Making Our Communities Better Places Fund
We’re thrilled that you’re interested in the Making Our Communities Better Places Fund! This fund is all about supporting and uplifting our local communities in North and East Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. Whether you’re looking to start a new project, enhance existing services, or bring people together, we’re here to help you make a positive impact.
What is MOCBP?
The Making Our Communities Better Places Fund was set up by Cunninghame Housing Association back in 1999 to support social and economic development in North and East Ayrshire. In 2019, we expanded it to include Dumfries & Galloway. Each year, we have £30,000 available to help make our communities better places to live.
What are the aims?
Our main goal is to benefit the communities where we operate. We want to:
- Encourage community development and active citizenship.
- Promote public participation in sports.
- Provide recreational facilities and activities.
- Support equality and diversity.
- Protect and improve the environment.
- Help people in need due to age, health, financial hardship, or other disadvantages.
- Support the arts, heritage, culture, or science.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for funding, you need to:
- Be a not-for-profit community group or organisation.
- Have legal permission to carry out your project, e.g., liability insurance (if required).
- Show a clear link to the aims of the fund.
- Applicants must demonstrate how their organisation, group, or project will deliver a clear benefit to a community within which CHA operates, with preference given to initiatives that provide a direct impact for CHA tenants.
- Funding is intended to support small-scale projects and locally led groups, including tenant or resident organisations and other community based initiatives that contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our tenants and their wider communities,
Funding will be allocated proportionally based on Cunninghame Housing Association stock levels:
- North Ayrshire: 65%
- East Ayrshire: 20%
- Dumfries & Galloway: 15%
How much can be applied for?
You can apply for a maximum of £1,000 over one financial year.
Sports clubs and sporting activities: Maximum award of £500.
Successful applicants can receive funding for a maximum of 2 out of 3 consecutive years. For example, if funded in 2026 and 2027, your application will not be considered in 2028.
What can the fund be used for?
The fund can be used to support a wide range of activities. You can apply for funding to start a new project, enhance existing services, or even buy items that will help your group carry out its business. Whether it’s equipment, materials, or other resources, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
What won't be funded?
- We won’t support routine costs like salaries or repairs.
- Generally, we won’t fund individuals unless they can demonstrate a clear benefit to the wider community.
- We won’t provide funding to privately owned or profit-making companies.
What to do if successful?
If your application is successful, there are a few things you’ll need to do:
- Spend the agreed funding within 12 months.
- Provide evidence of how the funds were spent and how they benefited the community.
- Agree to let us use details of your project in our publicity materials and annual reports
- To receive funding, successful applicants must attend a cheque presentation and photography opportunity in person. Groups may also be asked to participate in future to showcase how the funding has been used, either through attending in person, giving a short presentation, or providing video footage.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge CHA’s support in any publicity relating to the project. This includes referencing CHA in social media posts, press releases, promotional materials, and any other communication relating to activities or events funded through this grant.
Application timeline
- Application Window: 2nd to 23rd October
- Review Period: 23rd to 30th October
- Notification to Applicants: 3rd November
- MOCBP Showcase Events: 18th to 26th November