We are introducing a revised delivery timetable for the Grant Awards Programme (GAP) from June 2026 onwards.
Community grants and awards
Contents
Grant Awards Programme (GAP)
This is discretionary funding for community and voluntary organisations operating in North Lanarkshire.
Grant Awards Programme new delivery schedule for 2027/2028
New delivery schedule
The revised approach forms part of our wider programme of improvements and modernisation to community focused grants, approved through the Communities committee.
The new model introduces a staggered application timetable across locality areas between June and October 2026. This revised approach is intended to:
- improve overall programme management and planning
- provide enhanced pre-application support opportunities
- reduce administrative pressures during peak periods
- strengthen assessment, moderation and quality assurance processes
- improve communication and engagement with organisations throughout the process
Whilst application windows will now operate on a phased basis, the overall annual programme decision timetable remains broadly unchanged, with:
- scoring and assessment activity completed by November 2026
- moderation and final verification undertaken during early December 2026
- committee consideration continuing in February 2027
- award notifications issued thereafter
All CVS registered organisations are encouraged to review the new delivery timetable carefully and ensure that applications are prepared and submitted during the appropriate locality phase.
Further information, guidance materials, workshops and pre-application support sessions will be published throughout the year.
GAP: Programme timeline
The indicative timetable below illustrates how the staggered delivery model would operate across the annual programme cycle.
| Period | Programme Activity |
|---|---|
| June | Launch 1 - Airdrie and Cumbernauld application window opens |
| July | Launch 2 – Bellshill and Motherwell application window opens and assessment of Launch 1 applications |
| August | Launch 3 – Coatbridge, Kilsyth and Northern Corridor launch and assessment of Launch 2 applications |
| September | Launch 4 – Shotts and Wishaw application window opens and assessment of Launch 3 applications |
| October | Launch 5 – Multi-area organisations application window opens and assessment of Launch 4 applications |
| November | Final eligibility checks and officer scoring completed; all scoring concluded by end of month |
| Early December | Programme moderation, financial modelling and preparation of committee report |
| Mid December | Committee report finalised and submitted prior to festive closure period |
| February | Communities Committee consideration and approval of awards (final award subject to annual budget setting) |
| March | Decisions communicated to applicants |
| April | Grant agreements activated and payments issued at start of financial year |
What is the purpose of this grant scheme?
We provide annual funding through the Grant Awards Programme to community and voluntary sector (CVS) organisations contributing to the North Lanarkshire Partnership. We publish examples of these projects and further information in our Community Priorities section.
Who can apply?
To apply you must be a:
- Community and Voluntary Sector organisation operating in North Lanarkshire inclusive of registered charities and Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
- Company Limited by Guarantee / Social Enterprise or Community Interest Company (CIC) who are asset locked/not for profit with a board of directors elected by members (who predominately reside in North Lanarkshire) and have a minimum membership of 20 individuals and must have a dissolution/winding up clause which does not transfer any assets to private individuals or companies, and who have relevant objects related to community / social and charitable activities.
if you have any queries please contact us.
What can be funded?
You can apply for a grant funding up to a maximum of £10,000. There are three categories of funding which can be supported. Each category has an upper limit:
| Category | Limit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Facilities/Property Costs | Up to 25% of maximum award | Up to £2,500 |
| 2. Employee Costs (Staffing and Volunteer Costs) | Up to 25% of maximum award | Up to £2,500 |
| 3. Project and Activity Costs | Up to 100% of maximum award | Up to £10,000 |
The total request cannot exceed £10,000.
What can't be funded?
Funding cannot be requested for:
- Activities that started before the application being made.
- Items of equipment of a personal nature, or
- Repairs/improvements to premises
- Any payment of any type to committee members, directors, or trustees
- Food
- Large pieces of equipment (small pieces of equipment £100 or less only)
- IT equipment
How much can be applied for?
A maximum of £10,000 can be requested.
Further information
If you require any further information, advice or support, please email grantawardsprogramme@northlan.gov.uk
Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) Registration Scheme
From August 2024, all organisations who wish to apply for any community-focused funding will be required to register with us.
On receipt, we will process your registration request and will issue you with your CVS registration number. This should be used in any communications with us, and inserted into future applications you make.
Your registration will remain valid for three years. However, you should notify us of any changes and email us annually with a copy of your accounts, which should be signed by an independent examiner or by your auditor.
First-time applicants should contact us to register before submitting any application.
The real Living Wage - Compliance
From April 2026, the real Living Wage has increased to £13.45 per hour. This applies to any posts funded in full or in part through our grant programmes.
All funded organisations must:
- Pay at least £13.45 per hour to any staff supported through grant funding
- Maintain this for the full duration of the funded activity
- Be able to confirm compliance as part of monitoring / CVS registration