Our micro Grant Fund for 2023/24 has now been exhausted.  Thank you for your interest, please look out for further grant opportunities on our website and social media

Are you a local group or individual with a project in mind that requires a funding boost? If so why not apply for a micro grant of up to £500! Lesmahagow Community Council are now accepting applications for the 22-23 micro grant scheme funded by the renewable energy scheme. To apply see criteria below , fill in an application form and send it to lesmahagowcc@outlook.com. Deadline 31st December 2023

Lesmahagow Community Council have been approved to operate a Micro Grant scheme and have been allocated an annual fund of £5,000 by South Lanarkshire Council from the Renewable Energy Fund to support local projects and groups.

 

Purpose of the Micro Grants Scheme

 

Micro grants are intended to make the Renewable Energy Fund available to individuals and local groups/organisations who need small amounts to pursue their objectives. The process of applying for and receiving a micro grant is intended to be relatively quick and light touch. South Lanarkshire Council will maintain a list of all the Community Council areas delivering Micro Grants Funds and publicise this through its funding website.

 

Micro Grants Scheme can support a range of activities and groups who may not be eligible to apply to the main fund, for example:

• Small non constituted groups who would be ineligible to apply to the main fund (note however that constituted groups are eligible to apply)
• Individuals undertaking specialist training e.g. music or athletics fostering local ability or talent
• Travel costs to participate in events out with the area
• Support participation of local community in activities not available in the local area

 

Micro Grants Fund criteria

 

Micro grants are envisaged as being small awards which fit the criteria:

• enhance quality of life for local residents;
• contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities; and/or
• promote community spirit and encourage community activity

 

Micro Grants cannot be used for the following activities:

• Projects which do not benefit people living within your Community Council area
• The advancement of religion or politics (including requests to support the core activities of religious or political groups)
• The purchase of second hand vehicles
• Costs of energy consumption
• The repayment of loans or payment of debts
• Costs already incurred or activities which will take place before we have made a decision on an application (retrospective funding).
• Payments towards areas generally understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities.
• Anti-wind farm/renewable energy activities, including activities contrary to the interests of SSE and its subsidiaries.

 

Additional guidance

 

• The awards can range from £1 – £500
• Applicants may only submit one micro grant application at a time
• If an application is successful, the applicant will not be able to reapply for another micro grant until 12 months has elapsed, although in exceptional circumstances the Community Council may decide to waive this.
• Micro grants are generally intended to be used for ‘one off’ projects or emergency funding. Where a group/individual applies for a micro grant for the same project year on year, it may be appropriate to apply to the main fund for a multi-year grant instead.
• Constituted groups are eligible to apply.

 

Each community council can set their own closing dates for applications in order to manage the fund and you should refer to the guidance below and social media updates for updates.

 

REF Micro grant guidelines

REF Micro Grant application form

Additional Guidance issued by LCC