Renfrewshire youth to decide on new community project funding

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-20 09:59 2 min read

Collection of I Voted stickers scattered on a clean white surface.

Young people in Renfrewshire are once again being handed the reins to shape their own communities as the ‘Celebrating Renfrewshire’ fund opens for the 2026/27 cycle. The initiative, which puts decision-making power directly into the hands of residents aged 12 to 25, has officially entered its application phase.

Following an extensive consultation process, local youth have identified five core priorities that will dictate where funding is directed this year: physical and mental health and wellbeing, safety in schools and communities, the cost of living, the improvement of youth and community spaces, and the creation of more local activities.

Funding tiers and local focus

Applicants can request up to £3,500 to deliver activities within a single Local Partnership Area. However, to address identified gaps in youth provision, the council has designated specific areas where higher funding is available. Projects proposed for The Villages, Gleniffer, or Paisley East are eligible for up to £5,000 per application.

This funding model builds on the success of previous projects, such as the work carried out by Erskine Arts. Last year, the group secured over £3,200 to provide inclusive creative workshops for young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and their families. Community Development Manager Jason Watson noted that the project provided a rare, barrier-free space that helped families integrate creative expression into their daily lives, demonstrating the tangible impact of community-led resource allocation.

Renfrewshire youth to decide on new community project funding

The practical picture: Application and voting timeline

To participate, interested groups must first attend a mandatory support session to receive the official application form. This step ensures that all proposals are aligned with the community-led priorities identified during the consultation phase. The council provides further assistance and scheduling details for these sessions via their official website.

Once the application window closes on Tuesday, 8 September, the process moves to a youth-led vote. Between 12 October and 9 November, young people across the region will have the opportunity to vote for the projects they want to see delivered in their respective areas. This democratic stage is designed to ensure that the final selection of funded projects reflects the genuine needs and interests of the local youth population.

Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Renfrewshire Council’s Young Person’s Champion, emphasized that the fund is designed to ensure local ideas are not just heard, but brought to life. He encouraged anyone with a project idea—regardless of scale—to reach out to the council team for guidance on the application process. By prioritizing youth agency, the fund aims to foster a more inclusive and responsive community environment for the 2026/27 period.

Source: Renfrewshire Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Council Notice

This report is based on the official 2026/27 funding announcement from Renfrewshire Council.

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