INVERCLYDE Council’s Warm Hand of Friendship fund has opened for applications.
It gives one-off grants to community organisations for projects during the winter months.
Sixty initiatives ranging from safe warm spaces and activities to hot lunches and live music groups received money last winter.
A total of £120,000 has been earmarked this year with grants of up to £3,000 available.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “Winter can be a difficult time for people with the cold weather and short days making them feel more isolated.
“Giving this money straight to community groups means it goes where it’s needed and where it can have the biggest impact.
“This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re delighted to open the fund again for new applications and know it will make a real difference to people.
“We’ve had very positive feedback over the last few years with people saying what a big difference it’s made to go somewhere warm, get a hot drink or food, and to be with other people.”
A community celebration and information workshop on the fund is taking place on Friday 10 October from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Port Glasgow Community Hub (King George VI Building).
The event will let community organisations hear about funding available for winter 2025, share learning and experiences from previous Warm Hand of Friendship projects and work together to explore how best to engage and how to communicate activities more widely so that everyone who could benefit knows what is happening.
Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided and all are welcome. Previous applicants, community groups, and anyone with an interest in supporting their community are encouraged to attend. Click here to register attendance.
Closing date for applications is Monday 27 October with funds distributed in late December. To apply, click here.
Warm Hand of Friendship was first established in 2022. In September 2024, councillors agreed to commit £120,000 per year for the next three years from the council’s Anti-Poverty Fund meaning the project will continue to support communities until March 2027.
