COMMUNITY groups and organisations in Cowal and Bute could receive grants of up to 5,000 through a new Argyll and Bute Council funding scheme.
Applications have opened for the councils new Area Committee Priority Fund, which will distribute 200,000 across Argyll and Bute during 2026/27.
Each of the councils four area committees has been allocated 50,000, meaning 50,000 will be available through the Bute and Cowal Area Committee for projects responding to local priorities.
Applicants can normally seek grants of up to 5,000 towards new or existing projects, although requests for larger sums may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
The fund was established as part of Argyll and Bute Councils budget in February, with the money coming from its Priorities Investment Fund.
Applications can come from community groups, organisations and individuals, with proposals expected to demonstrate how they will benefit their local community.
Projects must contribute towards at least one of the councils priorities, which include empowered and resilient communities; attracting families to Argyll and Bute; housing, economic growth and population; transport, infrastructure and digital connectivity; the environment; sustainable service delivery; and speaking up for Argyll and Bute and its communities.
Cowal ward Councillor William Sinclair, the councils Policy Lead for Community Planning and Corporate Services, said the fund was intended to give communities an opportunity to turn local ideas into action.
Our communities know their areas best, and this funding is an opportunity to support local ideas and projects that can make a real difference, he said.
Whether it is helping an existing project develop further or supporting a new idea to get off the ground, we want to hear from anyone who has plans that will benefit their community.
With 50,000 available in each of our four areas, I would encourage anyone with an eligible project to take a look at the criteria and submit an application.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by Sunday, October 25, after which they will be considered by the relevant area committee.
Application forms and full eligibility criteria are available through Argyll and Bute Councils website. The councils published information confirms that applications to the Area Committee Priority Fund are assessed against its distribution guidance and grant criteria by the relevant area committee.
