Applications open on today, 19 October, for Irvine-based groups to bid for grants of up to £5,000.

Grassroots community groups, voluntary organisations and charities are being encouraged to submit proposals that help shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Funded through the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme – a 10-year, £20 million initiative – the scheme is intended to put local decision-making in the hands of communities.

Phase 1 delivery funding was provided to North Ayrshire Council earlier this year to launch the Regeneration Plan, overseen by the community-led Our Irvine Neighbourhood Board. Irvine is one of 24 Scottish towns awarded £20 million under Pride in Place. Over the next decade, Our Irvine will work with residents, businesses and partners to deliver tangible improvements across the town.

-- Advertisement --

This new grant pot is solely for revenue support for new projects that contribute to the priorities set out in the 10-year Irvine Regeneration Plan.

Priority will be given to local not-for-profit grassroots organisations, voluntary bodies, third sector groups, community interest companies (CICs) and registered charities operating in areas of greatest need.

A spokesperson for the Board's Community Fund Working Group who developed the fund and its application process said: "The Irvine Grant is designed to give our communities the chance to bring their ideas into reality, a fund designed for the community, by members of the community. It has been designed to put local communities, groups and projects at its heart and we are excited to see the applications come in."

Grants of up to and including £5,000 (revenue funding only for new projects) are available. The application window opens on Monday 19 October 2026 and closes on Sunday 22 November 2026.

Projects, activities and services must be delivered in Irvine. Priority will be given to not-for-profit grassroots groups, voluntary organisations, third sector groups, CICs and registered charities. Existing posts or projects already under way are not eligible.