Winter Connections community programme grant funding reopens

Community groups and voluntary organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council to enable them to put on activities for local people between October and March next year.

Winter Connections is a network of local places and spaces across Renfrewshire where people can connect with others in their community during winter. Events and activities are open to everyone and guarantee a warm welcome.

The £75,000 fund is open to local groups and organisations who can offer a community venue, run an activity, or would like to open up their existing activities as part of Winter Connections.

Groups and organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to cover costs such as materials, energy, providing food, staffing or cleaning.

However, the fund is not open to groups arranging one-off activities or events, or projects that charge people for taking part.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: “Winter Connections is a much-loved programme that brings people together in our communities through fun social activities. Over the last three years, it has helped to build friendships, support people to learn new skills and reduce isolation during the winter months.

“Community groups and voluntary organisations are the backbone of this programme, with the Council providing funding that enables them to do more of what they do best. With the cost-of-living remaining high, these free local activities continue to provide people with connection and support during the colder months.

“This year’s programme will continue to build on the strong foundation we have here in Renfrewshire and I’d encourage local groups and organisations to apply for funding now.”

Projects applying to the fund should be:

• open, free and easy to access
• inclusive, welcoming, respectful and safe
• able to offer warm drinks/snacks/food where possible, along with the organised activities
• able or willing to provide connections to other services and supports.

Applicants must also have a written constitution, bank account and be able to demonstrate an understanding of what their local community currently needs.

Awards will be made from mid-October, and the fund will remain open until all available funding has been used. Guidance on the funding is available on the Council’s website and anyone considering applying is encouraged to get their applications in as quickly as possible.

Any grant received from the fund must be spent by the end of March 2026.

Apply for the Winter Connections Fund (Renfrewshire Council).