Falkirk Council has launched its new Community Cohesion Integration Fund, which aims to support organisations within the Falkirk Council area to promote and include Falkirk New Scots within their existing activities taking place between April 2026 and March 2027.

From Falkirk Council:

“The term “New Scots” includes people who have been granted refugee status or another form of humanitarian protection, and their dependents, people seeking asylum and people seeking protection as a result of displacement, exploitation or political persecution, as well as those whose application for asylum has been refused, but who remain in Scotland. It also includes people who are or may become stateless and in need of international protection.

- Why is it important that we support Falkirk New Scots to integrate into our communities?

“Community members play a key role by building empathy and understanding for the experiences of New Scots, promoting social cohesion, and addressing issues like discrimination. By breaking down these barriers, Falkirk can create a more welcoming environment where newcomers can thrive and contribute to society.

“We believe that communities know what’s best for themselves – and what they need to improve the quality of life for residents where they live. The fund wants to capture that local ambition and aspiration. The fund encourages local people to become involved in delivering activities and social infrastructure that are important to them.”

Who Should the Funding Reach?

The funding should target the following priority groups who are New Scots in Falkirk District communities; New Scots can be:

resettled refugees through the Home Office resettlement Scheme
asylum seekers: those in dispersal or contingency accommodation through the Home Office
refugees who have been granted leave to remain following an asylum application
displaced persons who are seeking refuge in the UK, eg. displaced persons from Ukraine

The fund wholly focuses on supporting New Scots to integrate to their local communities, and the sustainability of any activities that groups and organisations intend to deliver. This may be in a variety of ways and benefits, though Falkirk Council is keen to hear activities that focus on the following key areas:

improving English
learning about local community
cultural
building relationships and intercultural bonds
pathways to employment
building and breaking down barriers for intercultural communities
improving health and mental wellbeing
sustainability

Please note that activities can cover multiple of these areas, and are not restricted to one.

Funding Criteria and Eligibility

Funding is available for project costs up to £20,000 for new or existing projects.

To qualify, a minimum of 25 sessions of activities is required and at least 25% of attendees must be Falkirk New Scots. Successful applicants must allow Falkirk Council to attend and observe their funded activity at least once in the April 2026 – March 2027 period.

Groups who can apply for the Resettlement Fund include:

constituted groups or clubs
registered charities
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs)
not for profit companies
Community Interest companies (CICs) with no private benefit

Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. While faith-based organisations may apply, Falkirk Council cannot fund the practice of religion, or any activities which actively promote religion or belief systems. It cannot also fund activities which are exclusive to only those who practice that religion.

If an application funding is successful, during the term of the funding, Falkirk Council will be able to support and assist the group with any complications, barriers and guidance they may need.

Application Deadline and Timelines

Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Friday 27 March 2026.

The panel will review applications by Friday 3 April 2026. Outcomes will be communicated by email, and payments processed starting from Monday 13 April 2026; this timeline allows successful groups time to organise and promote their activities, with funding expected to reach groups before the end of April 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, or for further information (including all guidance, and monitoring details), please visit the dedicated Community Cohesion Integration Fund page (linked for your convenience).

Alternatively, for guidance or support in completing your application, please contact the Refugee Resettlement team at Falkirk Council by email: refugeeresettlement@falkirk.gov.uk

Please note that CVS Falkirk & District is also available to support local groups with applications to this and other funds; you can contact our team by phone: 01324 692000, or email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk