Our Micro Grant Scheme

Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council has been allocated an annual fund of £5000 by South Lanarkshire Council from the Renewable Energy Fund to support local projects and groups.  Once the scheme is live documents and application forms will be available to download.

Click below for a downloadable version of the application form: Community Council Micro Grant Application Form

REF Micro Grant Application FormDownload

Click below for a copy of the Community Council Micro Grant Scheme Guidelines

REF Micro Grant GuidelinesDownload

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. Each of the Community Councils will deliver the Micro Grants Fund in their local area. The process of applying for and receiving a micro grant is intended to be relatively quick and light touch. Where a Community Council does not currently exist, a suitable constituted community organisation may apply to deliver the Micro Grants Fund for that Community Council area. For the purposes of this guidance the requirements of these organisations are the same as Community Councils and any requirements of Community Councils are replicated by community organisations. 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:

  1. Small non constituted groups who would be ineligible to apply to the main fund
  2. Individuals undertaking specialist training e.g. music or athletics fostering local ability or talent
  3. Travel costs to participate in events out with the area
  4. Support participation of local community in activities not available in the local area

Community Councils process for micro grants

  • Applicants should apply in writing/via email directly to the Community Councils secretary/appointed office bearer
  • Applications will be discussed at the next available Community Council meeting
  • Note of decision will be minuted by the Community Council
  • Applicants will be informed of the decision in writing by the Community Council
  • Grants will be issued directly by the Community Council
  • Any reduction or rejection reasons must be detailed in the letter e.g. no beneficiaries in the area or only a partial fit with the criteria

Micro Grants Fund criteria

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

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

Micro Grants cannot be used for the following activities:

  1. Projects which do not benefit people living within your Community Council area
  2. The advancement of religion or politics (including requests to support the core activities of religious or political groups)
  3. The purchase of second hand vehicles
  4. Costs of energy consumption
  5. The repayment of loans or payment of debts
  6. Costs already incurred or activities which will take place before we have made a decision on an application (retrospective funding).
  7. Payments towards areas generally understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities.
  8. 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.
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