There are a range of funders for both community projects and for individuals.

Please check their website / Facebook page for criteria and eligibility.

Glenkens & District Community Fund

Distributes funds from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Ltd (Blackcraig wind farm) and Greencoat (Windy Rig wind farm).

  • Main grants from the fund can support projects located within or directly benefiting people in the following community council areas: Balmaclellan, Balmaghie, Carsphairn, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael & District, Dalry, Dunscore, Glencairn, The Royal Burgh of New Galloway and Kells Parish and Parton. Find out more about this funding from Foundation Scotland.

  • Glenkens & District Community Fund also provides small grants directly available from each of the Community Councils in the area of benefit, and you can contact your Community Council directly to find out more. Find your Community Council here.

  • You can read more about the awards made by GDT here on its website.

GDT Apprentice Fund
GDT Funding
GDT Driving Fund
GDT College Fund

Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund

Set up in 2010, CREFL administers community benefit funds given annually to Carsphairn by the owners of Windy Standard wind farms (Fred Olsen Renewables), Wetherhill windfarm (Scottish Power Renewables), Windy Rig (Greencoat) and South Kyle (Greencoat) .

  • The money is distributed in the form of grants to help finance projects which will benefit the community; and assist inhabitants of the parish to continue their learning through further education.

  • See geographical restrictions and how to apply at www.carsphairn.org/CREFL

Third Sector D&G

Collates a weekly funding bulletin. Sign up for emails or view on their website - www.tsdg.org.uk.

Community Led Local Development

The next round of the Community Led Local Development Fund in Dumfries and Galloway is now open with £524,891 available.

This funding programme is available to charities, constituted community groups, co-operatives, public sector organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, community interest companies, and community benefit societies based within the region.

The fund outcomes in this round are:

  • Supporting community facilities and eligible organisations to contribute to the achievement of net zero.

  • Sustaining, improving and adding initiatives in rural communities that are most isolated, most disconnected, most in need of investment or most likely to experience inequalities.

  • Helping communities to address the cost-of-living crisis and eradicate poverty for individuals and families.

  • Enabling communities to carry out research, community needs assessments and feasibility studies as part of local place plan development.

The Small Grant Programme is open for applications up to £10,000 with £200,000 of revenue and £50,000 of capital. The Main Grant Programme is for applications from £10,001 to £30,000 with £224,300.56 of revenue and £50,590.74 of capital.

The successful projects will run between August 2026 and March 2027. The deadline for applications is Monday 1st June at 12 noon.

The fund is administered by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway. A Local Action Group (LAG) made up of representatives from the third, public, and private sectors decides what applications are successful.

Guidance and how to apply at: https://www.tsdg.org.uk/clld/

Glenkens Community Shop

  • All money raised from the shop in Dalry goes back into our community.

  • Pop in to the shop (Main Street, Dalry) to find out how to apply for funding.

  • See the Glenkens Community Shop page for opening times.

Glenkens Community Shop Grant May 26

Natural Power

Supports projects in the local community - get in touch if you have something in mind by emailing sayhello@naturalpower.com.

D&G Woodlands

Administers the South of Scotland Tree Planting Grant Scheme

  • Planting project of less than 0.25ha that will enhance the landscape and biodiversity of the Dumfries and Galloway region and contribute to improved public amenity.

  • See their Facebook page for updates or contact McNabb Laurie on 07538 798837 or mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.

Dumfries and Galloway Council Grants

Please see the Council Grants page for the last information on available grants: https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/council-elections/grants-funding

Holywood Trust

The Holywood Trust is a charitable organisation, founded in 1979, which aims to help young people aged 15 – 25 years old across Dumfries & Galloway. It gives grants to individuals and organisations, creating opportunities for young people in the region. See more at www.holywood-trust.org.uk

Robertson Trust

The Robertson Trust is the largest independent grant-making trust in Scotland. Our vision is for a fair and compassionate Scotland where everyone is valued and able to flourish. We fund and support organisations working to alleviate poverty and trauma in Scotland. We also inform and influence the sector, stakeholders and decision-makers, sharing our knowledge, solutions and networks. Find out how to apply at www.therobertsontrust.org.uk

Galloway Association of Glasgow

The Association was formed in 1791 as The Glasgow Galloway Brotherly Society, evolving into today’s independent charitable trust. Today the Association supports non-commercial good causes within Galloway, particularly the arts, education, non-commercial groups and individuals. Grants are given to projects that benefit the community, groups or individuals. More details from www.gallowayassoc.org.uk

Lorimer Bequest

The Governors of the Stewartry Educational Trust invite applications for small grants under the terms of the Lorimer Bequest, “for the education and general benefit of young people in the Royal Burgh of New Galloway and Parish of Kells.”

Persons who received a grant previously are not excluded from applying this year provided they meet the criteria and are under 25 years of age. The total amount available in this fund for distribution each year is fixed at £293.

The closing date for applications is the first Wednesday in March. Decisions for award on applications received are made in May each year.

Application forms are available by emailing TrustApplications@dumgal.gov.uk or contacting: Clerk of the Governing Body, Council Offices, Daar Road, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JG.

Business Gateway

Business Gateway is a free service that provides one-to-one business support, training, and advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Dumfries and Galloway. Website: https://www.bgatewaydumgal.com/