Community grants open for applications

Community groups, sports clubs, and local events across the Stewartry are being invited to apply for a share of almost £50,000 in council funding for 2026/27. Stewartry Area Committee met yesterday morning to agree the allocation of £49,579 across four priority areas — sport, youth, key facilities, and community galas and events — with applications set to open in the coming weeks. The biggest single allocation is £26,000 for key facilities, available to community-owned and managed buildings and facilities that contribute to the wellbeing of the area and increase social interaction. Groups can apply for grants of up to £4000, with awards delegated to the lead officer in consultation with local ward members. School buildings and transport are not eligible under this particular fund. A total of £10,579 has been set aside to support local galas and community events. Three of the area’s most popular civic celebrations have already been earmarked for direct support — Castle Douglas Civic Week, Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities, and Dalbeattie Civic Daze will each receive £2500. A further pot remains open for expressions of interest, with grants of up to £500 available for other local events, community gatherings, music events, and competitions. Sport is also well supported, with £7000 allocated to Stewartry Sports Council to distribute among individuals and clubs for training, coaching, and development. Applications should be made directly through the Stewartry Sports Council website, with a deadline of June 2026. A £6000 youth fund will support young people aged 12 to 25 in accessing youth development activities, with £2000 available per ward across the three Stewartry wards — Dee and Glenkens, Castle Douglas and Crocketford, and Abbey. The priorities were identified at a members seminar held on March 27, where elected members discussed the key issues and events across the Stewartry area. Members also agreed a two-year approach to the process, covering both 2026/27 and 2027/28, to ensure applications can open without delay following the local government elections in May 2027.