North Ayrshire's community groups bag £160k in funding

A total of 153 community groups in North Ayrshire were awarded a share of £160k from the council's Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund.

Over £53k was awarded to 44 Irvine-based groups and a generous £15,100 was divided amongst 14 Kilwinning groups.

Meanwhile, Arran's community organisations bagged £6200; Garnock Valley groups received £23,985; Three Towns bagged £32,825 and North Coast and Cumbrae groups were awarded £22,541 from both the 'Arts and Culture' and 'Localities' funding pots.

Due to covid restrictions, this year's applications were not subject to a public vote, but the process will be reviewed for future PB rounds.

Now in its sixth year, the PB fund helps community projects and organisations to make a positive difference in their communities.

Rhona Arthur, North Ayrshire Head of Service of Connected Communities said: “We are absolutely delighted that so many community groups have benefitted in the council’s first round of PB funding for 2022.

“Thank you to all who had their say and decided on where the money would be best spent. I have no doubt that each of the successful applicants will use their allocation to better their communities and look forward to seeing how we can work together to develop more opportunities to ‘Shape North Ayrshire’ and build stronger, resilient and more connected communities.”

Visit the Community Planning Partnership website here: Participatory Budgeting in North Ayrshire – North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership for more information on Participatory Budgeting and other ways you can have your say to improve and enhance local community services in your area.