Third Sector Community Support Fund

The focus of the Third Sector Community Support Fund is to support projects and services that address one or more of West Lothian Council's five priorities below:

1. Raising educational attainment

2. Strengthening care and support for children, adults and older people

3. Investing in skills and jobs

4. Helping to create strong and sustainable communities

5. Tackling homelessness, poverty and inequality

Projects that support communities through the cost of living crisis will be a key consideration in any award.

We are particularly keen to see projects that target our communities in the bottom 20% SIMD data zones, and support the aims of the Economic Recovery Plan, Anti-Poverty Action Plan and the work of Local Planning Regeneration Steering Groups. 

Applicants are able to apply for new projects or services that delivered over the 12 month period between 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Existing recipients of funding from the 2023/24 Third Sector Community Support Fund, who were awarded two years of funding, are not eligible to apply for further funding. Those that were awarded one year funding can apply to continue to deliver projects or services, please note that the application must demonstrate the impact the activity had in year one and the reason for continued provision. New organisations are welcome from Third Sector organisations that address the priorities of the funding.

Applications should not exceed £50,000 per organisation, although consortium bids may apply for more funding, they will be considered on the merits of both the additional value for money and the benefits of the consortium bid. Applicants are encouraged to show how this funding will support the delivery of a service or projects that utilises other funding brought in by the applicant. Therefore showing how the contribution of the funding provides additionality and support the delivery of a larger service or project. There is no specific percentage require for match funding but match funding will be part of the decision making process.

Following two year awards in 2022/23 there is around £74,879 in total for allocating. This may increase slightly once the year end monitoring has been undertaken on previously funded projects.

Should you wish for support and advice on how to complete the application form or further information on the funding, this is available through the Community Wealth Building Team. Please email RegenerationTeam@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) to arrange to talk to an officer from the Service.

How to Apply

The Fund for 2024/25 is now closed and applicants will be informed of the outcome by the 31 March 2024.

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