Community and neighbourhood issues

The Artificial Pitches Grant is artificial pitches, which could include a range of different surface types.

We'll consider funding for structures or accessories like fencing, goals, and floodlights, but these should be funded by another source, if possible. The main purpose of this fund is for the pitches themselves.

This fund is meant for organisations that already have match funding, or to help organisations get match funding. You can double the amount of funding you get by having match funding. This is when another organisation offers to give you funding based on a second organisation offering the same/similar amount.

This fund is for organisations to complete their advanced projects. It's not for small projects or new projects that need help getting started.

You can apply for this fund if your organisation either:

• owns land
• has a long-term lease on some land
• has a community asset transfer already underway.

You cannot apply if your project is for land that's owned by the council, such as schools or public parks without the above permissions.

Objectives of the fund

Make sure you can tell us how your project meets some or all of the fund objectives when you apply:

• Pitches may facilitate multi-sport activities, if possible, and be open and available for communities to access at weekends and evenings.
• Environmental and financial sustainability should be at the core of each project.
• Local communities should support the delivery of improved community provisions for sports. They should be aware of how a project will benefit their community.
• Each project should increase the levels of external funding brought into Renfrewshire from partner sports funders.
• Each project should strengthen community capacity in Renfrewshire and increase participation in sports.
• Pitches should be fully inclusive and usable in most weather conditions.
• New pitches must be on land already secured by the applicant, or there should be a community asset transfer already underway.

What your project needs to demonstrate 

Before you apply, make sure you can tell us how your project will meet these criteria.

Positive impact

Positive impact for local communities:

• You've identified that the community needs and supports your project.
• You've explained the benefits your project will bring to the community.
• You've explained the impact your project will have and how you'll know whether you've achieved the benefits.

Fits with the fund objectives and criteria

Strategic fit with the fund objectives and criteria:

• Your project meets some or all of the fund objectives, which are listed below. Projects that meet the most objectives are more likely to receive funding.
• Your project supports the strategic priorities of Renfrewshire Council and the 'Our Renfrewshire' community plan.
• Your project complements existing facilities and provisions in the local area. It should not duplicate existing services if you cannot show a need or demand from the local community for more facilities or provisions.

Viable and sustainable

The project is viable and sustainable:

• You can demonstrate how your project is financially viable by having or arranging a feasibility study.
• Your organisation has the appropriate skills, experience, qualifications, and access to the resources required to deliver the project and sustain its benefits. If not, you should have a plan for engaging the people and accessing the resources you need.
• Your organisation has suitable governance arrangements in place for the scale of the project. You should have clear succession plans in place for the recruitment of board members or trustees.
• Your organisation has the agreement of the landowner and the relevant permissions and licenses to deliver the project.

Good working relations

Good working relationships and partnership with others:

• You can demonstrate that you're able to develop and sustain good working relationships with others.
• Your organisation has a commitment to partnership working.

Value for money and additional funding

Value for money and leverage of additional funding or resources:

• You can demonstrate your project's value for money.
• You're able to identify and secure other funding sources to support your project's development, including additional funding.
• You can demonstrate an appropriate plan or funding available for ongoing repairs and lifecycle maintenance.

Depending on your project, you could get up to £400,000.

We have almost £800,000 to fund projects that will bring more artificial pitches, or playing surfaces, to Renfrewshire.

We'll keep taking applications until we've awarded the entire fund to projects that best meet the criteria.

Information you need to give us

When you apply, you'll need to tell us:

• basic information about your organisation and its governance arrangements
• a detailed description of your project, including timelines
• which tier of funding you're applying for
• the costs associated with your project
• the outcomes of your project and how you'll measure these.

You need to provide us with:

• a bank statement less than 3 months old
• a copy of your most recent annual accounts or an income and expenditure statement - these should be less than 15 months old, dated and signed as approved - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• a signed, dated copy of the organisation’s Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• any other relevant reports or information to support your application as supporting evidence, including media coverage, press cuttings, images, past publicity materials, reviews and letters of support, consultation carried out and results to evidence support of community, results of any surveys or professional opinion sought, business case or plan - this information should be submitted in electronic format where possible.

Complete and send us the Voluntary and Community Organisations application form along with your supporting evidence.

Send your application and supporting documentation to us by email or post for the attention of Lorraine Campbell:

We'll review all applications and award funds to projects that best:

• meet the application criteria
• meet the fund objectives
• provide relevant supporting evidence.

We'll aim to contact you within 1 week of receiving your application.

Bishopton Community Development Trust

Purchase of Rossland Crescent Open Space

Funding: £14,000

The land facing residents has long been privately owned. Residents living there have been awarded funding to transform the space into a community seating area with plants and shrubs for residents and the wider community to enjoy.

Bonnie Bishopton

Bonnie Bishopton

Funding: £4,000

Bonnie Bishopton plan to brighten up the main thoroughfare through their village using bright flowers in planters.  The group will purchase planters, mobile watering solutions, soil and all the required tools to deliver the work.

Bridge of Weir Community Council

Equipment upgrade to Lintwhite and Horsewood Parks

Funding: £12,000

Bridge of Weir Community Council upgraded 2 local parks with new play pieces specified by their community through consultation.

Charleston Tenants and Residents Association

Neilston Road High Flats - Community Garden 

Funding: £10,000           

Neilston Road has 3 well populated flats with a high volume of older adults residing within.  The community garden has been installed in the centre and is easily accessible.  The garden allows the residents to appreciate the space more, have somewhere pleasant to sit and socialise with their neighbours. The tenants are also maintaining the flower beds and planters.

Corseford Tenants and Residents Association

Corseford Underpass Project

Funding: £4,999

After a successful community project painting a mural on Corseford's underpass to make it safer and more appealing, the group were awarded funding to improve the appearance of the entry and exits to the new offering.

Corseford Planting Project

Funding: £1,800

Presenting planters and maintaining flower beds has become a regular volunteering activity for local people in Corseford, to make their community more attractive.  The group were successful in an award for a container and tools which are essential to support this work.

Craigielea Park Residents Association

Craigielea Road waste ground clearance

Funding: £5,000

The Craigielea Road residents in Renfrew have been unaware for almost 20 years, the waste land close to their home was theirs.  After learning this the group applied to the Fund to clear the area of overgrown and fallen trees and vegetation.  Now it has been cleared, the group will find it easier to deliver ongoing maintenance.

Erskine Community Council

Refurbishment of Viewing Area at Newshot Nature Reserve      

Funding: £5,000

The viewing platform within the Newshot Island Nature Reserve was restored and new signage installed to encourage increased footfall to the area.  Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and range of wildlife the Reserve attracts.

Erskine Community Garden

Erskine Community Garden Phase 2

Funding: £4,800

Erskine's Community Garden has established itself as a community hub within the area.  This funding has allowed the group to install a labyrinth there along with new raised beds and a sensory garden.  The group encourage children and young people to visit and learn about gardening and community.

Erskine Outdoor Play and Leisure

Barwood Park Improvements

(additional funding from Renfrewshire Council & the Scottish Government)             

Funding: £50,000

Erskine Outdoor Play and Leisure will deliver a play park that appeal to both toddlers and older children alike.  The You and Me swing will facilitate younger children to be on a swing with their parent/guardian, 2 multi-use towers will be installed, each offering exciting play opportunities for toddler and junior users.

Erskine Youth Council

Bargarran Interactive Play Park              

Funding: £110k plus £50 plus £3k

Funding: £110,000 was awarded from Green Spaces to Erskine due to their Multi-use Games Arena being removed.  EYC consulted with young local people and installed equipment identified, offering an innovative interactive new play offering, the first of its kind in Scotland.      

Elderslie Community Council

Upgrading Queens Road Play Park

Funding: £50,000

Elderslie Community Council have been actively participating in the Fund and exploring how it can benefit their community.

Phase 2 - Teen Shelter and Outdoor Gym

Funding: £30,000

A new play park has been installed and plants to create an outdoor gym and Teen shelter are imminent.

Dunvegan Play Equipment

Funding: £10,000

The award of the Play Park increased Elderslie's appetite to explore what other benefits the fund could deliver in their community. Dunvegan Play Park has benefitted from upgraded play equipment, the biodiversity members have benefited as well as hoping to exercise in the neighbouring gym suite. 

Stoddard Square Seating area

Funding: £1,145

Green Elderslie

Funding: £800

Village Signs

Funding: £1,600

Goal posts

Funding: £235

Dog fouling bag dispensers

Funding: £1,170

Railway mural

Funding: £1,140

Darkwood Crew

Village Green Community Garden

Funding: £4,820

The Darkwood Crew support their community in many ways with community and environmental issued at the heart of their project delivery. The Village Green project is constantly evolving and will deliver an offering in Ferguslie which will increase biodiversity and encourage the community to get involved.

Friends of Ferguslie Gardens

Upgrade to Ferguslie Park Gardens including outdoor gym and new play equipment

Funding: £49,000

Ferguslie Park Gardens will benefit from an outdoor gym, 2 inclusive additions, a basket swing, and a new style roundabout, and a larger multi play tower.

Stronger Communities Glenburn

Renewing Skye Crescent Park

Funding: £50,000           

Together with Save the Children, RC supported and funded this project to replace the play park at Skye Crescent.  A new play park was installed with 2 multi-use play towers, an inclusive orbit round-a-about and a swing rotator.

Houston Community Council

Ardgryffe Park Outdoor Inclusive Gym

Funding: £35,000

Houston Community Council will arrange for the install of an outdoor inclusive gym in Spring/Summer 2020, to be used by all ages and abilities.

Bee Happy

Funding: £4,050

Bee Happy are already well known throughout Houston for their work to improve the appearance of the village.  This fund will enable to group to continue with this work and further fund their community meadow.

Houston Play Park Improvement Group

Houston Play Park Improvements (South Street Park)

Funding: £50,000 (GS)

Funding: £80,000 (VIF)

The play park at South Street mound is dated and offers little play value for local children.  HPPIG intend to replace the play equipment, install an outdoor gym, and raised flower beds to improve the appearance of the entire area, as well as the value of the park to local people.

Howwood Community Council (previously Friends of Howwood Park)  

Play Park

Funding: £50k

Tools & events

Funding: £2,110

Community shelter

Funding: £21,000

Village seating

Funding: £2,100

New football goals, cableway, skateboard ramps and play equipment all installed to increase footfall into the park (HCC).  A new Friends of Howwood Park group was created who have secured further funds for planters, tools and a new Community Shelter (FoHP)so visitors can enjoy the Park regardless of the weather.        

Other projects will be delivered throughout 2022.

Inchinnan Community Association Social Club

Resurfacing of car park

Funding: £9,100             

The car park outside the bowling club is often used as an area to safely drop off school children and for people to park when exercising in the local green space.     

Inchinnan Development Trust

Purchase of Teucheen Woods

Funding: £30,000

Improvements to Teucheen Woods

Funding: £15,000`

The Inchinnan Development Trust purchased Teucheen Woods to save the ancient woodlands from being offered as a development opportunity from potential house builders.  The woods offer a unique skyline for the village of Inchinnan and is a diverse and thriving natural habitat for wildlife.  The group will improve the natural pathway and remove non-native, invasive plant species.   

Friends of Jenny's Well

Improvements to the Jenny's Well Nature Reserve

Funding: £14,100

The Friends of Jenny's Well group have already greatly improved the nature reserve by reclaiming paths, planting bulbs and removing tons of litter and flytipping from the area. Funding will allow the group to further care for the nature reserve, ridding it of non-native, invasive plant species, installing seating and picnic benches, increasing biodiversity and encouraging the surrounding community to get involved in rediscovering the beauty on their doorstep.   

Johnstone Community Council

Pump Track at Thomas Shanks Park

Funding: £50,000

Thomas Shanks Park in Johnstone will offer a pump track which will provide exciting play, learning and experience for everyone interested in wheeled sports.  Whether on a bike, scooter, skates or skateboard, the pump track will add a new dimension to play and practice.  

Kilbarchan Community Council     

Kilbarchan Park Improvements

Funding: £50,000

An outdoor gym, new goal posts and a scramble net are amongst some of the improvements to be delivered at this play park.  These will add to the current offerings and further repair the locally loved cableway.

Kilbarchan Improvement Project

Repairs to The Old Library, Kilbarchan

Funding: £22,000

The Old Library is a listed and valued building in the village of Kilbarchan.  Building work has been carried out, paid for by the fund, to ensure the building could safely continue to be used as a community hub.

Old Library Community Garden

Funding: £4,999

The back of the Old Library has an overgrown open space the group will transform into a community garden.  More building work will also be paid to improve the surrounding wall.            

Kilbarchan Smile

Mary Barbour Cairn area improvements         

Funding: £1,000

The Mary Barbour Cairn is historically significant in the village of Kilbarchan.  Kilbarchan Smile will install a bench on site and a raised planter to encourage local people to visit the Cairn.

Friends of Knockhill Park

Running track

Funding: £10,000

Friends of Knockhill Park consulted with their local community and were successful in bidding for a running track to facilitate local keep fit enthusiasts or those looking to get stating on a fitness programme.

Defibrillator, You and Me swing and seating

Funding: £7,371

The group installed a defibrillator into the park, a You and Me swing for young children and their guardians to enjoy play together and boosted the seating and picnic table offering in the park.

Langbank Swingpark Regeneration

Installation of multi-use games arena

Funding: £50,000 GS

Funding: £30,000 - VIF

The Langbank Tennis Court was used infrequently as it was locked to protect the onsite private bowling green.

Funding allowed the tennis court to be transformed into a MUGA and installed a clear divide to enable to MUGA to remain open while protecting access to the bowling green.      

Lancraigs Parent Council

Lancraigs Playground Project

Funding: £4,875

Lancraigs Primary school offer their playground as a community asset after school hours and at weekends.  There is no nearby playpark.  The Parent Council used the awarded funding to paint line markings in the playground and replace the basketball hoops.          

Linwood Community Development Trust

Woodlands Path Network

Funding: £4,800

In partnership with Park Run, LCDT improved the pathway through the woodlands used by the local community.            

KLAS Care, Linwood

Safe cycling for the community

Funding: £35,000           

KLAS Care have installed a new tarmac surface delivered with line markings to encourage play and cycling proficiency outside their premises.  Although this will be used routinely while delivering care for local children, the whole community are encouraged to use the facility.   

Lochfield Ladies & Gentlemen Bowling & Social Club

Installation of artificial bowling green

Funding: £50,000

There are 2 Bowling Greens on offer at Lochfield Bowling Club however one suffers from drainage issues and proves a challenge each year to have open for use.  The Club members will deliver a new weatherproof, lower maintenance green to benefit the members and attract a wider audience.

Feasibility study and promotion of new green

Funding: £4,900             

The Bowling Club have received information and quotes on the successful installation of an artificial bowling green, they also have funding to promote the new bowling green to their wider community.

Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust

Lochwinnoch Public Play Park upgrade

Additional funding from Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Funding: £50,000 - GS

Funding: £30,000 - VIF

Lochwinnoch's public park will be refreshed with new additions to the play area and a cableway outwith.  Included in the project are 2 new multi-play towers, new swings, a roundabout, and other new exciting pieces of play equipment.

Community Social Garden

Funding: £5,000 - Design Plans

Project status: under development

Funding: £25,000           

The Community Social Garden will transform an open space in Lochwinnoch into growing grounds which will teach local people about the value and skills required to grown their own produce, provide for the local foodbank and be promoted as a place where all are welcome.   

Lochwinnoch Sustainable Garden

Lochwinnoch Sustainable Garden

Funding: £1,950

The money supported a polytunnel used to ensure temperature is maintained to grown produce for the local community market and foodbank.  The group generate income by creating and selling their own planters and hanging baskets etc.           

Paisley FM

Signal Booster

Funding: £3,581             

Paisley FM have been in discussions with the villages looking to promote events being delivered there.  The radio stations signal however did not reach this far.  The purchase of a signal booster will mean the station have an even wider reach.    

Pals of the Privies

Phase 1 & 2 to upgrade play equipment and install an outdoor gym in Glencoats Park & tools and storage container

Funding: £50k and £50k and £5k

A Project status: completed refresh of the toddler and junior play area with a cableway and multi-use unit adding to the appeal.  An outdoor gym installed to encourage adult fitness.  The Pals further secured more funding for a container and tools to enhance the Council's grounds maintenance work in the park.

Renfrew Environmental Trust

Flower bed restoration in Fountain Gardens, Paisley

Funding: £4,900             

Renfrew Environmental Trust will connect with the local community to encourage and educate in order to restore the Fountain Garden Flower Beds.  The group will arrange for a skilled person to deliver training over a period of time and grow a range of appropriate flowers and shrubs which they will go on to maintain.        

Robertson's Park Bowling Club

Irrigation System for Robertson's Park Bowling Green

Funding: £16,675           

Maintaining the Robertson's Park Bowling Green is a challenge for the Club members in during long hot spells.  The irrigation system would ensure the Bowling Green continued to be watered during these spells without onerous heavy lifting by the onsite members who lease the Club.            

Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley

Walk for Life in Gryffe Valley Way

Funding: £4,900             

The Rotary Club members noticed an increased volume of people using the Clyde Valley walkways throughout lockdown, looking to reconnect with nature, and each other.  Awarded funding will provide signage and improve pathways on the route.

Sandyflats Tenants and Residents Association

Sandyflats Playpark Improvements

Funding: £50,000

The Park improvements will be installed Spring 2022 and will upgrade current structures as well as install new equipment, a cableway and 2 multi-use towers will be installed, one for toddlers and one for older children.

Spateston Tenants and Residents Association

The Spateston Community Development Trust are currently working with a Council Supplier to deliver play and sports equipment identified by their community.      

Park upgrade

Funding: £50,000

Park upgrade phase 2

Funding: £40,000

Goal posts

Funding: £7,000

St Mirren Youth Football Club

Tyres fencing repair project

Funding: £5,000             

The Inchinnan Playing Field used by this group suffers from ongoing flytipping and is a popular location for quad riders damaging the field used for training and games.  Funding will secure the field's fence provision.  

Friends of West Parent Council

In partnership with West Primary, Pre-5 Centre and St Mary's Primary school.

Upgrading Maxwellton play park

With additional funding from Renfrewshire Council & the Scottish Government.

Funding: £50,000

Replacing old play equipment with new swings including basket swing, 2 new play towers, inclusive roundabout, a picnic bench and more, the park will continue to a central location for young people to play and visit.

Sensory Garden upgrade

Funding: £40,000

Maxwellton Sensory Gardens has attracted a lot of attention and care from volunteers over the years.  The school partnership will deliver improvements to the gardens inspired by the views of the schools and local community.      

West End Growing Grounds Association

Maintenance tools

Funding: £2,609

Sanctuary Gardens is a well-established community asset which educates, feeds and offers an opportunity for like- minded people to socialise and share experiences.  This awarded funding allows the group to maintain the grounds surrounding the raised beds ensuring grass, shrubs and hedges are not overgrown.

User tools

Funding: £4,800             

As the garden developed and the gardening group became more diverse, it was noted some growers did not have access to the tools required.  A bank of tools is now supplied onsite offering inclusive opportunities for all.     

The Green Spaces, Parks, and Playgrounds Fund fund provides investment where a community can demonstrate a sustainable plan to improve and maintain the condition and use of a green space or community asset.

Constituted voluntary or community organisations can apply.

What we are looking for

We are looking for projects that will:

• regenerate and make physical and environmental improvements to green spaces, parks and play areas and villages across Renfrewshire
• promote sustainable community use of green spaces, parks, and play areas and villages
• increase levels of external funding into Renfrewshire to develop and use green spaces, parks, and play areas
• support communities to manage or deliver services in green spaces, parks, and play areas
• strengthen community capacity in Renfrewshire by increasing regular participation in community events and activities.

What your project needs to demonstrate

You will need to show how your project demonstrates these factors when you apply for funding.

Positive impact

Positive impact for local communities:

• You have identified the community need and support for your project, as well as clearly showing the changes your project will bring.
• You can clearly explain the impact your project will have and how you will know whether you have achieved change.

Involvement of the wider community

The wider community are involved in the design and delivery of the project:

• You can evidence how the community are involved in the development of your idea and supportive of your plans.
• Your plans show how the community will continue to have a voice in the delivery and oversight of your project.
• You can demonstrate a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, making sure that different types of people are supported and empowered to engage with your project.

Good working relationships

Good working relationships and partnership with others:

• You can demonstrate that you are able to develop and sustain good working relationships with others.
• You have a commitment to partnership working.

Viability and sustainability

The project is viable and sustainable:

• You can demonstrate how your project can be financially viable.
• Your organisation has the appropriate skills experience and qualifications and access to the resources required to deliver the project and to sustain the benefit or has a plan for engaging people and accessing the resources required.
• Your organisation has suitable governance arrangements in place for the scale of the project and has clear succession plans in place for the recruitment of Board members or trustees.
• Your organisation has the agreement of the landowner and the relevant permissions and licenses in place to allow the project to be delivered.

Fits with the fund objectives and criteria

Strategic fit with the fund objectives and criteria:

• Your project meets some or all of the fund objectives - the strongest projects will meet the greatest number of objectives.
• Your project supports the strategic priorities of Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership.
• Your project is complementary to existing facilities and provisions in the local area and does not duplicate existing provision where unmet need or demand from the local community cannot be demonstrated.

Value for money and additional funding

Value for money and leverage of additional funding or resources

• You can demonstrate value for money.
• You can identify and secure other funding sources to support the development of your project, including the leveraging of additional funding into Renfrewshire.

The information and evidence required to be provided on each of these areas will be proportionate and appropriate to the scale and type of project involved.

Examples of projects

Examples of projects could be:

• upgrading or developing play areas or equipment to promote access for the community and create stimulating and enjoyable environments for all ages and abilities
• visual and physical improvements in parks and open spaces that improve the experience for visitors and residents or enhance features and points of interest
• opening areas of woodland or other open spaces for sustainable community access and use
• use of previously underused open spaces to improve the environment and provide increased leisure, art or design features, or recreational opportunities
• development of growing grounds or allotments.

Levels of funding

There are 3 levels of funding. We will consider applications for revenue or capital projects based on what the grant would be used for.

Grants up to £5,000

This is for small scale revenue or capital projects to support communities to:

• develop ideas
• get early quick wins and visible change happening
• to encourage and kick start community activity
• deliver visible environmental improvements.

Grants from £5,000 to £10,000

This is for larger scale revenue or capital projects that:

• generate sustainable physical improvements and investment in green spaces, parks and play areas and villages
• meet most if not all of the objectives of the fund
• should be able to demonstrate clear evidence of support from the wider community.

Grants over £10,000

For revenue or capital projects that will:

• deliver significant improvements and will
• be expected to have additional sources of funding or plans for securing additional funding.

Making additional applications

You can make more than one application to the fund to take forward different phases of a project.

Each application will be considered on its merits, but the decision will consider:

• if previous funding was made
• the overall value for money being delivered for the Council
• the performance of the applicant in relation to delivering the previous elements of the project funded.

Advice on becoming a constituted community group

The Communities and Public Protection Service can help groups access specialist advice on how to establish a constituted community group or access additional external funding.

Guidance and practical support for projects

We can give you guidance about developing and implementing your plans or practical support with your project. 

This can include access to tools, equipment, services and facilities needed to add momentum and impetus to your vision and give confidence that change can be delivered.

Contact the Engage Renfrewshire's Community and Voluntary Action Team:
 

Information you need to provide

You need to provide us with:

• a bank statement less than 3 months old
• a copy of your most recent annual accounts or an income and expenditure statement - these should be less than 15 months old, dated and signed as approved - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• a signed, dated copy of the organisation’s Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• any other relevant reports or information to support your application as supporting evidence, including media coverage, press cuttings, images, past publicity materials, reviews and letters of support, consultation carried out and results to evidence support of community, results of any surveys or professional opinion sought, business case or plan - this information should be submitted in electronic format where possible.

If it’s a new organisation, you should submit estimates of income and expenditure for the first 12 months.

Complete and send us the Voluntary and Community Organisations application form.

Send your application to us by email or post:

When you have applied, we will work with you to:

• develop a more detailed understanding of the project and organisation
• assess your proposal.

We’ll make a recommendation with the final decision depending on the level of funding you’ve applied for.

If it’s less than £5,000, the Director of Communities, Housing and Planning will award the grant.

If it’s more than £5,000, the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board will award the grant.

Conditions of the grant

All grants will be subject to Renfrewshire Council's standard grant conditions.

We will pay the grant to the organisations or individuals named in main application form.

Grant awards are not transferable to other organisations or entities and must be used to deliver the agreed project.

For grants from £1,000 up to £10,000

All grant payments will be authorised by the Council

• subject to satisfactory compliance procedures outlined in the grant conditions
• subject to scrutiny of any grants claims and receipts or invoices by the Council.

Once agreed, all grant payments will normally be made in one or two instalments at the Council's discretion.

For grants of £10,000 or more

All grant payments will be authorised by the Council

• subject to satisfactory compliance with the bookkeeping and accounts procedures outlined in the grant conditions
• subject to scrutiny of any grants claims and receipts or invoices by the Council.

Once agreed, all grant payments will normally be made on a quarterly basis and may be paid in advance at the Council's discretion.

Contact us about the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund:

The Sustainable Communities Fund can provide investment for community organisations to identify, develop or sustain local projects that have a range of social, environmental, or economic benefits.

The fund can also support and enable local organisations to take on land or buildings through a community asset transfer.

The aim of the fund is to support infrastructure and place-based projects across Renfrewshire that will:

• improve the lives of local people
• build resilient communities through sustainable activities.
• advance equality of opportunity and improve accessibility and inclusivity. 

Community and voluntary organisations

The Sustainable Communities Fund is open to any community or voluntary organisation who:

• are based in Renfrewshire
• has a constitution
• has an organisational bank account
• its members control the direction of the organisation.

Membership organisations

Membership organisations, such as sports clubs, can apply to the fund. However, your proposal must benefit to the wider community and not just the members of the organisation. 

The scale of benefit expected may mean that it will be challenging for member organisations to be successful in their application. 

Organisations interested in or applying for community asset transfers

If you're looking at the feasibility of a community asset transfer, your organisation doesn't need to be a Community Transfer Body. 

However, if you're applying for funding towards a community asset transfer., or developing a transferred community asset, your organisation must be eligible as a Community Transfer Body. 

It's not a requirement for applying for this fund, but your organisation should be working towards this status. 

However, funding towards exploring or developing a transferred asset is not an indicator that your request for the asset transfer will be successful. Each request for a community asset transfer is considered individually and on its own merits.

Find out more about community asset transfers.

Funding can be used for revenue costs, capital costs or both. 

Revenue funding can be used for: 

• certain types of one-off costs, such as professional fees, marketing, feasibility studies or business plans
• recurring costs such as salaries and overheads - however, this does not cover reoccurring costs after the first year.

Capital funding is for specific one-off costs, like building works, refurbishment or setting up a project with tools, equipment, furniture, technology or energy saving devices.

The fund is designed to support the progression and development of projects. So, you could apply to fund a feasibility study into procuring an asset, which could then progress to applying for capital funding for works to that asset. 

However, you cannot apply for funding of different projects in the same organisation.

There are 3 tiers of funding you can apply for, depending on the size and scope of your project proposal.

If you’re applying for intermediate or large funding amounts, we’ll need evidence and information for the higher level of funding you’re applying for.

Small awards up to £10,000

Small awards could be used for:

• purchase of small items of equipment
• looking into projects to restore or regenerate property
• community engagement initiatives like surveys, information sessions or events
• volunteer development programmes
• small climate change interventions.

We'll also consider applications for small capital investments. 

You’ll need to provide either a: 

• minimum of one external quote
• detailed list of items you want to purchase, unit costs for each item and the names of the suppliers or retailers.

Intermediate awards between £10,000 and £25,000

Intermediate awards could be used for capital or revenue costs towards:

• feasibility studies or business plans for property development or community asset transfers
• project management costs.

You will need to provide either a minimum of 3 external quotes with your application for all costs, for example, commissioning consultants, building works or the process you will use to select. 

Large awards up to £100,000

Large awards could be used for capital costs towards plans to take ownership or redevelop land or buildings in your local community.

In your application, you’ll need to provide us with a 

• detailed brief
• minimum of 4 external quotes for all costs, as well as the process you will use to select providers.  

If you apply for more than £25,000 or more

You will need to meet with a funding officer  to discuss your application and its proposed outcomes to make sure it:

• aligns to the council’s plans and priorities
• is achievable and sustainable.

If you apply for £50,000 or more

You will need to demonstrate:

• there is a robust business case for the project
• your organisation has been successful in levering in  external funding for the project
• you have developed an overall financial strategy for the project
• you can commit to using any allocated funding within a period acceptable to the Council and to UK government funding requirements.

Your organisation needs to either:

• have undertaken extensive community engagement regarding the project, including establishing strong relationships and partnerships in the local area
• be recognised as a key strategic partner with Renfrewshire Council or has a formal Strategic Partnership Agreement with us.

Funding subsidies

Some funding may qualify as a subsidy under the UK Government Subsidy Control Regime.

A subsidy is where a public authority provides support to a business in a way that gives them advantage over a competitor.

If it does, you need to confirm if all the public grants your organisation has received in the last three years, including this fund, is less than £350,000.

Your proposal

You need to discuss your proposal with us before you make a formal application. This will help you know if your proposal is eligible and feasible.  

We'll give you initial feedback on your proposal and ask you for more information if we need it.

Email us at communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone us on 0141 487 1508.

Funding criteria

Your proposal should demonstrate how it aims to meet the following funding criteria:

Community engagement and participation

Community engagement and participation with:

• evidence of how you have involved the community in the development of your project, and they support your plans
• evidence of how the community will have a voice in the delivery and oversight of your project
• your commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, making sure that different types of people are supported and empowered to engage with your project.

Positive impact for local communities 

Positive impact for local communities by identifying:

• the community need for your project
• the changes your project will bring, setting out clear outputs and outcomes for your project
• who will benefit from these changes and what wider community benefits the project will have
• what actions you will take to measure, monitor, and evaluate positive change from your project.

Viability and sustainability

Viability and sustainability by demonstrating:

• how your project will continue after the grant has been used, including how you will fund activity going forward or implement proposals following a feasibility or business plan
• how this grant will increase the financial sustainability of your organisation by reducing dependency on funding or generating revenue
• your organisation has the appropriate skills, experience, and qualifications to deliver the project, or has a plan for engaging people who do
• your project will work with existing facilities and provisions in the local area
• evidence of any necessary building and planning permissions or consents for your project
• you will be able to deliver the project within an appropriate period.

Strategic alignment with the fund objectives and criteria

Strategic alignment with the fund objectives and criteria by demonstrating:

• how your project aligns with one or more of the fund objectives
• how your project meets the 7 best value themes of clear vision and leadership, governance and accountability, effective use of resources, partnership and collaborative working, sustainability, working with communities, and fairness and equality.

Your proposal should closely align with the themes and aims of the:

• Renfrewshire Council Plan 2022 to 2027
• Our Renfrewshire Community Plan
• Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero.

Information you need to include in your application

You’ll need to give us:

• a detailed description of your project including timelines
• basic information about your organisation and its governance arrangements
• details of all the costs associated with your project including those that you are applying for
• which tier of funding you’re applying for
• the outputs and outcomes you want achieve and how you will measure these.

Outputs and outcomes

You must specify the outputs and outcomes your project aims to achieve and how you will measure them.

Outputs are the result of activity. For example, if the project is to create a community garden, the output will be the garden itself, an improvement to public space, or a new amenity or space for public use.

Outcomes are the product or impact of activity or the added value of carrying out the activity. For example, the outcomes of a community garden may be an improvement in biodiversity or an increase in public health and social wellbeing. 

Financial and organisational information

Your application needs to include:

• a bank statement less than 3 months old
• a copy of your most recent annual accounts or an income and expenditure statement - these should be less than 15 months old, dated and signed as approved - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• a signed, dated copy of the organisation’s Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file.

If it’s a new organisation, you should submit estimates of income and expenditure for the first 12 months. 

Quotes, consents and plans

Where relevant, you may need to give us a minimum number of quotes with your application, proportionate to the level and type of funding you’re applying for:

• Revenue of less than £10K – you do not need external quotes, but you must be able to justify costs and explain your rationale.
• Capital less than £10K – a minimum of one external quote or a detailed list of items to be purchased with unit costs, the name of supplier or retailer and your rationale.
• Capital or revenue between £10,000 and £25,000 – a minimum of 3 external quotes and selection process
• Capital or revenue over £25,000 – a detailed brief and minimum of 4 external quotes along with the selection process.

Statutory consents

If you’re applying for a capital grant involving building works, you’ll need to provide evidence of applications for planning or building warrants or consents, including their reference numbers.

Plans and strategies

You’ll need to give us a business plan or funding strategy if you’re applying for more than £25,000.

Other relevant information

You can also include any other relevant reports or information to support your application like media coverage, press cuttings, images, past publicity materials, reviews or letters of support. 
Please provide them as a PDF file where possible. 

Apply online for the Sustainable Communities Fund

If you need help with your application, or you need an application form in another format, email us at communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Evaluation of applications

The Funding Panel, who are officers from across the council, evaluate all applications against the funding criteria.

They will:

• consider how your application meets the criteria
• make a recommendation [or not] to the Communities and Housing Policy Board.

The board will make the final decision on your application. 

All applications are seen by the Communities and Housing Policy Board, whether they are recommended for approval or not.

How long it’ll take

We'll let you know shortly after your application has been reviewed by the Board. 

If you're successful, you'll receive an award agreement by email:

• stating the purpose of the award 
• containing our terms and conditions
• outlining what our monitoring and feedback requirements are.

It will also contain forms you'll need to fill in to accept and claim your award. 

Read your award letter carefully and keep it safe for future reference. 

If you're awarded funding

Your grant should be specifically used for what you've applied for, and you must discuss any proposed changes with us in advance.

You should also keep all receipts and evidence of expenditure.

Payments for goods and services must be made directly from the organisation's bank account, not by cash, as we may request bank statements to verify what you spend on your project. You should make sure payments from the account are clearly noted.

We’ll work with you to monitor the outcomes delivered by your project. These will also be reported back to the Communities and Housing Policy Board.

If part of your award comes from UK Shared Prosperity Funding, we’ll also give feedback to the UK Government about your project’s outcomes.

The Villages Investment Fund is funding that local organisations can apply for to strengthen the character, identity, and heritage of the community.

Constituted voluntary or community organisations from the following communities are eligible and encouraged to make applications to the ring-fenced Villages Investment Fund:

• Bishopton
• Bridge of Weir
• Brookfield
• Crosslee
• Elderslie
• Houston
• Howwood
• Inchinnan
• Kilbarchan
• Langbank
• Lochwinnoch.

Examples of opportunities that communities might consider which strengthen the character, identity, and heritage of the community could include:

• unique signage and branding for a community, reflecting its heritage and identity
• heritage trails or walks highlighting local points of interest that reference the unique identity of the community
• reinstatement, renovation or improvement of features within the community that reflect its identity or history or that are of significance to the community
• environmental or physical improvements, art works, cultural or design features that enhance the character and identity of the village
• events or features that strengthen the community and bring together people to celebrate the character and history of the village in a sustainable way

The examples above are illustrative and not exhaustive. Innovative and creative projects from community groups that meet the objectives of the fund are welcomed.

What your project needs to demonstrate

You will need to show how your project demonstrates these factors when you apply for funding.

Positive impact

Positive impact for local communities:

• You have identified the community need and support for your project, as well as clearly showing the changes your project will bring.
• You can clearly explain the impact your project will have and how you will know whether you have achieved change.

Involvement of the wider community

The wider community are involved in the design and delivery of the project:

• You can evidence how the community are involved in the development of your idea and supportive of your plans.
• Your plans show how the community will continue to have a voice in the delivery and oversight of your project.
• You can demonstrate a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, making sure that different types of people are supported and empowered to engage with your project.

Good working relationships

Good working relationships and partnership with others:

• You can demonstrate that you are able to develop and sustain good working relationships with others.
• You have a commitment to partnership working.

Viability and sustainability

The project is viable and sustainable:

• You can demonstrate how your project can be financially viable.
• Your organisation has the appropriate skills experience and qualifications and access to the resources required to deliver the project and to sustain the benefit or has a plan for engaging people and accessing the resources required.
• Your organisation has suitable governance arrangements in place for the scale of the project and has clear succession plans in place for the recruitment of Board members or trustees.
• Your organisation has the agreement of the landowner and the relevant permissions and licenses in place to allow the project to be delivered.

Fits with the fund objectives and criteria

Strategic fit with the fund objectives and criteria:

• Your project meets some or all of the fund objectives - the strongest projects will meet the greatest number of objectives.
• Your project supports the strategic priorities of Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership.
• Your project is complementary to existing facilities and provisions in the local area and does not duplicate existing provision where unmet need or demand from the local community cannot be demonstrated.

Value for money and additional funding

Value for money and leverage of additional funding or resources

• You can demonstrate value for money.
• You can identify and secure other funding sources to support the development of your project, including the leveraging of additional funding into Renfrewshire.

The information and evidence required to be provided on each of these areas will be proportionate and appropriate to the scale and type of project involved.

You can apply for grants up to £25,000 for village improvements from the Villages Investment Fund.

Levels of funding

There are 3 levels of funding. We will consider applications for revenue or capital projects based on what the grant would be used for.

Grants up to £5,000

This is for small scale revenue or capital projects to support communities to:

• develop ideas
• get early quick wins and visible change happening
• to encourage and kick start community activity
• deliver visible environmental improvements.

Grants from £5,000 to £10,000

This is for larger scale revenue or capital projects that:

• generate sustainable physical improvements and investment in green spaces, parks and play areas and villages
• meet most if not all of the objectives of the fund
• should be able to demonstrate clear evidence of support from the wider community.

Grants over £10,000

For revenue or capital projects that will:

• deliver significant improvements and will
• be expected to have additional sources of funding or plans for securing additional funding.

Making additional applications

You can make more than one application to the fund to take forward different phases of a project.

Each application will be considered on its merits, but the decision will consider:

• if previous funding was made
• the overall value for money being delivered for the Council
• the performance of the applicant in relation to delivering the previous elements of the project funded.

Support and guidance

Support is available to community groups that are looking for additional information or guidance as projects are developed.

This includes working with communities and groups that have expressed an interest in developing a project before you make a formal application for funding.

Information you need to provide

You need to provide us with:

• a bank statement less than 3 months old
• a copy of your most recent annual accounts or an income and expenditure statement - these should be less than 15 months old, dated and signed as approved - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• a signed, dated copy of the organisation’s Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association - you can include a link to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or to a Companies House submitted file
• any other relevant reports or information to support your application as supporting evidence, including media coverage, press cuttings, images, past publicity materials, reviews and letters of support, consultation carried out and results to evidence support of community, results of any surveys or professional opinion sought, business case or plan - this information should be submitted in electronic format where possible.

If it’s a new organisation, you should submit estimates of income and expenditure for the first 12 months.

Complete and send us the Voluntary and Community Organisations application form.

Send your application to us by email or post:

What happens next

When you have applied, we will work with you to:

• develop a more detailed understanding of the project and organisation
• assess your proposal.

We’ll make a recommendation with the final decision depending on the level of funding you’ve applied for.

If it’s less than £5,000, the Director of Communities, Housing and Planning will award the grant.

If it’s more than £5,000, the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board will award the grant.

Conditions of the grant

All grants will be subject to Renfrewshire Council's standard grant conditions.

We will pay the grant to the organisations or individuals named in main application form.

Grant awards are not transferable to other organisations or entities and must be used to deliver the agreed project.

For grants from £1,000 up to £10,000

All grant payments will be authorised by the Council subject to:

• satisfactory compliance procedures outlined in the grant conditions
• scrutiny of any grants claims and receipts or invoices by the Council.

Once agreed, all grant payments will normally be made in one or two instalments at the Council's discretion.

For grants of £10,000 or more

All grant payments will be authorised by the Council subject to 

• satisfactory compliance with the bookkeeping and accounts procedures outlined in the grant conditions
• scrutiny of any grants claims and receipts or invoices by the Council.

Once agreed, all grant payments will normally be made on a quarterly basis and may be paid in advance at the Council's discretion.

Contact us about the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund:

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim's:

• disability
• race
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• transgender.

We believe that there is no excuse for any form of hate crime: it is simply not acceptable and it will not be tolerated.

When it does happen, we want the justice system to deal with such crimes effectively so that victims have the confidence to report it, secure in the knowledge that they will receive a good level of service from the police and other agencies.

Disability hate crime

A crime becomes a disability hate crime when it is 'perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by malice or ill will based on a persons disability or perceived disability'.

Anyone can commit a disability hate crime.

They can be a:

• young person who shout abuse when a disabled person walks by
• carer who takes advantage of a disabled person by taking their money
• student who bullies another disabled student
• retired person who harasses their disabled neighbour because they have a disabled parking bay.

Mate crime

There are also some people who might make friends with a disabled person so that they can take advantage of them. 

They use their friendship to cover the fact that they are committing crimes at the disabled person's expense. Some disability organisations call this 'mate crime'. 

'Mate' covers a wide number of people including friends, family and carers. 

Sometimes the exploitation may not be an illegal act but still has a negative effect on the individual.

Why you should report it

It is important that all hate crimes are reported to the police. It helps Strathclyde Police in tackling hate crime. 

Challenging these people can stop this from happening to someone else.

Anyone can report a hate crime - whether they are: 

• the victim
• someone who witnesses a hate crime
• someone the victim or witness tells about a crime. 

No matter how trivial or unimportant you think it is, your complaint will be taken seriously when you choose to report it.

The information you provide is valuable because it helps the police to identify areas of concern or patterns of behaviour and could lead to the prosecution of offenders.

How to report hate crime

You can report a hate crime to the police:

• in person at a police station or speak to police on the street
• by phone - call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if it's an emergency
• online on the Police Scotland (Poileas Alba) website
• in a third party reporting centre such as a library.

You do not need to know the victim or give their name when reporting a disability hate crime.

Mediation can help you resolve disputes with your neighbours. 

It helps you make practical agreements that work for both you and your neighbour.

The mediation process gives you a way to reach agreement with your neighbour and provides a safe environment for you to discuss your concerns.

Mediation needs you and your neighbour to be willing to talk and find a solution.

Mediation is an equal process so that everyone is treated fairly. Each person is listened to and gets the chance to hear the other person's point of view.

If both you and your neighbour agree to mediation, we'll arrange either joint mediation or shuttle mediation.

Joint mediation

Our Mediation Officers will meet you and your neighbour together at a neutral venue.

At the meeting, the mediation officer will help you and your neighbour share information and hopefully reach a solution.

Shuttle mediation

If appropriate, the mediation officers will arrange shuttle mediation instead of joint mediation.

This is where we help you and your neighbour exchange information without having to meet each other. 

The mediation officer will communicate between you and your neighbour to help resolve the situation.

Mediation for noise issues

Sometimes neighbours are unaware that the noise from their home is causing an issue.

We can work with you and your neighbours to find a level of volume for television, music or games equipment that is acceptable to both of you. 

We may ask our Noise Enforcement Team to help us. They can measure the noise level at each property to see if it's above or below the permitted level for the time of day.

We will not decide what level of noise is acceptable, you and your neighbour will need to agree this.

For noise issues with dog barking, children, burglar alarms, industrial or commercial noise, see our noise nuisance page.

For concerns about shouting, swearing, fighting or verbal abuse, see our antisocial behaviour page.

If you would like us to mediate for you:

• call us on 0300 300 0380
• select option 1
• ask for Mediation

You can also email our Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership team at rcsp@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

One of our Mediation Service Team will contact you as soon as possible. We'll contact you to arrange a suitable appointment at your home.

We'll listen to your view of the situation, ask you what you would like for the future and discuss how we can help.

If we think mediation is right for you and you agree to proceed, we'll contact your neighbour.

If they are also willing to try mediation, we'll arrange an appointment to visit them at their home. 

If you and your neighbour do not reach an agreement following mediation, you can get advice from Citizens Advice Scotland about neighbour disputes, including noise, antisocial behaviour, boundary and garden disputes or damage and repairs.

The service is free, and our mediation officers are specially trained and impartial.