14. DirAppr - FINAL - Combined DCSC 2026 CIF report plus appendix- 20.05.26.docx
North Ayrshire Council · 2 June 2026
Back to Cabinet — 2 June 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 2 June 2026 Cabinet (Education) Title: Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure Purpose: To determine applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Reviews the application from Garnock Valley Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Dalry Community Sports Club (see Appendix 1). 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Local Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. In June 2021, Cabinet approved a further £1m top-up for the funding, with a further £2m added in November 2021. 1.2 Locality Partnerships have subsequently continued to work on their local action plans and refining proposals for expenditure in line with their locally identified needs. It is a testament to the dedication of the Locality Partnerships and their community partners that proposals continue to emerge to provide creative approaches to addressing local challenges. 1.3 This report brings forward proposals which respond to the specific needs of the local community, and which have been developed based on local circumstances and opportunities. 2. Background 2.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Locality Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. A further £3m was added to the funding in 2021. A summary of the current position on disbursement of CIF monies is summarised in the table below:
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION 2.2 It was agreed that the CIF awards would range between £5,000 and £100,000 for community organisations, as defined in the CIF guidance, in order to support proposals and projects that connect with: • The North Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan overarching aim of North Ayrshire: Fair for All, with consideration for how applications contribute to community support for the cost-of-living crisis; • The Community Planning Partnership and locality priorities; • North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities, and business objectives; and • The Community Wealth Building and Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategies And will also: • Fulfil a compelling need and not duplicate existing services or facilities. • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon requests) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. 2.3 The proposal development and application process has been agreed as follows: • Locality Partnerships should continue to engage with their communities and stimulate interest in the CIF. Each Locality Partnership will then strategically Locality Value of CIF from first funding allocation (2017-18) Expenditure to date Value of CIF from second funding allocation (June 2021) Value of CIF from third funding allocation (Nov 2021) Total balance available Irvine £754,000 £1,146,010 £290,000 £580,000 £477,990 Kilwinning £286,000 £438,060 £120,000 £240,000 £207,940 Three Towns £598,000 £1,318,000 £240,000 £480,000 £0 Garnock Valley £390,000 £601,103.04 £150,000 £300,000 £238,896.96 North Coast £468,000 £935,761 £170,000 £340,000 £42,239 Arran £104,000 £125,079 £30,000 £60,000 £68,921 TOTAL £2,600,000 £4,564,013.04 £1,000,000 £2,000,000 £1,035,986.96
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION access the applications, make links, and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid, then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form, which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. 2.4 The enclosed application at appendix 1 has been developed by community partners and North Ayrshire Council officers and are now recommended for approval by Cabinet. The application is summarised below. 2.5 The Garnock Valley Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Garnock Valley Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £840, 000 Garnock Valley Mens Shed - Project Initiation £28,000 Travel Needs Analysis £25,000 Geilsland Hall - Volunteering and Employability £45,000 Garnock Valley 20:20 Vision £15,000 Beith Community Development Trust - YOUth Lead £43,500 Garnock Valley Mens Shed - Heating System Replacement £20,000 Café Solace - Development Worker £49,723 Geilsland Courtyard Feasibility Study £15,582 Beith Playpark £100,000 Beith Community Association £22,098.04 Garnock Valley 2023 Development Worker £51,200 Beith Hive £41,000 Radio City Association £65,000 Beith Trust - 3G £80,000 Balance £238,896.96 2.6 Proposal: Dalry Community Sports Club (£100,000) (See Appendix 1) 2.6.1 Dalry Community Sports Club, established in 2007 and incorporated as a SCIO in 2014, was originally focused on increasing participation in sport and leisure through supporting existing local activities and developing new opportunities. Over the past seven years, the organisation has broadened its remit to address wider community challenges, particularly social isolation and food insecurity. This shift included the introduction of free food provision within activities and events, for example Park Lives. In response to rising need and in alignment with North Ayrshire Council priorities, the organisation established a Community Larder in November 2020, alongside a Warm Space initiative. The group is also progressing a Community Asset Transfer of Dalry Public Park pavilion. 2.6.2 In addition, the organisation seeks to create training and employment opportunities, support skills development, and strengthen community cohesion through partnership working, engagement and the promotion of civic pride. Overall, its work contributes
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION to building a more inclusive, resilient and connected community in the Garnock Valley. 2.6.3 The group is seeking funding to support the development of community allotments and associated infrastructure on land adjacent to Dalry Public Park. This includes the creation of raised growing beds and plots, establishment of a shared community growing space, and the development of an educational area to support learning and skills development. Funding will also contribute to essential site works and equipment, enabling accessible, sustainable use of the space, as well as supporting the creation of additional playing fields and activity areas to enhance opportunities for sport, recreation and community engagement. The group will ensure that all consents and approvals required are in place prior to work commencing, including agreement of a change of use for the land if required. From a land use planning perspective, use of land for community or health purposes is likely to be supported in principle subject to detailed assessment in a planning application if it is confirmed to be required. 2.6.4. The proposal aligns with Garnock Valley Locality Partnership priorities by supporting ‘Work and Local Economy’ through skills and employability opportunities, ‘enhancing Facilities and Amenities’ via community growing space and recreational provision, and supporting ‘Moving Around’ by increasing access to inclusive local spaces. Additionally, there are close links to both the recently prepared Our Garnock Valley Local Place Plan and the North Ayrshire LOIP by enhancing community facilities, promoting health and wellbeing, creating skills and employability opportunities, and strengthening community connections while addressing inequality and social isolation. In addition, the project will align with the development of North Ayrshire Council’s Good Food Plan and become part of the food system and local growing network. 2.6.5 Match funding of £58,000 has been secured to support the project. Dalry Community Sports Club has 19 years’ experience of operating as a community organisation and registered charity, with established governance and financial management arrangements, including the preparation of annual audited accounts and multi-year financial projections as part of its Community Asset Transfer activity. Provision has also been made for the longer-term sustainability of the project through the introduction of modest membership fees, ongoing fundraising activity, and the pursuit of additional external funding opportunities. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: a) Reviews the application from Garnock Valley Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Dalry Community Sports Club (see Appendix 1). 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION 4.1 CIF funding is allocated from within existing resources. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The purpose of Locality Planning is to reduce inequalities, increase community cohesion and advance community empowerment. Each of the CIF proposals is tested against that purpose before being presented to Cabinet. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 Environmental and sustainability along with climate change and carbon reduction opportunities are considered in relation to each CIF application. This proposal supports recycle and re-use principles. Key Priorities 4.6 The proposals contained within the report support the North Ayrshire Council Plan strategic aims. • To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people. • We will have active, inclusive, and resilient communities. • A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising investment and focusing resources towards our priorities. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The applications support the following pillars of community wealth building: • Financial Power: Listening to communities and local enterprises to maximise the impact of financial investment and grow local business, enhance innovation and empower communities. • Land and Assets: Maximising the function and ownership of local physical assets for the benefit of communities and enterprises. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 None. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 The proposals support the rights of children and young people through offering better access to facilities, in particular supporting the right to play and the right to be part of their community.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Consumer Duty 4.10 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 The proposals contained within this report have been developed by the Locality Partnerships, through consultation with local people, including young people. David W. Hammond Executive Director (Communities & Housing) For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on 01294 324415. Background Papers Appendix 1: CIF Application Dalry Community Sports Club
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP The CIF will support proposals and projects that: • Connect with: o the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and Locality priorities; and o North Ayrshire Council’s (NAC) values, priorities and business objectives. • Fulfil a compelling need and do not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. When to apply and how? • LPs should continue to engage with their communities, and stimulate interest in the CIF. The Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form (attached), which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The finalised proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. • Forms should be returned to your Locality Officer, by email if possible: Christina Pieraccini Locality Officer - Garnock Valley Connected Communities North Ayrshire Council Walker Hall 45, Main Street Kilbirnie KA25 7BX Tel: 01505 680203 Mob: 07966 160854 Email: cpieraccini@north-ayrshire.gov.uk For more information see the guidance form here: http://www.northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/sites/60/2018/06/community-investment-fund-guidance-notes-17-12-17.pdf
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 1. Details of your organisation Name of Organisation Dalry Community Sports Club Postal Address for Correspondence Name of Contact Person Allan McGinlay Position in Organisation Chairperson Telephone Number Email Address Total amount of funding requested: £100,000 Match funding (if any): £58,000 ( confirmed ) 2. Brief description of your organisation Please include its legal status, aims and objectives, activities or services provided and how long it has been in existence. Dalry Community Sports Club was formed in 2007, and became a SCIO in 2014, where our early years helped to encourage participation in various sports and leisure activities. This was achieved primarily through supporting individuals and groups with their existing activities, and with new initiatives driven by ourselves. The last 7 years has seen us looking at opportunities to help address both the social isolation and food deprivation issues that exist within the community. Initially, we did this through offering free food through our activities, like Handball, which quickly progressed to free activities and food at our Park Lives events, both at Dalry Public Park during the summer period, and at Dalry Primary School over the winter. The COVID pandemic saw this need accelerate greatly, and for the need for us to align with North Ayrshire
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Councils priorities, where we formed our Community Larder in November 2020, which was thereafter complimented by our Warm Space initiative. Purposes “The organisation has been formed to benefit the community of Dalry, recognised as being those living within the KA24 postcode area (“the Community”) with the following objectives: 3.1 To advance public participation in sport in Dalry and the surrounding area by promoting and providing opportunities for a wide range of sporting and leisure activities in an accessible manner to all groups of people and to improve the fitness and health of the persons for whom the activities are intended. 3.2 The promotion for the benefit of the public of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation in Dalry and in the surrounding area by all or any of the following means: (a) The prevention of poverty and the relief of financial hardship by using DIGNITY principles to provide food security to those who need it most and are being disadvantaged due to unemployment, low income, lone parent, health, and social standing. (b) Advancement of environmental protection by reducing food waste and encouraging sustainable development. (c) Advancement of physical and mental health and wellbeing by improving health outcomes, improving emotional wellbeing and promoting social inclusion through acting as a community focal point, and by promoting access to key support such as money advice, credit unions, housing, health, employment and skills. (d) The creation of training and employment opportunities through the provision of facilities, buildings, and/or land for use on favourable terms and for the advancement of education, training or retraining, particularly among unemployed people, and those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities:
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP (e) Bringing the community together through engagement, partnership, collaboration and co-operation and by fostering community spirit and encouraging civic pride. (f) Promote the health and wellbeing of the residents of the area and to work together as residents irrespective of age, sex, ethnicity, ability, religion or political view.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 3. Title and summary of proposal Tell us about your idea. Please describe in as much detail as possible, what the funding will be used for. Please include: • where it will be held / delivered • who is your target audience • who will benefit from it and how • any partners that are involved. Dalry Community Allotments & Playing Fields Community Allotments / Playing Field – We have recently entered into an agreement with DSM to lease a large field adjacent to the public park for a community allotment space, additional playing fields and possibly a community orchard. We see the introduction of our Community Allotments project as a continuation of our journey, in looking for opportunities that will help address some of the issues within our community, including, social isolation, food deprivation, mental health & wellbeing, and in so doing so help towards building a stronger sense of community in which people want to be involved. Our community allotments with comprise of 3 areas – 1. Plots / beds for lease of various sizes to attract an income to support the running costs. Phase 1 has the potential of 120 raised beds and can be divided into a number of plots, to be determined by the expressions of interest we receive. Initially this will be through Open Days, Social Media, and local advertising as appropriate. GV Allotments have offered their support here, where they have experience of multi-plot sizes, and is reflective of the bandwidth of experience across their plot owners. 2. Community area, where people will be able to come together, free of charge and utilise the area to both grow, and give away free, vegetables, and also provide a safe space that allows social interaction. 3. Educational space – provide the opportunity to invite, schools, kids, people who are interested in growing vegetables, and share knowledge / skills of the various aspects of growing your own vegetables. In this space we would also look to include North Ayrshire Council’s Community Learning and Development ( CLD ) Team, who we already have a relationship with through some of our other activities, and would look to continue to build on this. These 3 areas will help us maximise the opportunity to reach across our community and attract people into all areas of the allotments, and therefore we would look for
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP the participation rate to be healthy. If there was looking to be a potential shortfall in uptake, then we would look to open up the opportunity for people outwith the KA24 postcode area. On discussion with other allotments, this is a common theme, especially initially until people find something more local to them. The Government have produced a 25 Year Environment Plan, acknowledging that connecting people to their environment will also improve their health and well-being. Various studies have shown that every 10 per cent increase in exposure to green space translates into an improvement in health equivalent to being five years younger. The many benefits associated with allotments include : 1. Growing food can work towards a healthier, wealthier and more environmentally sustainable community, with low-cost healthy fresh fruit and vegetables. 2. Bringing people together, and providing the opportunity for social engagement, and some physical exercise, helping to improve loneliness and social isolation. 3. The opportunity for people to share their skills and knowledge and for the community to realise that benefit where people now want to get involved. 4. There`s a growing awareness of the role that gardening plays in both preventing and alleviating mental ill-health. Many allotment gardeners tell us that nurturing plants and contemplating nature makes them feel calmer and more hopeful. 5. Gardening can also help to maintain good gait and balance in older people and helps with cognitive decline. 6. Time outdoors in the sun can also help build up your vitamin D levels 7. An allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop 8. Allotment can be all year round, where the allotment holders experience the seasons, witness the behaviour of birds, insects and other animals and gain an understanding of the eco-system. This appreciation of the natural world also has the potential to inspire more environmentally aware behaviour by themselves and their children. Playing Field – DCSC are in the final stages of the CAT process in relation to the sports pavilion in Dalry Public Park. As part of our lease agreement with DSM, this will see us create a number of football pitches / sports / activity areas which will be supported by the sports pavilion, which we have already renovated to include, both changing and welfare facilities. We recognise the positive benefits that various outdoor activities can have on people’s physical health and wellbeing, and the importance to provide multiple opportunities across a variety of activities to help realise this. Partners to Date 1. Colin Bratt, DSM Director Finance and Business Support
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 2. Graeme Harrison, DSM Solicitor, Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP 3. Eric McMillan, McMillan and Cronin Architects 4. Ian Briggs, J & J McCosh Solicitors, DCSC Solicitor 5. Antony Hume, North Ayrshire Planning 6. Christina Pieraccini, Locality Officer, North Ayrshire Council 7. Heather McVie Branley, Community Development Worker, North Ayrshire Council 8. Roy Banks, Highland Forestry Services Ltd 9. Robet Miller, R&L Miller Ltd 10. Garnock Valley Allotments 11. Dalry Community Larder 12. Dalry Thistle Football Academy 13. Garnock Rugby Club Future Partners & Potential 1. Dalry Primary School 2. St Paladius Primary School 3. Dalry Community Garden 4. Dalry Action Group 5. Dalry Community Association 6. CEIS Ayrshire Skills and Training
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 7. What difference will this project make within the locality and to local services and programmes? Please include: • The outcomes you aim to achieve • How you will approach reducing inequality • How this proposal fits with the Locality Partnership priorities of 1. Moving Around (Public Transport, Traffic and Parking) 2. Work and Local Community 3. Facilities and Amenities Click or tap here to enter text. Dalry Community Sports Club, along with Partner Groups, has recently been recognised by the Provost and all Elected Members of the Garnock Valley for their contribution in the preparation and completion of the Garnock Valley Place Plan, which clearly sets out the aspirations for the Garnock Valley Locality through the collective working of community groups, the third sector businesses, local and national governments, to enhance the sense of place and improve its economy. We see our Community Allotment / Playing Field Project as clearly aligning with the aspirations within the plan, specifically chapters 8 & 13 ( pages 47-49 ), and in particular where we need to enhance the sense of Community life, and maximise the benefits that are associated with better utilisation of our Parks and Outdoor Spaces. Improvements to Parks and Outdoor Spaces, was 1 of the 8 Calls to Action that were agreed by the Locality Partnership. These additional facilities / amenities would help provide opportunities for people to come together, with a range of benefits, including, socialisation, mental health & wellbeing, exercise, education, sharing skills & knowledge and learning opportunities, overall enhancing the opportunity for Community Wealth Building. Our proposal helps to meet the 5 pillars of community wealth building in terms of : Piller 1 - progressive procurement - using local businesses for the works. Pillar 3 - Use of Land and assets - maximising land use, and Piller 5 - Diverse ownership. Dalry Public Park is at the Heart of our community, where we see our Project with its extension into the DSM field, as an excellent opportunity to bring back some of those benefits enjoyed by previous generations, who had both a more outdoor lifestyle and enhanced sense of community – ultimately, a more active community with better health and wellbeing outcomes, more social inclusion and a greater community pride.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP We are looking to utilise a portion of the products grown to also support our Community Larder, where it has become more difficult to source volumes of products from local Food Retailers in relation to “best before” and “use by” dates, with Retailers utilising their own initiatives to sells these with store. Allotments can have a surprisingly deep impact on a community, especially when designed with inclusion and participation in mind. Reducing inequality One of the biggest differences community allotments make is improving access to fresh, affordable food. The Garnock Valley, which includes Dalry is in an area with above average levels of deprivation and where people may struggle with the cost of living or lack access to healthy produce. Allotments give residents the opportunity to grow their own fruit and vegetables which reduces food expenses and can help address “food deserts,” where supermarkets or fresh options are limited. Allotments also help create a more equal playing field socially. It is planned to allocate plots at low cost (or free), meaning people from different income levels can participate. From our relationship with GV Allotments, we know that they charge £30 per year for a plot and £12 for a single raised bed outwith that plot. We would look for our costs to reflect this, and together with our free Community Beds area, cover the needs of our participants. Beyond food, community allotments offer access to green space—something that is often unevenly distributed, with lower-income communities generally having less access to safe, well-maintained outdoor areas. Dalry is one of only three towns in North Ayrshire to fall below the Fields in Trust (FIT) standard for open spaces and the development of the allotments and playing fields will help create additional outdoor space for community use. Supporting volunteering and community engagement Allotments naturally encourage volunteering because they rely on shared effort. Residents may volunteer to maintain communal areas, organize planting schedules, run workshops, or support new gardeners. This creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to their community. DCSC have been in contact with Dalry Primary School who are keen to involve some of the older pupils in the project works. Volunteering in this context is also highly accessible—no formal qualifications are needed, and people can contribute as much or as little time as they’re able. This can be particularly valuable for retirees, young people, or those seeking to build confidence, skills, or social connections. Over time, it strengthens community bonds and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the local area. GV Allotments have
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP been very generous is sharing the learning and experience that they have gain since creating their own allotments, and are keen to extend this, into all aspects of what we need to do to realise our own project, and in particular around the initial phases required to get us started, including, recruitment for plots & plot sizes, membership criteria, rules / code of conduct / practice, water entrapment ideas, solar power for re-chargable equipment, and volunteer commitments for community spaces and general running criteria. We would expect the project to run initially with volunteers, however as it grows and develops, then there may be recruitment opportunities in the future for staff like Development Workers or Activity Co-ordinators. We will continue to review these potential opportunities on a regular basis. We have a strong, dedicated and flexible Volunteer base, who cover a variety of activities and functions, including, our Community Larder / Warm Space ( including food pickups and associated admin tasks ), our Community Cinema, Sports Pavilion Activities, Parklives, various Community Events ( incl Skirt the Skeith, Party in the Park, Kids Sports Day ) Meetings / Planning, Funding and our current Allotments / Playing Field Projects. Across the year, our Volunteers contribute to cc4000 hours volunteering time, which would equate to a £50,840 wage bill against the minimum wage if that resource was employed. Moving forward, we will see this increase as our Volunteering commitment to our Allotment Project grows. We are very proud of this contribution to our community. We will also ensure that safe working practices are embedded into everything that we do, and that all volunteers and customers are aware of the relevant risk assessments for the site and are adhered to, flagging any issues as appropriate. Improving local amenities The community allotments will effectively transform the currently underused and underutilised land into vibrant, productive spaces. This will improve the visual appeal of the area and can increase feelings of safety and wellbeing. It is also envisioned that the allotments will evolve into a broader community hubs, offering amenities such as seating areas, tool libraries, composting facilities, and spaces for events or education. Future plans include hosting workshops on gardening, nutrition, and sustainability, adding informal learning opportunities that benefit the wider community and helping support Dalry Community Larder, further extending the reach as a public resource. Overall impact The creation of community allotments goes beyond gardening—they promote
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP fairness by improving access to resources, empower residents through volunteering, and enhance local amenities. Together, these changes help build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 8. What engagement has taken place in relation to the project? Please include the number of people who have been engaged with or consulted as well as the range of people. This project was initiated pre COVID, and has run in tandem with our CAT journey for the Sports Pavilion, which is currently at the Officers Assessment stage. The Pavilion is a key part of our strategy to support both the allotments and the playing fields. There have been various engagement opportunities over this period where we have taken the opportunity to share our vision, and have included, Stalls at Community Windfarm, Dalry Farmers Show, Carvers Event, Dalry Motor Show, Party in the Park, Parklives, Garnock Valley Place Plan Event and also through our Community Larder / Warn Space, Community Cinema Events. We have also successfully secured the appropriate planning authorisation, having navigated that journey, including, the appropriate consultations and objection opportunities, as part of that process, with the support of our architect and North Ayrshire Council Planning. Our Project has also been specifically recognised through the Garnock Valley Place Plan process. All of these interactions have meant that we have engaged with a varied demographic across our community. We have visited other allotments and spoken to their members to ensure that we can learn from their experiences to safeguard the success of our project. Additionally, we have also held discussions with Dalry Thistle academy coaches and representatives from Garnock Rugby Club to align our vision with their requirements
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 9. How will the project be managed? Please include: • How the finances will be managed • Does the proposed project contribute to volunteering or employment opportunities in the Garnock Valley? Please include the number of volunteering opportunities and employment opportunities • If there are any staff requirements, please outline your HR plans Click or tap here to enter text. DCSC has been in existence for 19 years, over which time we have build up a very good knowledge of the financial requirements of an organisation and a charity, which is required to submit it’s audited accounts yearly. Our CAT journey for the sports pavilion has also seen the need for us to produce 3 year financial projections. These requirements have given both our Treasurer and Vice Treasure, a very good understanding of the financial management required for this project. DCSC aims to use funds efficiently by: • Sourcing affordable or donated materials • Using volunteer labour where possible • Investing in long-term assets (like durable tools or irrigation systems) They are also plans for future sustainability, such as small membership fees, fundraising events, or additional grants to maintain the allotment after the initial funding ends. DCSC has compiled a budget showing how the funding will be used to ensure that the money is clearly allocated and aligned with the project’s goals, such as labour costs, purchase of materials planning costs, etc. A clear approval processes for purchases will be maintained to ensure all expenditure is in line with the project priorities All receipts and invoices pertaining to the project will be retained to maintain accurate financial records. This ensures accountability and builds trust with the funding provider.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP DCSC will: • Track spending against the original budget • Produce financial reports showing how money has been used • Provide evidence of impact (e.g., number of plots created, volunteers involved) This will help demonstrate that the funding is being used effectively and for its intended purpose. The aim is for the allotment users to form a managing committee which will help decide priorities and approve any further plans. This will ensure that the plot holders are at the forefront of decision making and that their needs and priorities are being met We have been approached by a number of people who are looking to get involved as a volunteer across various aspects of the project. DSM have also offered the opportunity for their Apprentices to get involved, and we will also be looking to utilise local businesses with the various construction stages. We will also be looking to engage with North Ayrshire Council’s Social Care Partnership to utilise it’s Community Payback Order scheme as appropri 10. Amount of funding being requested Please supply details of funding being requested and any other funding you have had over the past 5 years, both financially and “in kind”. Amount of funding requested (£100,000) Click or tap here to enter text. Please give a breakdown of cost and recent quotations where appropriate. Item Cost Quotation Supplied (Y/N) Deer fencing, carpark,roads & paths 52,680.00 Kissing Gates 1,800.00 Field Gates 1,200.00 Soil / Compost Storage Bays 11,700.00 Composting Toilet 3,395.00 Containers x 4 21,621.60 Water Containers (12x1000ltrs) 2,520.00 Raised Beds (60) 15,000.00 Compost for Raised Beds 8,100.00
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Topsoil for Raised Beds 6,480.00 Power (Solar / Wind) 3,600.00 Poly Tunnel ( 20ft x 30ft ) 2,714.40 Tools / Equipment 3,000.00 Pitch Lining Machine 440.40 Goal Posts ( 8 x 24 ) 3,840.00 Goal Posts ( 7 x 21 ) 3,600.00 Goal Posts ( 6 x 12 ) 1,440.00 Nets ( 8 x 24 ) x2 76.80 Nets ( 7 x 21 ) 36.00 Nets ( 6 x 12 ) 28.80 Corner Flags ( 12 ) 192.00 Football/Rugby Goals 4,092.00 Fencing around Pitch Areas. 500m 19,200.00 Hand Wash Station 360.00 Ride on Mower 3,840.00 Rainwater Harvesting 3,000.00 Hedgerows and Trees 1,200.00 Signage 480.00 CCTV / Security 480.00 Surveys 6,388.80 Architect Fees and Planning 10,500.00 Please give a breakdown of details of match funding (if any) Funder Amount Funding Secured (Y/N) Mental Health & Wealth 20,000.00 Y Postcode Lottery 10,000.00 Y ASDA 3,000.00 Y Shared Prosperity Fund 25,000.00 Y Click or tap here to enter text.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GARNOCK VALLEY LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 11. Monitoring and evaluation process Please include detail on the monitoring and evaluation processes planned or in place. Monitoring and evaluation are essential to make sure the allotment project is achieving its aims (such as reducing inequality, increasing volunteering, and improving local amenities) and using funding effectively. DCSC will set this up in a structured but practical way: Monitoring (ongoing tracking of progress) Continuous monitoring will happen throughout the project and focus on collecting regular data. DCSC will: • Track participation levels: number of plot holders, volunteers, and visitors • Record usage of the site: how often plots are used, attendance at events or workshops • Measure outputs: number of plots created, amount of food grown, number of community activities delivered • Financial monitoring: checking spending against the budget to ensure funds are used correctly • Surveys and feedback: asking participants about their experiences, skills gained, and wellbeing • Case studies: collecting personal stories that show how individuals have benefited (e.g., improved diet or reduced isolation) • Before-and-after comparisons: for example, comparing the condition of the land or levels of community involvement before and after the project • Impact on inequality: assessing whether the project reached targeted groups or improved access to affordable food and green space Reporting to stakeholders Findings from monitoring and evaluation are shared with: • The funding organisation (to show accountability) • The local community (to maintain transparency and engagement)