Now open for applications
The Third Sector Community Support Fund is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year. The fund supports projects and services delivered by third sector organisations that help address key priorities for communities across West Lothian.
Funding priorities
Projects must address one or more of West Lothian Council’s five priorities:
-
Raising educational attainment
-
Strengthening care and support for children, adults and older people
-
Investing in skills and jobs
-
Helping to create strong and sustainable communities
-
Tackling homelessness, poverty and inequality
You can view West Lothian Council’s full Corporate Plan on their website.
Applications that focus primarily on employment support (under Investing in skills and jobs) must demonstrate support from the Local Employability Partnership (LEP). Projects may also link to other priority areas.
Focus on areas of multiple deprivation
The fund continues to prioritise support for the most vulnerable communities, particularly those within the bottom 20% of Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) data zones.
Most of these areas fall within the six Community Planning Partnership Locality Plans. Applications should support delivery of these plans in one or more of the following areas:
-
Armadale
-
Boghall / Bathgate
-
Bridgend
-
Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley (Addiewell, Fauldhouse, Polbeth and Stoneyburn)
-
Livingston (Deans, Carmondean, Knightsridge, Dedridge, Ladywell and Craigshill)
-
Whitburn and Blackburn
Projects that support communities through the cost of living crisis will be a key consideration in funding decisions.
Funding available
-
Funding is available for new projects or services delivered between
1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027 -
Applications can request up to £50,000 per organisation
-
Consortium bids may apply for more than £50,000 and will be assessed based on:
-
Added value for money
-
Clear benefits of collaborative delivery
-
Applicants are encouraged to show how this funding will support wider service delivery, including how it complements other funding sources. While there is no fixed match funding requirement, match funding will be considered as part of the assessment process.
Support with your application
Support and advice on completing the application form is available from the Community Wealth Building Team.
To arrange support, email: regenerationteam@westlothian.gov.uk
How to apply
The following documents provide full details on eligibility, criteria and how to apply:
All applications must be completed in full and submitted with the required supporting documents by:
Sunday 22 February 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
For any questions about the fund, please contact:
RegenerationTeam@westlothian.gov.uk
For more information and to view previous awards, visit the West Lothian Council website.
