GrantRadar

Foundation Scotland

Clyde (Dumfries and Galloway) Community Fund

A community benefit fund paid for by the owners of Clyde Windfarm (SSE, Greencoat UK Wind and GLIL) and run by Foundation Scotland, for charitable activities benefiting twelve communities in Upper Nithsdale and Upper Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway. Each community has its own share, from about £19,500 (Kirkconnel and Kelloholm) to £144,000 (Carronbridge) this round. Small grants go up to £5,000 and standard grants from £5,001 with no set upper limit. The next deadline is 18 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £20,000
Deadline
67 days left
18 January
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Groups and organisations working to benefit people in any of the twelve communities: Carronbridge, Closeburn, Durisdeer, Johnstonebridge, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm, Kirkmichael, Kirkpatrick Juxta (Beattock), Moffat & District, Royal Burgh of Sanquhar, Thornhill, Wamphray and Wanlockhead (Dumfries and Galloway)
  • Applicants must meet Foundation Scotland's standard eligibility criteria: a governing document setting out charitable purposes, with a charitable asset lock and restrictions on benefit to individuals; at least three unrelated people on the management committee or board (a majority unrelated, and only a minority paid); the latest approved accounts (not abbreviated or micro-entity accounts) unless the organisation is under 18 months old; a bank account in the organisation's name with two unrelated signatories; ownership or a lease of at least five years for any building or land project, and independent advice for renewable or energy-efficiency installations; and a safeguarding policy if working with children or adults at risk
  • You don't need to be a registered charity
  • Groups outside the area are considered case by case and must show clear benefit to residents and evidence of consultation with community councils
  • Groups may apply more than once a year

What it funds

Charitable activities that:

  • Enhance the quality of life and promote people's well-being
  • Promote community spirit and bring people together
  • Foster vibrant, sustainable communities

Costs considered include equipment, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Grants can be multi-year, usually for no more than three years. Each community recommends how its own share is spent, so give estimates of beneficiaries in each area if your project covers more than one.

What it will not fund

  • Applications from individuals to funds designed for groups
  • Schedule 3 Community Interest Companies
  • General fundraising appeals or activities
  • Costs already incurred, or activities taking place before a grant decision (retrospective funding)
  • Repayment of loans or payment of debts
  • The advancement of religion or politics, including the core activities of religious or political groups (religious groups can apply for non-religious activity open to the wider community)
  • Work understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities
  • Costs directly related to the sale of alcohol, including refurbishing a bar area
  • Organisations or activities where membership is restricted to particular groups, unless there is a clear and appropriate reason in line with the Equality Act 2010
  • Activities likely to bring the fund, Foundation Scotland or the fund donor into disrepute
  • Activities that conflict with the interests of the donor, such as anti-windfarm or anti-renewables projects where a renewable energy company provides the funding
  • Projects that don't benefit people living in the fund area (applicant organisations can be based outside it)
  • Trips abroad, unless for education or part of a recognised educational curriculum

How to apply

  1. Read Foundation Scotland's application criteria and preview the application questions
  2. If you plan to ask for more than £20,000, contact the funds adviser first
  3. Complete the small grant form (up to £5,000) or standard grant form (£5,001 and above) and upload your supporting documents by 18 January 2027
  4. A community panel with two representatives from each of the twelve communities meets in March and September

Individuals or groups needing up to £500 can ask their community council about micro-grants.

Have ready

  • Constitution or other governing document
  • Latest set of approved accounts (unless your organisation is less than 18 months old)
  • A recent bank statement showing account name, number and sort code
  • Safeguarding policy and procedures, if your core work or the project involves children or vulnerable adults
  • At least one quote for each item costing £300 to £3,000, and at least three quotes for each item costing more than £3,000

supporting documents must be received with the application by the deadline.

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