In 2025 VANL reviewed and relaunched the Community Solutions Thematic Fund, taking on feedback from consultation events with partner organisation across the local community and voluntary sector shaping how the fund would look. 

A key piece of feedback received consistently by the Community Solutions team throughout the consultation period was the need for longer term funding to allow organisations to deliver more effective projects. As a result, over the last few months while in discussion with University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire around the approach to this year’s funding, we would like to share the approach we are taking:

Stage 1- Year One Extension Funding Stage: On 8th December 2025 all projects funded under the two main stands of the fund (Innovation and Volunteering) were contacted with the offer of applying for an additional year of funding for their projects. Applications submitted by these organisations have been assessed by a panel in the same way they were in year one, however focusing more on the progress and impact made by the project being delivered currently. Decisions for this stage of the fund were made on 4th February, with decisions being communicated to organisations week beginning 9th February, with funding award letters and payments schedules issued to successful applicant’s week commencing 23rd February.

Stage 2- Year Two Application Stage: Once stage 1 projects have been awarded, applications will be opened in the same format as last year’s fund on 16th February. The amount of funding being made available will be announced at the same time and applications will close on 27th March. Decisions for this stage of the fund will be made 11th and 13th May with these decisions being communicated to organisations week beginning 25th May, with funding award letters and payments schedules issued to successful applicant’s week commencing 1st June.

This stage of the fund will take an updated approach based on emerging needs within the sector, with the Innovation Strand being retained to support the piloting of new projects, but also with an additional strand supporting the development of projects in two areas which VANL receive limited applications from across all Community Solutions funds which VANL would like to support- these being the norther corridor area of the North Locality and the surrounding villages within the Airdrie Locality.

With the aim of strengthening supports for the residents of both of these area’s 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.

If you have any queries, please contact:  Gordon.watson@vanl.co.uk or marta.szczepanska@vanl.co.uk

Community Solutions will be hosting an information session on the fund Wednesday 18th February, please use the button below to sign up for the event.