Communities Can Do Fund

We have a new medium-sized grant programme for third sector organisations that will offer grants of between £1,000 and £20,000 for a period of 1 year from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The number of grants offered depends on the value of the successful grant applications. The total grant budget is £200,000.

What types of organisations are eligible to apply?

Only constituted forms of third sector groups can apply for third sector council grants. Individuals cannot apply for grants on behalf of an organisation.

• All organisations must have a suitable level of public liability and other necessary insurance in place for their activities.
• For grants exceeding £10,000, organisations must provide at least 12 months' audited or independently examined financial accounts, a conflict-of-interest declaration, and confirmation that trustees or directors are not disqualified from holding office.
• Bank accounts used for grant payments must be in the legal name of the applying organisation, and personal accounts are strictly prohibited.
• Organisations that do not meet the constitution requirements are encouraged to seek support from recognised support bodies, such as VASLan, before applying.

What can the funds be used for?

The Community Can Do grant is designed to support community-led projects for a period of 1 year.  For this purpose, “community-led” means projects and programmes in which community members have meaningful involvement in decision-making, governance and delivery of the programme.

Grants can be applied for that support the following outcomes of the Council Plan.

• More people reporting a strong sense of community
• Increased ownership of local assets
• Improved health and wellbeing at all ages
• More people are employed and economically active
• Reduced poverty and household debt

Projects can be funded for costs to deliver an existing programme or a new project. They can be applied for on a full cost recovery basis, with a maximum of 20% of overhead costs being eligible. The funding period is for 1 year and will not be renewed.

Grants must have a public benefit and will not fund political activities, religious promotion or profit-making. There can be no personal financial benefit from council grants.

For more information, please read the application guidance and contact us if you have any questions at communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

Timescales

The Communities Can Do Grant Programme will open for applications on Monday 1 December 2025. The application closing date is midnight on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Applications will be assessed and scored by a panel in January 2026. The funding decision will be made by the Finance and Corporate Resource Committee on 18 February 2026. All awards will be offered for the period of 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Guidance and assistance

Before applying to the fund, please read the application guidance and terms of conditions before submitting your application. Contact us at communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk if you have any questions or would like to be posted a paper copy of the form for completion.

Please use this print only form as an example of questions that you will be asked within the online application form.