Community Solutions Thematic Fund Year 2 (applications now open)
The Community Solutions Thematic Fund will be separated into strands: The Innovation Strand and Under Represented Areas Strand.
All applications must be submitted to thematics@vanl.co.uk
If you have any queries, please contact Gordon.watson@vanl.co.uk or marta.szczepanska@vanl.co.uk
Application A- Innovation Strand
This strand will aim to fund projects with new approaches to prevention and early intervention. Innovation can be defined in this regard as a project that is piloting an approach or aiming to extend its reach and/or focus. This can build on previous ideas. For example, an innovative project can build on a past project that had demonstrable impact with a specific approach, in a specific area or with a specific age group, by exploring how the approach can be applied to a new topic, or how it would work in a wider area, or with a new age group that has not been supported before. Often an innovation looks to improve the wellbeing of people in North Lanarkshire by filling a gap, address a key local priority or challenge.
Under this strand the following priority areas have been identified:
- Proactive engagement with vulnerable people
- Tackling loneliness and isolation
- Volunteer development projects
CVS organisations can apply for between £10k-30k.
Projects must run between 1st July 2026 and June 30th 2027.
Applications open 16th February and close 27th March 2026
Application B- Under Represent Areas Strand
In a recent analysis of funded projects across all VANL held funds in addition to conversations with other funders, it was identified areas within two localities VANL receive limited applications which VANL would like to support- these being the Northern corridor area of the North Locality and the surrounding villages of the Airdrie Locality.
With the aim of strengthening supports for the residents of both of these areas this strand seeks applications for dedicated projects within these two areas. Priority activities within this stand will take the same approach as the innovation strand:
- Proactive engagement with vulnerable people
- Tackling loneliness and isolation
- Volunteer development projects
But must demonstrate a clear tailoring of the proposed project to meet the needs of one of these two communities.
CVS organisations can apply for between £10k-30k.
Projects must run between 1st July 2026 and June 30th 2027.
Applications open 16th February and close 27th March 2026