Galas and festivals funding

We offer funding to help local communities in South Lanarkshire run free galas, festivals and events that bring people together. These events should celebrate your community’s history, identity and traditions and help people feel part of where they live.

You can apply for up to £5,000 per event to run inclusive, community‑led events in your town, village or neighbourhood.

The funding invests in the council’s Connect Plan commitment to deliver caring, connected and sustainable communities and will directly contribute to the outcome: More people reporting a strong sense of community.

What the funding is for

This fund supports local events that:

• are open to everyone in the community
• are free to attend
• take place in a town, village or neighbourhood in South Lanarkshire

You can apply for funding for more than one event in the same area, including from the same organisation, as long as each event is different. The maximum we will award is £20,000 per organisation per year.

If we receive more than one application for similar events in the same place, we will ask organisers to work together and submit one joint application.

What we cannot fund

• events that promote religious, political or activist causes
• events for closed groups or limited audiences
• paid staff or organiser time, except volunteer expenses
• alcohol or alcohol licences

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

• a voluntary organisation, community group or registered charity
• based in South Lanarkshire
• set up to benefit the local community
• covered by public liability insurance for your activities and event

We do not accept applications from individuals or for events that have already taken place.

When to apply

The fund opens on Friday 1 May 2026 and closes at midnight on Friday 15 May 2026.

How to apply and get help

Please read the application guidance and terms and conditions before applying.

If you have questions, want a paper application form, or need help, contact us at communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

A print‑only version of the form is available to show the questions you will be asked.