CaHS Community Funding October 2025 201025 FINAL
Renfrewshire Council · 28 October 2025
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 28 October 2025 and its agenda
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 28th October 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Funding Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 A report is submitted to the Communities and Housing Policy Board each cycle which sets out officer recommendations in relation to a number of specific community funding mechanisms including the Sustainable Communities Fund and the Villages Investment Fund. An officer panel meets on a monthly basis to assess applications received in advance of this report being submitted. 1.2 As Elected Members will be aware, the guidance for both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund was updated over the winter period, and formally approved by the Leadership Board on 19 February 2025. Applications for both funds have since relaunched and are considered in line with the refreshed guidance and processes. 1.3 Recommendations relating to these applications are set out in sections 4 and 5 for Elected Member consideration and summarised within Appendix 1 of this report. 1.4 Regular reports in relation to community funding applications will continue to be developed and submitted to the board for consideration. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Board:
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PUBLIC Approve the recommendations detailed in Sections 4 and 5 and summarised in Appendix 1 and 2 of this report, in relation to applications received to the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund. 3. Background 3.1 To strengthen oversight of funding recommendations made in relation to a number of specific Council funding streams, the Policy and Partnerships service now submits a community funding paper to each cycle of the Communities and Housing Board. This includes recommendations from officers in relation to funding awards through the Greenspaces Fund, Villages Investment Fund and the Sustainable Communities Fund. This has been supported by the establishment and development of a cross-service officer panel which provides corporate oversight of grant applications in advance of making recommendations for elected members to consider. 3.2 On 19 February 2025, revised guidance for both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund was approved by the Leadership Board, and the funds were then reopened for applications, following the temporary pause that was introduced whilst the guidance was being reviewed. 4 Sustainable Communities Fund – Recommendations 4.1 The aim of the Sustainable Communities Fund is to support infrastructure and place-based projects across all areas of Renfrewshire which improve the lives of local people and build resilient communities. 4.2 In line with the revised guidance approved by the Leadership Board in February 2025, the Sustainable Communities Fund uses a tiered funding model to reflect different-sized community projects as well as the varying levels of support required at different stages of development as follows: Level of funding Overview Applications up to £9,999 Applications for both capital and revenue funding aimed at enabling small community projects to be undertaken, for example, the purchase of small pieces of equipment, community engagement initiatives, volunteer development programmes. Applications between £10,000 and £24,999 Applications for both capital and revenue funding focused primarily on costs to enhance community infrastructure, for example, feasibility studies, business/project plans for community asset transfer, and project management costs.
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PUBLIC Applications above £25,000 up to a max of £100,000 applications invited for capital costs only aimed at supporting communities that aspire to take ownership or redevelop land or buildings in their local communities. 4.3 A cross service officer panel met in August and September 2025 to assess 4 applications against the refreshed guidance. 4.4 In summary the panel recommends that: Approve an in principle award of £100,000 to The Life Church in support of the Lighthouse Project (subject to stated conditions) This funding will contribute to the completion of Phase 1 of the project, which involves restoring the roof of the 1929–30 Henry Wilson Art Deco building at Paisley Cross. These essential works will make the building wind and water- tight, enabling its safe use and further development. Once complete, the project will deliver a vibrant, accessible community café and meeting space on the ground floor. This space will offer a welcoming environment for the public, residents, community groups, and organisations to gather, connect, and deliver activities. The funding is not provided to support the church organisation itself and the project must demonstrate the agreed and ongoing benefits to the wider community of Renfrewshire in terms of the community hub facility. The project aims to support social inclusion, reduce isolation, and provide new opportunities for volunteering, training, and community-led events. It is anticipated that Life Church will invest £140,000 of its own funds alongside £155,000 from the Benefact Trust to support the fit-out of the ground floor for the purposes of the agreed community hub. The application had been deferred at a previous Communities and Housing Policy Board to allow for further exploration of potential funding from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. While it was felt this application potentially could meet identified criteria for Town Centre funding, it is not yet operational and in a position to award for several months. Therefore an in principle award from the Sustainable Communities Fund is now recommended in line with the conditions prescribed in Appendix 1. It is intended that this contribution to the project funding required, will allow the Life Church to access identified match funding for the community hub element of the project. Approve an award of £31,878.91 to Active Communities to launch and pilot a mobile pantry service within Gallowhill, Paisley.
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PUBLIC Active Communities, commissioned by Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, undertook a community needs assessment in Gallowhill (July 2024–January 2025) which highlighted limited local facilities, limited access to fresh food, and the impact of reduced transport links on residents. To address these challenges, Active Communities will pilot a refitted mobile banking van as a food van, bringing affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food directly into the community. Beyond food provision, the food van aims to serve as a community space promoting social cohesion, well-being, and wider support. Alongside affordable food, the project will introduce financial resilience support, offering advice on issues such as utility bills and debt. Building on the successful model at Station 7 pantry, partners like Citizens Advice Bureau will be invited to deliver services directly through the van, bringing vital support into the heart of the Gallowhill community. The group have recently received notice from the Robertson Trust, that they have been successful in securing 3 years’ funding to carry this project forward once the pilot has been carried out. This money will include staff costs for 3 years, and cost for the ongoing maintenance of the food van. Approve and award of £8,769.00 to Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners (RAGG-SCIO) to install an accessible composting Toilet. The need for an accessible toilet at Broadloan Gardens was identified through direct community feedback. Visitors, including families, elderly residents and people with disabilities, highlighted the lack of facilities as a barrier to participation. Plans were shaped with input from volunteers and local groups at open meetings and through community updates, with feedback influencing both design and location. A sustainable, waterless toilet was chosen to meet environmental and inclusion goals of the organisation. A steering group of residents and volunteers will oversee delivery, while ongoing user feedback will guide maintenance and improvements. Applications not recommended for approval 4.5 The officer panel considered an application from Johnstone Baptist Church for £6,000 to install solar panels to the roof of their building. An energy audit was carried out by officers on behalf of the organisation to support the assessment of this application. Whilst it was recognised that installation of solar panels could provide opportunities for the applicant to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, thereby increasing potential usage by the wider
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PUBLIC community, concerns were raised regarding the installation of solar panels on a single-storey building. The council has a policy of not installing solar panels on single-storey buildings due to the risk of vandalism, and as such the application is not recommended for award as it does not meet best value considerations. Deferred applications 4.6 The panel considered an initial application that had been submitted by Ferguslie Development Trust for the refurbishment of the St Ninian’s Church Hall. As set out in Appendix 1, the officer panel recommends that this application is deferred to allow for further development of the application and engagement with the group, and progress with their Community Asset Transfer application due to be considered later in 2025. 4.7 Members are asked to note that the currently deferred application from Friends of Barshaw Park for the Walled Garden has been withdrawn to allow for a feasibility study to be carried out, following a structural engineer’s report on the condition of the outbuildings which requires the project to be reprofiles, 4.8 The Sustainable Communities Fund currently has £411,534 of funding available for future allocation. This does not include the recommendations detailed within this report. A small number of applications are in the pipeline for review by the officer panel, and recommendations will be brought to board as we move forward. 5. Villages Investment Fund 5.1 The Villages Investment Fund supports investment in infrastructure and place- based projects supporting and strengthening the identity, heritage, uniqueness and integrity of villages across Renfrewshire. Supported projects are required to demonstrate tangible outcomes for our communities. 5.2 In line with the guidance, projects should have a core focus on: Making physical and environmental improvements to villages across Renfrewshire Promoting sustainable community use of spaces across villages Increasing levels of external funding being attracted into Renfrewshire to develop spaces and infrastructure across villages Encouraging the development of new partnerships across villages 5.3 Two applications were considered by the officer panel since the last Board in August 2025. In summary, the panel recommends the following:
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PUBLIC Approve an award of £25,000 to LEAP (Local Environmental Action Plan) to deliver a Community Hub, Charity Shop and Events Space in the High Street, Lochwinnoch. LEAP seeks to redevelop The Old Bank on Lochwinnoch’s High Street into a vibrant multi-use community hub. The Hub will provide opportunities for learning and skills development in areas such as repairing and repurposing goods, upcycling, cooking, and sustainable living practices. A key focus embedded throughout their approach will be to support local mental health and wellbeing, creating a thriving, connected, and greener community. The Community Hub will provide LEAP with a sustainable income stream through an on-site charity shop selling furniture and clothing. In addition, flexible spaces will be available to hire for local projects and workshops, including soap making, sewing, cooking, and other community-led activities. The group have already secured £44,000 to support the project from the Scottish Local Action Group’s Community Led Local Development fund (LAG CLLD). Not to approve an award of £4,800 to Inchinnan Development Trust to fund legal fees for the conclusion of the asset transfer of an area of land at East Beardmore, on the edge of Teucheen Wood. It is further recommended not to award funding to Inchinnan Community Development Trust for legal fees associated with the Community Asset Transfer of land neighbouring the community owned Teucheen Wood. The group had applied for £4,800 to cover their legal fees of their Community Asset Transfer. While it was recognised that the wider project relating to the communal greenspace and increased accessibility has wider community benefits, the panel considered an application for legal costs for an agreed Community Asset Transfer to not meet best value considerations. 5.4 £195,505 remains available to support future applications made through the Villages Investment Fund, which is broadly split 60% capital 40% revenue. This does not include the recommendations detailed within this report. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None 2. HR & Organisational Development – none. 3. Community/Council Planning – community funding supports engagement and collaboration with local communities on a range of activities which align with the new Council Plan 2022-2027; Our Renfrewshire Community Plan and/or Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero.
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PUBLIC 4. Legal - none. 5. Property/Assets – there are a number of applicants to this fund seeking to pursue community asset transfers, and where there are relevant property or asset issues these are covered as part of discussions at the officer panel. 6. Information Technology – none. 7. Equality and Human Rights – the Recommendations included within this report are considered to have a positive impact on equality and human rights. The fund continues to attract applicants seeking to make community assets more accessible for communities, for example in this round there are recommended awards to support disabled access and facilities in community venues, dedicated projects for older people, as well as a number of projects seeking to address poverty and socio- economic disadvantage faced within some local communities. 8. Health and Safety – none. 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk – none. 11. Privacy Impact – none. 12. Climate Risk – the Sustainable Communities Fund aligns with the themes within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the delivery of relevant projects will assist the local response to the climate emergency. 13. Childrens Rights – while there are no specific children’s rights implications associated with the recommendations, there are applications in the pipeline which seek to widen opportunities for children and young people to actively participate within their communities. 15. COSLA Policy Position – none. Appendix 1: Summary of applications with Officers recommendations ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Sustainable Communities Fund Guidance Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 – Sustainable Communities Fund APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR AWARD Name of organisation Project description Tier Application Amount Recommended Award Comments Life Church The Lighthouse Project aims to transform the 1929- 30 Henry Wilson Art Deco building at Paisley Cross, Paisley, Scotland, into a vibrant community hub featuring a café and public worship space. The funding sought from the Sustainable Communities focus on repairs to roofing of this historic town centre building and making it wind and watertight. This will enable Phase 1 of the project, which will deliver a vibrant, accessible community café and meeting space on the ground floor. The proposed funding relates to the works required for the public and community spaces within the building, with worship spaces forming part of latter phases of the project. The benefact fund have written a letter of support for the project and suggest that they will at least match the £100k investment from the Council. The organisation also raised the funds themselves to purchase the Henry Wilson Art Deco building. Large £100,000 £100,000 This application was previously deferred in order to explore the potential of the Council’s Town Centre Regeneration Funding being utilised to support this project. As that funding is not currently operational, it is recommended to award SCF funding in principle to allow the group to progress their project and secure their match funding. It is recommended for award subject to this external funding being secured to complete the initial phases of the project which will deliver a community hub which can evidence ongoing impact for the wider community,
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PUBLIC and will not be utilised to support faith based provision. This award is subject to the development of a Strategic Partnership Agreement, and a payment schedule will be agreed with the organisation based on agreed project milestones. Active Communities The group are seeking funding from the Sustainable Communities Fund to launch and pilot a mobile pantry service within Gallowhill. The Food Van will serve as a social supermarket and community services space, offering a mobile solution to address food insecurity, reduce food waste, and tackle wider social and cost of living challenges. A recent community needs assessment highlighted that access to food provision (particularly healthy food) was challenging, as shops are not easily accessible, either to walk to or to get around for those who are disabled. Due to constraints in bus provision, people need to get taxis to do their food shopping, which adds to their financial burden. There is also no current provision for community pantries. Large £31,878.91 (£24,978.91 Revenue, £6,900 Capital) £31,878.91
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PUBLIC To address these challenges, Active Communities will pilot a refitted mobile banking van as a food van, bringing affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food directly into the community. Beyond food provision, the food van aims to serve as a community space promoting social cohesion, well-being, and wider support. Alongside affordable food, the project will introduce financial resilience support, offering advice on issues such as utility bills and debt. Building on the successful model at Station 7 pantry, partners like Citizens Advice Bureau will be invited to deliver services directly through the van, bringing vital support into the heart of the Gallowhill community. It was noted that Active Communities have been successful in assembling a range of external funding sources to support this project, including the provision of the van and fit out, as well as significant ongoing running costs from Robertson Trust. Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners Broadloan Gardens Accessible Composting Toilet Installation The project will deliver a sustainable, fully accessible waterless toilet at Broadloan Gardens, addressing the current lack of facilities. This will enable more Small £8,769 £8,769 It is noted that the group have made enquiries to planning regarding the installation of the toilet, and award will be subject
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PUBLIC visitors – including families, elderly people, and those with disabilities – to enjoy the gardens comfortably and for longer periods. The installation will be carried out by professionals, supported by local volunteers to ensure smooth integration with the existing site. The new facility will remove a key barrier to participation, encouraging wider community use of the gardens for recreation, education, and wellbeing. Local schools, community groups, and visitors of all ages will benefit, while increased accessibility will promote social inclusion. The wider benefits include improving equality of access to green space, supporting outdoor events, and fostering a stronger, more welcoming community hub that reflects local needs and values. to any relevant planning conditions being met. APPLICATIONS - RECOMMENDED NOT TO APPROVE Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Recommended award Comments Johnstone Baptist Church Solar Panels Project Johnstone Baptist Church are seeking £6,000 funding to install solar panels in order to expand the opening hours of their building for a range of different community activities including their Wednesday foodbank and expanding to include after school activities for children and young people. Small £6,000 £0 An energy audit was carried out by officers on behalf of the organisation, but concerns were raised regarding the installation of solar panels on a single story building. The council has a policy of not
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PUBLIC Heating their premises is the problem as the electricity bills are extremely expensive despite a new wet electric central, new insulation and double glazing the cost to heat the building this last year was over £4,000 to be open two days a week. It should be noted the group revised the amount of their application down following a successful funding application to another external funder. installing solar panels on single storey buildings due to the risk of vandalism, and as such the application is not recommended for award as it does not meet best value considerations. APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN Friends of Barshaw Park The aim of the Garden Wall Project is to restore the yard behind the historic Walled Garden, ensuring the structural integrity of the wall and repurposing the space for meaningful use. The restored yard and buildings will create a vibrant, accessible space linked to the Walled Garden and Barshaw Park. A structural engineer has reviewed the site, and this has now given the Group a steer on what needs done with regards to structure of buildings. Large £49,945.80 Withdrawn At the last Board it was recommended that this application was deferred to allow for further consideration to be given to the report of a structural engineer relating to the structure and condition of the buildings. Further to this, the group have withdrawn their application to allow for a more detailed feasibility study to be carried out including the rescoping of the project.
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PUBLIC The group are exploring potential alternative external funding in order to progress this. Officers will continue to keep in contact with the group, who may choose to make a future application at a more appropriate time. Appendix 2 – Villages Improvement Fund APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR AWARD Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Applicatio n Amount Recommended Award Comments LEAP The Old Bank – Community Hub, Charity Shop & Events Space LEAP aim to create a vibrant multi-use hub at the heart of the village. The hub will serve as a space to Large £25,000 (£15,000 capital, £25,000 LEAP have a Letter of Comfort from the current owner of The Old Bank to proceed with a long-term lease and have appointed
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PUBLIC educate and promote environmental protection and sustainable practices, while also strengthening community connections and supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. To ensure long-term sustainability, the hub will generate income through a range of activities. These include operating a charity shop for furniture and clothing, providing hireable spaces for local makers, workshops, and community events, and developing an online shop to showcase local produce and crafts. LEAP will further hire out event equipment, rent the kitchen to local vendors, and offer the area for wider community use. £10,000 revenue) a solicitor to conclude the contract upon securing the necessary Funds. APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED NOT TO APPROVE Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Applicatio n Amount Recommended award Comments
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PUBLIC Inchinnan Development Trust Inchinnan Development Trust (IDT) is seeking to adopt an area of land bordering their community- owned historic woodland. The group requests funding to cover legal fees associated with the Community Asset Transfer of the area of land neighbouring the Woodland. The vision for the site is the creation of a new communal greenspace with accessible infrastructure and biodiversity improvements. The area will further offer wheelchair and pram users the opportunity to enjoy the community woodland. Medium £4,800 (revenue) £0 The Panel noted that the Community Asset Transfer was agreed on 11th November 2024. While it was recognised that the wider project relating to the communal greenspace and increased accessibility has wider community benefits, the panel considered an application for legal costs for a previously agreed Community Asset Transfer to not meet best value considerations.
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PUBLIC