This is discretionary funding to support voluntary and community organisations in North Lanarkshire. 

What is the purpose of this grant scheme?

This fund aims to support community groups to contribute to the delivery of North Lanarkshire’s Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIP's). These plans outline what local people have told us so far are the priorities for their community.

You can read the Local Outcome Improvement Plan for your locality.

We strongly encourage all projects to read the Local Outcome Improvement Plan for their area before they complete an Expression of Interest form. An essential requirement of this fund is that proposals contribute towards at least one Locality Priority. Progression to the next stage of this fund will include consideration of  the strength of each project idea’s fit with these Priorities.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply for funding, the applicant must be a constituted community or voluntary organisation with a bank account.

Organisations must be operating and delivering services or activities for the benefit of North Lanarkshire residents.

Applicant organisations must be governed by people who are elected or appointed by the members of the organisation and the organisation and membership must be open to appropriate sections of the community.

Religious organisations may apply if the focus of the project is open to all sections of the community, and it doesn’t involve the promotion of a particular faith or religious viewpoint.

Parent councils may apply for activities run by them out-with school hours and for the benefit of the wider community but not for materials for or activities to support school curricular work. Unfortunately, we are unable to support the development of playgrounds with this fund.

Individuals, profit-distributing organisations, private clubs, political parties and Trade Unions are not eligible to apply.

Localities and Wards

Organisations are asked to identify the ward(s) they will deliver the project/activities in. Once all Expressions of Interest are submitted, the Local Partnership Team (LPT) will consider which projects will progress to full application.  

For Expressions of Interest to this funding, applicants should consider the needs of the ward and the LOIP for the wider locality in which their project is based. To check the ward in which your project resides, use our Check Your Councillor postcode checking tool. To check what Locality your ward in locate in, please visit our supplementary Locality Guide.

What can be funded?

This fund will support short-term/one-off revenue costs only. Core organisational running costs, such as overheads and long-term employee costs, are not eligible.  

We will however consider short or fixed term staff and overheads where applicants can demonstrate these costs are additional to core provision.

Project start dates should be no earlier than 1 October 2025 and be completed by 28 February 2026.

Costs we can consider include:

• Start-up costs for new groups
• Pilot projects 
• Fixed term projects
• Hosting a community event, activity or performance
• Purchases of small pieces of equipment (small items no more than £100 per item) or materials
• Running training courses
• Undertaking community-led action research projects

This list is however not exhaustive. We are interested to note other costs being identified by organisations as they support local people to have their say in improving our communities. All relevant requests will be considered.

What can't be funded?

Grants will not be made for:

• Capital works - grants will not be made for capital works including garden structures, memorials and statues, IT equipment or any building based improvement work
• Food and drink (a small amount of funding for light refreshments can be requested)
• Proposals for Ongoing Project/Service Running costs
• Proposals for Activities that conflict with the policies of North Lanarkshire Council
• Proposals for Statutory provision
• Proposals for Retrospective funding

How much can be applied for?

Organisations who are shortlisted to apply can request up to £3,000 (single applicant limit) or up to £10,000 (for partnership bids).  Organisations can only receive one funding award from this fund.

What is the timescale for submitting Expressions of Interest?

The expression of interest submission period has now ended.

What is the process for this Fund?

At this stage, the process includes:

• August 2025 – projects submit an Expression of Interest via an online form. This is an open call for project ideas.
• September/October 2025 – Expression of Interest are considered by the Local Partnership Team (LPT) for eligibility and strategic fit.
• Early/Mid October 2025 – Projects who have submitted a satisfactory Expression of Interest will be advised that they have progressed to the next stage of the process and invited to complete a full application form. Supporting documents will be requested at this stage if required.
• October 2025 – Full applications will be checked by officers for eligibility.
• October/November 2025 – Applications will undergo a formal assessment by North Lanarkshire Council's Community Partnership Team.
• October/November 2025 – Award packs will be issued to successful applicants and funds transferred in full via BACs transfer.  Please note - a funding award will be granted to successful organisations once only. 
• October/November 2025 – Projects should commence expenditure. At this stage, we are requesting full expenditure should be achieved by 28 February 2026.  Any unspent funds at that time must be returned.

Where can I get help?

Email CommunityEmpowermentNL@northlan.gov.uk with any requests for assistance.