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Funding

There is a wide range of funding sources available for projects including UK Government, the European Union, charitable trusts and the national lottery. Eligibility for funding will depend on the nature of your organisation/group, activities that you are engaged in and the type and scale of the proposed project.

Charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations can search for themselves through the hundreds of Government, Lottery, charitable and other funds available on a European, national, regional and local basis.

FUNDING ALERT

The 2025/26 Coastal Communities Fund will be open for applications from third sector groups and organisations from Monday 4th May 2026.

Applications should demonstrate tangible benefits to the economy, safety, health and wellbeing of Coastal Communities. Groups can apply for either capital or revenue costs.

The total fund available is £65,000.  There is £10,000 available for the small grant fund for applications up to £1,000 and £55,000 available for the development grant for applications up to £10,000.

For full qualifying criteria and guidance on how to apply please visit Current Funding Opportunities.

If you have any questions or queries relating to this fund please contact [email protected]

Exciting New Digital Platform for Community Groups Now Available

South Ayrshire Council has launched a new digital service, 'Thriving Places', within the current 'Your Area, Your Voice, Your Choice' website, providing community groups and organisations across South Ayrshire with vital support.

The Council's Thriving Communities - Communities team has developed the new 'Thriving Places' webpage which enables local community groups and organisations to upload information on projects that they aspire to carry out.

The aim of 'Thriving Places' is to:

1. Link to local Place Plans or Community Led Actions Plans.

2. Provide a platform for community groups and organisations to share their project proposals.

3. Allow community groups and organisations to build connections with similar groups across South Ayrshire that have a shared vision. 

4. Provide information regarding external funding opportunities that the Council can connect community groups and organisations with.

South Ayrshire Council's Director for Communities and Transformation, Jane Bradley, said: "The new 'Thriving Places' platform will be a great benefit for both the Council and community groups. The webpage provides a digital space which enables us to identify projects and funding opportunities, developing a more streamlined approach to community engagement."

Further details on Community-Led Action Plans can be found at: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/28252/Community-Planning

This short video tells you all about it: 

More information, including criteria for community groups, can be found here

If you have any questions or queries relating to this please contact [email protected]

External funding alert

South Ayrshire Council now produces a monthly external funding alert that provides details on available funding opportunities and deadlines for applications from businesses, organisations and community groups. Further information is available by clicking on the links provided throughout the alert or via email from [email protected].

Funding Alert - June 2026 (PDF, 626 KB)

External funding service

We can help your voluntary/community groups and organisations to discover new funding opportunities for your projects and ideas. We provide a funder search facility that helps you to find out which funder is likely to provide grants best suited to you. We can also assist you to develop and define your business plan and or constitution, and put you in touch with experience and support from a variety of sources. Funding for projects is available from a number of sources including the UK/SG Government, The EU, charitable trusts and the national lottery. Whether you are eligible will depend on the nature of your organisation/group, its activities and the type and scale of the proposed project.

In addition to traditional grant funding there are a number of crowdfunding platforms, such as:

To allow us to assess the level of support you require please complete the External Funding Enquiry form

The external funding service cannot provide advice on accessing funding for individuals, un-constituted organisations or profit making businesses. However the following contacts will be able to provide further information:

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