Grant funding for Winter Connections community programme reopens

Community groups and voluntary organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council to enable them to put on activities for local people from October to March.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 24 September 2024 14:51

Winter Connections is a network of local places and spaces across Renfrewshire where people can connect with others in their community during winter. Events and activities are open to everyone and guarantee a warm welcome.

The £75,000 fund is open to local groups and organisations who can offer a community venue, run an activity, or would like to open up their existing activities as part of Winter Connections.

Groups and organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to cover costs such as energy, providing food, staffing or cleaning.

However, the fund is not open to groups arranging one-off activities or events, or projects that charge people for taking part.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: “The Winter Connections programme has brought people together in a positive way over the last two years and I’m pleased to see this important community-led programme return.

“Community groups and voluntary organisations are the heart of our communities and essential for local people. The cost of living continues to remain high and enabling people to join free activities in their local area really helps people to feel connected to their communities during the cold winter months.

“People have told us they enjoy the programme and how much it has helped to reduce isolation, make connections, learn new skills, and get advice and support if they needed it. This year’s programme will build on the wonderful work that’s gone before. I would encourage community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for funding now.”

Projects applying to the fund should be:

• open, free and easy to access
• inclusive, welcoming, respectful and safe
• able to offer warm drinks/snacks/food along with activities, where possible
• able or willing to provide connections to other services and supports.

Applicants must also have a written constitution, bank account and be able to demonstrate an understanding of what their local community currently needs.

Awards will be made from mid-October, and the fund will remain open until all available funding has been used. Guidance on the funding is available on the Council’s website and anyone considering applying is encouraged to get their applications in as quickly as possible.

Any grant received from the fund must be spent by the end of March 2025.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Lights on in Linwood

Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.

Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service

This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire

Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.

Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley

The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire

A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine

A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.

Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community

The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.

Erskine lights up for Christmas

Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!

Johnstone shines bright this festive season

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley

Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Renfrew lights up for Christmas

Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley

Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment

A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas

Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.

Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas

Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

Grant funding for Winter Connections community programme reopens

Community groups and voluntary organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council to enable them to put on activities for local people from October to March.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings