Winter Connections community programme grant funding 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 between October and March.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 2 October 2025 16:12

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 materials, 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: “Winter Connections is a much-loved programme that brings people together in our communities through fun social activities. Over the last three years, it has helped to build friendships, support people to learn new skills and reduce isolation during the winter months.

“Community groups and voluntary organisations are the backbone of this programme, with the Council providing funding that enables them to do more of what they do best. With the cost-of-living remaining high, these free local activities continue to provide people with connection and support during the colder months.

“This year’s programme will continue to build on the strong foundation we have here in Renfrewshire and I’d encourage local groups and 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 where possible, along with the organised activities
• 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 2026.

Apply for the Winter Connections Fund via www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

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

Latest Renfrewshire News

Winter Connections community programme grant funding 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 between October and March.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Paisley shortlisted for Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year 2025

Paisley has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year Award, recognising the town's ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation.

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.

New community space opens at the heart of Ferguslie Park

A vibrant new activity and community space has officially opened within Ferguslie Park in Renfrewshire, transforming a long-term vacant area into a welcoming hub for local people.

Nominations sought for Community Councils across Renfrewshire

Local people are being encouraged to become part of their community councils as elections take place in five towns and villages in Renfrewshire.

The Bungalow is a musical home from home for rocker Davey

Rock star vocalist Davey Pattison spent 40 years performing in arenas and stadiums all over America.

Annual recruitment event returns to Braehead Shopping Centre

On Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th September, Braehead Shopping Centre will host its 3rd annual recruitment event.

Online radio chat show going from strength to strength

When Rachael Smith started hosting her weekly chat show 'Buddie Talk' on Paisley Radio back in March this year, she never envisioned that it would take off quite as much as it has.

Award winning show Stuntman comes to Paisley Arts Centre

Award-winning Scottish company SUPERFAN will bring their high-octane smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show Stuntman to Paisley Arts Centre on Wednesday 17th September!

Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025

Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction

M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.

A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.

Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party

It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!

Winners of the 2025 Love Paisley Star Awards unveiled

The winners of this year's Love Paisley Star Awards have been announced.

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

Young people bring colour to Paisley through new murals

Young people have created three vibrant new murals to transform an area of Seedhill, Paisley.

Iconic buildings across Renfrewshire set to welcome visitors for Doors Open Days 2025

Spectacular venues from across Renfrewshire will welcome visitors as part of this year's Doors Open Days.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

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

Winter Connections community programme grant funding 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 between October and March.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings