Application deadline for PB extended until Fri 20 Sep
Posted on 12 Sep 2024
Do you run a local community group which has previously received funding through the Council’s Participatory Budgeting fund? Or, do you know of one who could do with a boost and a little helping hand?
If so, the Council’s Connected Communities team – part of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership is delighted to announce that Participatory Budgeting is back and the application deadline has been extended until midnight on Friday, 20 September!
Applications opened at the end of August for the fund with £171,377 funding up for grabs! Community organisations and local groups looking for a helping hand are encouraged to apply.
The funding this year will be part of two funding cycles:
- Locality PB: Health and Wellbeing, Building Community Spirit, Cost of Living, Green Projects
- Youth PB: Youth Voice and Rights, Health and Wellbeing, Cost of Living, Green Projects
The criteria and nominations form can be accessed via the Shaping North Ayrshire website: Shaping North Ayrshire (communitychoices.scot)
Participatory Budgeting is based on an ethos of ‘it’s your money, you decide’. It is a type of citizen participation where local people are involved in the process of deciding how public money - in this case the Council’s PB budget - is best spent.
Rhonda Leith, Head of Service for Connected Communities said: “Our residents know better than anyone else which projects will be the most beneficial to them in their local communities, so it is only fair that they have a direct say on how money is spent.
“Participatory Budgeting does just this, however we are very aware that there will be local community groups and organisations out there who haven’t had the chance to benefit just yet so if you have a project or are part of a group in our six localities, please take the time to apply before the deadline. Everyone is welcome.
“Thank you to everyone who has submitted applications so far.
“By getting involved in our participatory budgeting cycle, the Council look forward to working together with residents and the groups supporting our communities to raise their profile, provide support and build a thriving North Ayrshire for all.”
Applications can be made online at: via the Shaping North Ayrshire website.
Applicants should ensure that they read and understand the criteria for each application as applications will be reviewed against this before voting opens in October 2024.
Applications that do not meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ and ‘What We Will Not Fund’ will not progress to the public vote #ShapingNorthAyrshire
To find out more projects that have been successful in previous funding cycles, check out the Shaping North Ayrshire website #ShapingNorthAyrshire