Are you working with a youth group, community group or project use funding from North Ayrshire Council to make a difference to the lives of young people in your community?
If so, the Council is inviting local youth and community groups to bid for participatory funding for community youth projects, but the deadline is fast-approaching!
Local groups and organisations can apply until midnight on Sunday 16 October, for their chance to access funding for youth projects across the Garnock Valley, Irvine, Kilwinning, Three Towns, Arran and North Coast localities.
All part of the latest round of the Council’s Young People’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) scheme, those applying have the chance to secure up to £1,000 per project.
The scheme re-opening signals a vital opportunity for local people to have their say about where public money is best spent.
Local people know the needs of their communities better than anyone else, so the Council’s Connected Communities Teams are looking forward to hearing what North Ayrshire citizens have to say.
Alison Chalmers, Community Development Worker commemnted: “So many groups are already reaping the benefits of funding from the last Youth PB round, where an incredible 4,726 young people cast their votes to help 97 youth projects across North Ayrshire who had their share of a £97,500 windfall. So don’t miss out!
“If you know of a youth, community group or organisation or local project or club making a difference to young people, tell them to apply today and put them on our radar so that they too can benefit.
“Youth PB is welcoming applications from all North Ayrshire youth and community groups and will deal with each application individually and on its own merits. Good luck everyone!”
Funding applications can be sent in by individuals, clubs, groups, and Parent Councils and should fit with at least one of the following themes:
- Health and wellbeing
- Poverty and inequality
- Voice and participation
- Climate challenge
The closing date for submissions is before midnight on Sunday 16 October 2022. Application forms can be completed online here: Youth PB 2022 Application Form (office.com)
If you are looking for guidance before applying, the Council are running an online support session to help submit your Youth PB applications, this will take place on Zoom on Thursday 15 October 7pm until 8pm. If you would like to take part email: youthpb@north-ayrshire.gov.uk in advance for further details.
If you’re not bidding for funds, you can still play an important role by voting for the projects that you believe will best use the funding.
Voting is open to all eight to 25-year-olds who live in North Ayrshire and will be officially opening on Friday 11 November, with the vote going live on the Young Scot website on the same day. Voting will close at 12noon on Thursday 1 December 2022.
Access to the online voting platform will be through your Young Scot National Entitlement Card – or you can obtain a temporary number to vote by emailing youthpb@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
There will also be the opportunity to vote in schools and youth groups.
To find out more about North Ayrshire Council’s Participatory Budgeting schemes, visit www.northayrshire.community/get-involved/participatory-budgeting-in-north-ayrshire.
It’s your money, you decide!
