The Community Empowerment Fund (part of the broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund or UKSPF) is a community capacity building initiative that aims to boost local community projects across the Falkirk area. The 2023-25 UKSPF Community Empowerment Grant was extremely successful with 88 grants totalling £525,488 distributed to local third sector organisations to support the delivery of a range of activities and initiatives.

Building on the success of the 2023-25 programme, Falkirk Council has confirmed it will continue to provide a Community Grant Programme in 2025/26:

Capital Facilities Improvement Grant: Up to £15,000 capital funding towards projects that result in the creation or significant improvement of a building/facility owned or controlled by a non-profit, community benefit organisation. Applications must be submitted before 11.59pm on Sunday 1 June 2025.
Small and Start-Up Grants: Funding to deliver new or expanded services within our communities, including activities, events and volunteering opportunities. Small Grants offer up to £5000 funding, whilst Start-Up is up to £2000 funding. Applications must be submitted before 11.59pm on Monday 30 June 2025.

As the programme is time limited, all funds will be allocated from a single round of grant applications and awards in the coming weeks.

To support you in the application process, Falkirk Council Communities Team will be hosting a UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Grant Information Session at The Tryst Community Centre, Park Drive, Stenhousemuir, Larbert, FK5 3BB, on Thursday 15 May. This is a drop-in session with Falkirk Council staff available from 1pm – 8pm to answer any questions and provide advice on submitting an application for this funding.

For further information, please visit the Falkirk Council website, or contact the Communities team by emailing: spf.communities@falkirk.gov.uk.