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Participatory Budgeting funding applications open soon!

2026 PB funding applications are opening soon graphic

Do you run a local community group which has previously received funding through the Council’s Participatory Budgeting fund? Or, do you know of one who could do with a boost and a little helping hand?

If so, the Council’s Connected Communities team – part of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership - is delighted to announce that Participatory Budgeting is back!

Applications open on Monday 17 August and there’s £82,157 funding up for grabs!

The funding this year will be used to support projects with the following themes as part of a new streamlined Community PB fund, open to projects across North Ayrshire and from all age groups.

Themes for the applications include:

  • Community Action
  • Greener Communities
  • Community Innovation
  • Local Ownership

The new criteria, application guidance and application form will be available soon on the Shaping North Ayrshire website.

Community and local organisations can apply online between Monday 17 August and midnight on Sunday 6 September 2026.

Participatory Budgeting is based on an ethos of ‘it’s your money, you decide’. It is a type of citizen participation where local people are involved in the process of deciding how public money - in this case the Council’s PB budget - is best spent. This year the funding also includes a contribution from the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Quote: Our residents know better than anyone else which projects will be the most beneficial to them in their local communities, so it is only fair that they have a direct say on how money is spent. From art and youth projects to community sports, after school clubs, conservation initiatives, adult learning and spaces for community connection, the £690,888 PB funding distributed over the past five years has had a lasting impact, supporting a host of community initiatives and organisations. We are however very aware that there will be local community groups and organisations out there who haven’t had the chance to benefit just yet and it is so important to us that we make sure that no one is left behind. By getting involved in our participatory budgeting cycle, the Council look forward to working together with residents and the groups supporting our communities to raise their profile, provide support and build a thriving North Ayrshire for all.​

Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands

To find out more projects that have been successful in previous funding cycles, check out the Shaping North Ayrshire website #ShapingNorthAyrshire

Published: 06 August 2026

Communities and local democracy
Communities and local democracy
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