1. Transport to the SEC show in March 2026. Average of quotes £450 A lot of our members do not drive anymore and public transport to the SEC is not direct. Hiring a mini bus and driver means these members are included which makes a big difference to the whole group. The Scottish Quilting Show is the only one left in Scotland and we would like to support it with our attendance as much as possible. The show provides inspiration and generates ideas. There are workshops that can be signed up for which build skills.
2. Engaging a tutor to give us a workshop. Estimate £400.  The group has had workshop providers in the past and would like to have the again. Having a tutor come to us means that all members are included. These workshops will build skills and provide inspiration.
3. Materials so that members can present a workshop and everyone has materials provided. £150  This allows long standing members to share their knowledge and experise. This is very good for all concerned as it values the skills in the group. The cost of fabric has risen and whilst we reuse and recycle as much as we can in our quilts, sometimes it is appropriate to have materials that co-ordinate and are pre-prepared for a workshop.

Members state that the excursions we provide are an important part of the group as they feel inc!uded in an activity which they would not be able to participate in otherwise. We would be unable to provide this without funding such as the locality PB. We have been fortunate enough to receive this previously and provided a fantastic days out  to Cumnock Factory Outlet and a meal at Romeo and Ju!iets. 

We would like to apply for funding to provide another 2 trips next year which will be chosen by the members of the grouo. We therefore require £1000  which will cover the approximate cost of the bus at £500 and approximate cost of the meal at £500

Our committee aim to provide either two small trips or one trip and a meal out.

These excursions encourage our elderly people to enjoy company and reduce social isolation and improve their general wellbeing. 

For our Christmas event on Saturday 28th November 2026, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of visiting Santa. That's why we want to make it free and inclusive for all, ensuring no child from Kilbirnie and Glengarnock misses out due to financial pressures. This would include free presents from Santa, face painting, prizes for treasure hunt and providing light up wands for the parade. Estimated cost £1000

Growing and cultivating our own produce at home presents challenges for some families in terms of cost of equipment, the time required to tend to the plants, lack of space and knowledge.

With the wealth of skills and experience GVAA members can offer there is a desire to pass this onto the young people of the Garnock Valley.

GVAA members are in the process of erecting a polytunnel on site which will be available to be exclusively used by young people. We aim to increase their awareness of where their food comes from, promote skills in gardening and horticulture, increase their knowledge of their environment and encourage teamwork.

The project will be led by a member of GVAA and it is aimed that by passing on their knowledge, skills and experience to the young people taking part in the project, that it may lead to pathways in volunteering, and further training or employment in horticulture.

The additiional benefit of working outside and in the environment is well documented to improve mental health.

In order for the polytunnel to be complete and equipped for growing the following equipment is required. It is intended that the young people will be involved with getting the polytunnel ready for the next growing season.

Raised beds and shelving =£400                                                 

 Lightweight strimmer x 2= £300                                                   

Strimmer helmet & visor x 2 = £40                                                  

Bosch water pump and rechargeable battery = £150                 

Gloves = £60                                                                                   

  Seeds and plants = £50

Impending end of lease with Dalry Community Sports Club necessitates relocation of the Men's Shed.  We intend to relocate our woodworking element first and seek to prepare the new area for this activity in terms of provision of mains outlets, wall-lining and a dust extraction system.   This application is aimed entirely at the cost of a dust extraction system at £899.98, in order to promote cleaner air purity for those participating in woodwork activities.  Axminster Professional AP340E 3HP Extractor - 230V

We have organised various free events for the public, including community litter picks, habitat creation for ground-nesting bees, spring bulb planting and willow weaving courses.  These events provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to socialise while improving the ecology of the park and facilities for park visitors. Our Wellbeing in Nature Day in June, supported by local organisations, featured nature walks, guided meditation, and mindfulness activities, promoting the potential of Lochshore Park to positively impact individual and community health. Since our last application, we have experienced significant growth, doubled our membership and increased our Facebook following ten-fold to over three hundred. Over the past year, we have established productive partnerships with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Ayrshire Nectar Network, and TCV. In each case we have relied on their expertise to support our projects. 

With a Proportional Budgeting grant, we would invest in support for our members and part fund projects which further attract the public to participate in outdoor activities. We have already completed a woodland walk with picnic area, a yoga/meditation area overlooking the loch and we aspire to install a bird hide. Funding would allow our group would visit the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail in Luss, with the aim of drawing inspiration for the development of our own fairy trail within our Enchanted Forest; enhance our Wellbeing in Nature Day next year with the inclusion of musical groups, and help acquire a small trailer and hire a quad bike to help with transport of bulky material round the park.

Group visit (hire of minibus, entry and snack) £400

Wellbeing in Nature Day Music £200

Hire of quad bike with tow bar (£50 per day) £100

Second hand trailer (£400)

This event has been running for years with many attending including children, older residents, and vulnerable members of our community. With proper festive lighting, we can make the event more vibrant, inclusive, and safe, ensuring that everyone enjoys a welcoming environment.

However, the cost of professional lighting installation and operation remains our biggest challenge. The estimated cost of this year’s lighting project is £4232.74, which covers hire, installation, maintenance, and safe dismantling. As a nonprofit, we rely entirely on fundraising, volunteers, and the generosity of partners. The price this year has almost doubled since last year and without external support, we face the risk of scaling back this much-anticipated celebration in 2026.

We have already taken steps to raise funds locally and have a new committe putting this event together hopefully making it bigger and better than before. We have organized community fundraising events and have also received generous donations of time and services from volunteers who are committed to keeping this tradition alive. While this support has taken us part of the way, we still face a shortfall needed to cover the other things we provide. This includes free light wands to all the children, facepainting, food and drink, santa grotto visits and gifts.

By investing in this project, you will help ensure that the Christmas Light Switch-On remains a highlight of our community calendar, bringing light, warmth, and shared celebration to all. We believe that with your support, this year’s event will shine brighter than ever before.

Outgoings - funding sought for:

Venue hire: £150

New costumes for Santa/Mrs Claus/Elf £250

Light up batons £150

Selection boxes £300

Facepainting £150 

At present we do not have access to the ground for our disabled and wheelchair user supporters due to uneven ground, lack of ramps and broken steps. We are looking to remove a ticket gate which would give access from the back car park, fix the broken steps and put in a ramp. This would give access to a sheltered area in the stand which would provide an ideal viewing area. This area would need to be highlighted and marked off with tape/paint.

Cost for this would be £1820. 

We are a voluntary group with a parent run committee.  We support 3-5 year olds in early learning and childcare, and our aim is to provide a warm, welcoming environment where all families feel valued and supported.  We try to keep the costs down for families of the children attending the nursery.  

We are applying for funding to purchase outdoor clothing and equipment for the children.  Outdoor learning plays a large role in early years now and it has many benefits.  Some of these benefits include physical activity, promotes mental health and emotional wellbeing as reduces stress and boosts confidence, improves focus, social skills and relationships are developed and also a connection to nature and sustainability.  Outdoor learning supports childrens health and wellbeing in many powerful ways.

Funding for clothing and equipment to encourage outdoor learning would ensure: 

• equal access to clothing for all children 
• every child can participate in outdoor learning and play, regardless of family ability to afford appropriate clothing 
• promotes inclusion and fairness 
• encourages outdoor play in all weather - can go outside safely and comfortable in the great Scottish weather! 
• enhances learning opportunities 
• supports mental and physical health 
• protects childs own clothes

Costs

£850 - Outdoor clothing such as waterproof trousers, jackets, gloves, hats and wellies

£150 Cable Drum play equipment 

For over 20 years, we have taken care of the woods and created a space where people from all walks of life can feel safe and supported. We encourage retired individuals, those facing mental health challenges, and veterans to engage with nature outside of their daily routines. Our goal is to use the calming influence of nature to help distract them from their issues.

We also welcome various groups, such as Scouts and schools, to use our woodlands for educational purposes about the environment. Many individuals find joy in exploring and enjoying the woods.

This year, we are seeking funding to refurbish and replace our equipment, which has been worn down by the harsh conditions we face. Maintaining the paths is much more challenging than simply cutting a lawn.

Refurbish our mowers x2 = £400. We cover routine maintenance, but this is a one-off safety upgrade and inspection, so we can keep older models going rather than just buying new ones when these need to be refurbished. We believe in reusing and recycling. 

Drill and Driver kit £150. -

A battery-powered strimmer that utilises the batteries we already have, or for small jobs, allowing people who find the big petrol-powered strimmers too heavy to use them.

£130