Just to Let You Know That the Office Will Be Closed from 16:30 Tuesday 27Th March Until

March 2018

Well here we are, nearing the end of March already. Hopefully we have seen our quota of snow for this year, but being West Lothian, you never know!

Just to let you know that the office will be closed from 16:30 Tuesday 27th March until 09:00 Tuesday 3rd April.

The Bank of Scotland Foundationsupports people and their local communities across Scotland.

2018 Small & Medium Grants deadline is April 6th at 12 noon.

Weston Anniversary Fund – For 60yrs the Trustees of Garfield Weston Foundation have supported local charities across the UK.

The Co-op Local Community Fund – Opening its next round of funding applications. Deadline 8th April 2018.

New National Lottery Funding – A new fund is available to help community groups runs events and projects for young people – Grants £3000 to £10,000 are available.

School for Social Entrepreneurs is currently scouring the country for 20 Social Entrepreneurs who want to grow their income and impact in the coming year. Jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland and the Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Trade Up Programme, it can offer a comprehensive package of support including a learning programme, match funding of up to £5000, plus mentoring and support.

There is no cost to participants to enter the programme, which operates on three levels – Start up, Trade up and Scale up. Each Level comes with tailored support programmes and outcomes. To find out more about the programme and which level your organisation qualifies for, click the link.

Over the last year Senscothas been involved with a number of highly productive and enjoyable Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs).

The visits, which are fully funded, offer a great opportunity for like-minded community groups and social enterprises to make connections, share knowledge and showcase best practice.The Scottish Government has renewed the funding for CLEs for the next year at least.

To apply click the link:

Senscotis really keen to organise Community Learning Exchanges focusing on how social enterprises have approached sustainability and business growth in relation to community food activity and would love to hear from any SEs interested in hosting or participating in a visit.

Please contact Mary at for more information.

Community Enterprise has announced the winners of its ‘Brand for Growth’ competition, designed to identify five social enterprises in a position to grow their capacity through high-quality investment in their brand.

View the winners here:

The Brock Garden Wood & Craft Centre in Broxburn is on the lookout for volunteers. If you are interested, know someone that might be, or would like more information, please contact Emily on 01506 771 731 or email . You can also visit their website here

If you have any queries, upcoming events or good news stories you’d like us to share on our Twitter, Facebook page, website or newsletter please get in touch with either myself or Fiona.

Fiona at

Angie at

Hope you all have a lovely Easter!