How To Apply

 

2026 Application Deadlines

Application Deadline	Outcome Expected
23rd February (Round 1)	Late April 2026
25th May (Round 2)	Late July 2026
21st September (Round 3)	Late November 2026
4th November (Round 4)	Late January 2027

 

What Can Carrick Futures Fund?

Carrick Futures can support charitable activities that support the rural regeneration and sustainability of Ballantrae, Colmonell & Lendalfoot, Barr, Barrhill, Dailly, Pinmore & Pinwherry, Girvan & District and Carrick. 

You can read our full fund strategy here.

Awards can support a wide range of costs and activities.

Carrick Futures’ aim is to support and strengthen communities across South Carrick. It supports activities and opportunities that create thriving places where people want to live, work, raise their families and grow old.

Carrick Futures has six strategic priorities to support this purpose. Funding will be used to support initiatives that

 

Improve access to public services, education and recreation
Tackle inequality, including poverty and disadvantage
Support good health and wellbeing
Provide support and/or opportunities for children and young people
Support the sustainable development of community led assets
Foster climate smart approaches that protect and promote our environment

These priorities are underpinned by a community wealth building approach which provides a proportionate response to local priorities in relation to jobs, business and the local economy.

These examples are not intended to be exhaustive. If applicants are unsure as their fit with the Fund, seek advice from fund administrator Foundation Scotland.

Applicants must normally fulfil the following conditions to apply to the fund:

• The proposal is for projects or activities consistent with the charitable purposes of Carrick Futures;
• Applicants have a constitution (governing document or set of rules) and are set up on a not-for-private-profit basis. However applicants do not need to be registered charities to apply.
• Applicants must provide their latest set of accounts and a copy of a recent bank statement. 

How Much Can My Group Apply For?

Two levels of awards are normally available for activities that benefit the local community. The amount and type of information required from applicants differs depending on the size of application being made.

Small grants: £1,000 - £5,000
Standard grants: £5,001 - £50,000
 Apply online here. 

Large grants: £50,001 and above. There is a two-stage application process for large grants. An initial enquiry form must be completed. The Board will review the enquiry and agree whether to invite a full application to future rounds.  

Awards can be multi-year in nature, normally up to a maximum of 3 years. If the total request exceeds £50,000, an initial enquiry should be made using the large grant process outlined above.

A micro grant scheme, for awards up to £1000, is also available and administered directly by each of the Community Councils in the area of benefit. Please contact your Community Council directly for further details. Guidance for Community Councils is also available on the News page.

Any Exclusions?

Awards cannot support the following types of activity:

• The advancement of religion or party politics (including requests to support the core activities of religious or political groups)
• Activities understood to be the primary responsibility of statutory authorities, including teaching equipment in schools.
• Projects benefiting primarily residents outwith the Area of Benefit (determined by the Community Council boundaries)
• Activities contrary to the interests of the six main communities or any of the companies or donors contributing to the fund
• Activities likely to bring Carrick Futures, Foundation Scotland, the six main communities or any companies or donors contributing to the fund into disrepute
• Anti-renewable energy or anti-windfarm activities
• Retrospective funding (i.e. paying for costs incurred before a decision on an application to the fund for support can be made)
• The repayment of loans or payment of debts.

Decisions of the Board are final and there is no right to appeal. Projects that are not awarded a grant cannot be re-considered for the same project for at least one year and new information cannot be considered after a decision has been made.

We welcome pre-application enquiries. For further advice or information on Carrick Futures or to discuss your project proposal informally, please contact the Foundation Scotland team on grants@foundationscotland.org.uk before applying, to confirm the project is eligible.