Glasgow Communities Fund
*Now Closed*. Glasgow City Council first introduced the Glasgow Communities Fund (GCF) in October 2020. It supports organisations in delivering diverse activity programmes at city-wide and local levels.
The latest phase of the Glasgow Communities Fund (2026-2029) closed for applications on 7 April 2025. Applications are made directly to Glasgow City Council, where application guidance documents can also be found.
At GCVS, we can help support eligible organisations with their application.
Who can apply?
This Fund is open to community and third-sector organisations that deliver locally within Glasgow. They must engage local people in the design and development of services to meet their needs. These can be new or established services.
For full application guidance and to apply to the fund, please visit:
www.glasgow.gov.uk/glasgowcommunitiesfund
For questions about applications to the Glasgow Communities Fund or any technical issues relating to applying to the fund, the Council’s Grants Team can be contacted at cesgrants@glasgow.gov.uk
Practical support with your application
Our support with application reviews and surgeries has now closed. However, helpful FAQs and a recording of our information sessions with the Council grants team are available on their website under the ‘How to Apply’ section.
Speak to one of our team for guidance with your application. Follow the link to book an appointment for a 1-to-1 surgery.
Have one of our team look over your draft as a ‘critical friend’ and receive helpful feedback before submitting your application.
You can watch a recording of our recent session, with advice and tips to help strengthen your funding application.
Questions Related to Climate and Human Rights
Are you struggling with application questions which ask you to demonstrate your commitment to climate action, human rights, and equalities? This doesn’t require you to be experts. Consider the policies you have put in place, training for staff and volunteers, and day-to-day activities that can be highlighted. The funder wants to hear what you are doing now and your future plans.
Please review the guidance below to find practical, realistic examples for your organisation.
Human Rights & Equalities
- GCF Fund Guidance, pages 6 and 7, include examples on this topic
- THRE’s Fundraising resource here on their website includes practical examples for grant applications. Enter your details to download. Use the FREDA principles (fairness, respect, equality, dignity, autonomy) and think about what you do with service users, board members, staff and volunteers.
- THRE offers training on human rights and equalities including both online and on the TSI Learning Portal – details here on their website.
- THRE discusses a human rights and equalities approach to fundraising and how to address application questions in their webinar – visit their website or YouTube to watch a recording.
Climate Action
- GCF Fund Guidance, page 8, includes various ways your organisation can take action (energy, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable transport, community adaptation) and examples.
- Visit climateconfident.scot to explore a list of action areas to consider for your organisation.
- GCVS offers a list of climate resources tailored to organisations in Glasgow. Take the headings from this and consider examples for your organisation.
- If you’re not already, consider joining the Glasgow Climate Action Network or their mailing list. Partners of the Glasgow Climate Action Hub run regular training and events. Could you connect with them? Are you planning to develop a climate policy?
This advice is based on the experience and judgment of our colleagues; however, it does not guarantee success.
The deadline for applications to the Glasgow Communities Fund (2026-2029) is: 12 pm midday on 7 April 2025.
Keep up to date
Updates on the Glasgow Communities Fund, as well as important dates and reminders, are shared through our newsletter and social media. Please follow @GlasgowCVS on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn, X and BlueSky.
Please also visit our support page for advice and guidance on your funding and income strategy.
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