Community grants and awards

North Lanarkshire Council has approved a programme of improvements and modernisation changes to the Community Partnership Team’s community focused grant programmes.

The improvements are designed to:

• Strengthen fairness and consistency
• Improve the overall applicant experience
• Increase transparency and accountability
• Simplify processes where proportionate
• Improve support available to local organisations
• Strengthen monitoring and impact reporting
• Ensure funding continues to support strong community outcomes across North Lanarkshire

Key Improvements Being Introduced include:

New Delivery Schedule:

A revised annual delivery timetable will now apply to community focused grants. This will provide earlier notice of funding opportunities, improved planning timescales for organisations, and a more structured assessment and award process.

Enhanced Pre-Application Support:

Additional guidance and support will now be available to organisations before applications are submitted. This will include:

• Guidance materials and examples
• Online information sessions
• Locality-based support briefings
• Access to advice from officers and partner organisations
• Improved application guidance and clarification materials

New Participation and Inclusion Premium (PIP) Arrangements:

Additional equalities-focused improvements are also being developed, including testing of a Participation and Inclusion Premium (PIP). The proposed approach would allow eligible projects to receive a modest uplift where organisations can demonstrate that additional measures or costs are required to reduce participation barriers and support inclusive community engagement.

Improved Guidance and Assessment Processes:

Application guidance, assessment arrangements, and monitoring requirements are being updated to improve clarity, consistency, and transparency.

Strengthened Governance and Compliance:

Updated processes will support improved financial assurance, governance checks, and monitoring arrangements to ensure public funds continue to be managed appropriately and effectively.

Improved Monitoring and Reporting:

Revised reporting arrangements will help demonstrate the positive impact that funded organisations deliver within communities across North Lanarkshire.

Digital and Administrative Improvements:

The service will continue developing the new digital application platform (provided by Survey Monkey Apply) along with streamlined administrative arrangements to improve efficiency and accessibility for organisations.

Further Information:

Fuller details can be found in the published Committee Report

Additional information, guidance documents, delivery timetables, and support arrangements will be published over the coming months.

Any organisation requiring further information or support should contact the Community Partnership Team (Grants Section).

Email: communitygrants@northlan.gov.uk

What changes are being introduced?

North Lanarkshire Council has approved a programme of improvements and modernisation changes to community-focused grants. These changes aim to improve fairness, transparency, consistency, support arrangements, and overall programme administration.

Why are changes being introduced?

The improvements are intended to:

• Improve the applicant experience
• Strengthen governance and accountability
• Improve consistency in assessment and decision-making
• Enhance support available to organisations
• Improve monitoring of community impact
• Modernise and streamline processes

What is the new Participation and Inclusion Premium (PIP)? 

The Participation and Inclusion Premium (PIP) is a proposed additional uplift of up to 10% that may be applied to approved project awards where organisations can demonstrate that additional participation barriers exist, and that extra measures or costs are required to support inclusive delivery.

Examples may include translation support, accessible communications, transport support, childcare provision, accessibility adjustments, or culturally appropriate engagement activity.

The PIP would only apply to projects that already meet the normal scoring and funding thresholds.

Will existing funding programmes continue?

Yes. Existing community focused grant programmes will continue, although some processes, guidance, and delivery arrangements may change over time.

Will eligibility criteria change?

Some programmes may introduce updated guidance or clarification around eligibility requirements. Full information will be published in advance of future funding rounds. Please note – that since August 2024, all CVS organisation looking to apply for community focused funding must be registered with us beforehand. If you are a Community Interest Company (CIC), you must contact us so that we can confirm eligibility (Additional information will be required if eligibility is approved).

Will there be support available before applications open?

Yes. Enhanced pre-application support arrangements are being introduced, including:

• Guidance sessions / Locality briefings
• Improved Application guidance documents
• Example documents
• Frequently asked questions
• Officer support and signposting

Will there be changes to assessment processes?

The Council is introducing updated assessment and moderation arrangements to improve consistency, transparency, and accountability.

Will reporting requirements change?

Some monitoring and reporting arrangements may be strengthened to better demonstrate the impact of funded activity and ensure appropriate use of public funds.

Will organisations still be able to speak to officers?

Yes. Organisations will continue to be able to contact officers for guidance and clarification.

How will organisations know when funding opens?

Information will continue to be published through:

• Council webpages
• My Town social media pages
• Direct communications
• CVS communications
• Briefing sessions and engagement activity

What is changing regarding the Grant Award Programme (GAP) delivery timetable?

A revised annual delivery schedule is being introduced to provide clearer timelines and improved planning opportunities for organisations.

Will briefing sessions be available?

Yes. Additional engagement and briefing sessions will be organised as part of the implementation process.

Who can I contact for further information?

Community Partnership Team (Grants Section) 

Email: communitygrants@northlan.gov.uk

Your enquiry may be passed to management and/or your local Community Partnership Officer.

Where can I access the Communities Committee report?

The full report can be accessed using this link.

Further information and Guidance

Further guidance and support documents will also be published separately. Organisations are asked to check our webpages regularly (insert link)