are provided each month. The grant we received from Argyll and Bute Council enabled us to continue this much-needed service, which has been particularly appreciated recently as we have been welcoming and assisting the Syrian families arriving to make a new life with us here on Bute.”

In Helensburgh and Lomond successful applicants included Arrochar and Tarbet Senior Citizens Welfare Committee, Helensburgh Music Society, Cove Burgh Hall, and Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank.

Morevain Martin, Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, said: “The committee is very grateful for all the support the Foodbank has received from the Council.  I’ve personally been humbled on numerous occasions over the last 12 months by the generosity of local people, churches, statutory and non-statutory organisations.  The Foodbank assisted 1,768 people throughout Helensburgh and Lomond in its first year, including 554 children.  There is clearly a need for an organisation like this to help people through crisis situations.”

In Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area successful applicants included the Best of the West Festival, South Kintyre Senior Citizens Committee, Islay Natural History Trust, and Mid Argyll Youth Development Services. 

Fiona Kalache from Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) said, “MAYDS was delighted to receive a third sector grant.  This grant allowed us to develop our Movie MAJIC program which has helped increase recreational facilities for young people and offer affordable cinema experiences to children and families”.

In Oban, Lorn and the Isles area successful applicants included Isle of Mull Riding for the Disabled, Friends of Oban Community Playpark, Coisir Ghaidlig Taigh an Uillt, and The Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival.

A spokesperson for The Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival said, “We were fortunate enough to receive support from Argyll and Bute Council's Third Sector Grant scheme and this year we were able to continue the development of our growing festival fringe programme - The Highland Fling. Whilst the application process was clear and well structured, the help and advice we got from the community development team was indispensable and very much appreciated. The fringe was a real success! “

Application packs can be downloaded from: 

www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants

or you can e-mail: communitydevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Advice and support on funding is available from the Council’s Community Development Team please phone 01369 708 669 or email communitydevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk.