The Committee aim to keep this a free event in line with the rising cost of living struggles which are evidenced in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation figures, with Stevenston sitting in the top 10% most deprived decile.

Our aims is to work in partnership with local organisations to provide free fun activities on the night like face painting, glitter tattoos, badge-making, arts & crafts, large outdoor games, retro gaming and much more however, we would like to invite in other businesses to bring something different to the event. This includes the hire of a snow machine, providing free food & and live entertainment. We are also lucky to have the appearance of Santa, where young people will get to visit him and receive a free small token gift in the form of a selection box.

We also host 2 competitions on the run up to the event. These include a Christmas Card Competition and a Window display competition. (Prizes are generously donated by local businesses) The Christmas Card Competition is an opportunity to get our young people at primary school involved. The top three cards will be professionally printed and gifted to the successful young people. We will also make additional prints to sell on the night for those interested. This sale helps kick start the fundraising for the following years event. The window display is an opportunity to encourage community engagement and participation. A friendly competition between businesses and neighbours to get people into the festive spirit and help create community cheer.

With the help of North Ayrshire Council in the past the display of the lights costings have been covered, however, with budget cuts this now falls into the hands of Stevenston Lights Volunteers to source. Alongside the cost of living crisis, businesses and individuals are no longer in a position to sponsor like they once did, as they face rising costs also. So we need to reach out to funders like you to request assistance.

 This event is a year long commitment to plan and implement and requires £8,000 - £10,000 each year to host. We are applying in advance for our 2026 switch on event to help kick start our fundraising efforts.

We are applying for the following resources to be considered for funding:

£500 - money to buy ingredients for free food distribution

£150 - Santa's Grotto inflatable

£350 - Live entertainment delvered by Irvine Beat FM

We would propose to buy a Yonex badminton set which includes 20 rackets, 6 packs of plastic shuttles, 2 nets and a robust carry case for all items. This is sold as a packaged set and is much better value than buying the items separately.

£300 inc VAT (price from Greaves Sports)

We are aiming to raise awareness of the natural environment & how we can protect it by showcasing the range of perennials we can grow in our temperate climate. Not just flowers but foliage plants, grasses & ferns all thrive here. These plants provide food & shelter for insects & wildlife, as well as colour & movement to soften the harsh concreate & grey pavers.

Whilst we are aiming to grow plants from seeds, & cuttings, many species can take some time to establish; this funding request is for initial plant purchases to begin the pathway. We want to highlight to the community how even an awkward plain walkway can promote life & nourish the environment. These plants will self -seed & can be used for cuttings & divisions in the future to further populate the communal areas around the walkway.

The planting will take a naturalistic approach, repeated in blocks along the length of the walkway. Each perennial block will cost £333.40 which includes a discount from the nursery. Total = £1000.20 

We have three blocks of perennials along the length of the walkway, each in slightly different colour tones. The benefits of being in nature are well documented & will bring a soothing element to start & finish the busy school day.

We are piloting a new after-school tutor-led learning club in Kilwinning for primary and secondary pupils (ages 8–16). The project aims to provide free, accessible support in core subjects such as literacy, numeracy, and study skills to help raise attainment, boost confidence, and reduce stress for families who cannot afford private tutoring.

The club will run weekly sessions in a local community venue for 10 weeks, with small-group tuition led by qualified tutors. Places will be open to all pupils, but we will prioritise children from families living in SIMD 1 and 2 areas who are most affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. By removing financial barriers, the project ensures all children, regardless of background, can access support to reach their full potential.

This pilot will test demand and outcomes. If successful, it could grow in future, helping Kilwinning’s children improve school performance, develop resilience, and feel supported by their community.

Breakdown of Costs:

• Tutor fees (2 tutors x 10 weeks) – £1,200

• Venue hire (community space for 10 weeks) – £300

• Learning resources (books, stationery, equipment) – £200

• Healthy snacks for pupils – £150

• Promotion & materials (flyers, posters, digital) – £150

Total: £2,000

Project Aims

• Pay the £595 ‘change of use’ fee to North Ayrshire Council to secure the derelict land donated to Largs Green Futures.
• Purchase and install a clear corrugated plastic roof to protect groups from wet weather and harness rainwater.  This will provide a sensory, educational experience demonstrating how rainwater can support sustainable crop growth.
• Buy clear perspex to visually enhance the fence barrier and provide opportunities for the community to create seasonal, themed and freestyle art, creating a space where the community can visualise changing seasons, explore plot-to-plate cooking, and express themselves freely in a safe environment.

Impact

Paying the £595 'Change of Use' fee will secure long-term access to a safe, sensory, and therapeutic community space, bringing benefits to every demographic within our community. Children and young people gain hands-on learning experiences in sustainability and healthy eating, while older adults find an accessible, sheltered and welcoming environment to connect, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful activities that support wellbeing. Families can participate in workshops developing environmental stewardship, cultivating pride in their neighbourhood and learning practical skills to reduce carbon footprints, save money, and enjoy fresh, home-grown produce.

In securing this space long-term, we future-proof not only our project, but our whole community—building resilience, nurturing wellbeing, and inspiring environmental responsibility across all ages and abilities.

Total Budget: £1,000

• Change of Use Fee (North Ayrshire Council): £595
• Corrugated Roofing (Outdoor Kitchen Shelter): £305
• Perspex (Boundary Fence Enhancement): £100

Total: £1,000

Historically, most villages on the Isle of Arran had at least one tennis court, reflecting a vibrant local interest in the sport. However, over the years, many of these courts have fallen into disrepair or been lost altogether, leading to a significant decline in accessible playing spaces. At present, there are no organised coaching sessions available on the island. This, combined with limited facilities, presents a substantial barrier for those wishing to take up the sport—particularly beginners, individuals with additional needs, and anyone requiring adapted coaching methods or specialist equipment.  Brodick Tennis Club are committed to reversing this trend and are working alongside Tennis Scotland and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to achieve this. Our vision is to create a welcoming, inclusive tennis environment that is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, ability, or background. We aim to:

Offer regular, structured sessions for all skill levels

• Provide disability-inclusive coaching, led by appropriately trained instructors
• Promote participation among under represented groups
• Ensure that both our club culture and physical facilities meet high standards of accessibility

By actively championing inclusion, we hope not only to revitalise interest in tennis on Arran but also to foster a sense of community, wellbeing, and shared enjoyment of sport.

Having successfully secured funding to resurface three public courts in Brodick village, we have also begun a programme of training LTA qualified coaches on the island. The courts will shortly be ready to welcome players back and, upon accreditation, our newly trained LTA Level 1 Assistant Coaches will be able to begin providing inclusive tennis sessions for our community. We are applying for funding to cover the costs of acquiring equipment. This will enable us to offer tailored sessions and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate meaningfully.

Bucket of Orange stage balls (n=96) £102, bucket of Green stage balls (n=96) £102, 27” adult size rackets x 12 £252, grips x 12 £15, throw down lines (48 yellow) £78, blue marker spots (30cm) x 12 £39, red marker spots (30cm) x 12 £39, set of six blue hoops (30cm diameter) x 2 £30, set of six red hoops (30cm diameter) x 2 £30, large court number signs x 3 £42, portable metal baskets to hold tennis balls x 3 £144, large secure metal storage container for equipment £800, delivery and assembly of container £150.

We also recognise the value of learning from others. As part of our commitment to best practice, we are also applying for funding to carry out knowledge-sharing visits to established, inclusive tennis clubs across Scotland, including:

• Prestwick Tennis Club – LTA Disability Club of the Year (2020), offering wheelchair tennis and sessions for adults and juniors with learning difficulties
• Strathgryffe Tennis Club – runs weekly disability classes for players with both learning and physical support needs
• Irvine Tennis Club – provides a broad programme with dedicated sessions for women, men, and players aged 50+, in addition to social tennis and general coaching

These exchanges will inform the development of our own inclusive practice and help us build a strong, sustainable, and welcoming tennis culture on Arran.

Return trip to Prestwick £66.05*, return trip to Irvine £65.90*, return trip to Strathgryffe £74.30*     

*(cost of two passengers and car on the ferry plus mileage)

Total requested = £1999.25

We wish to build a community/memorial garden in a vacant area of land within the community recreation ground. The garden will include a memorial wall and will be a profound way to acknowledge and honour the life of a loved one, a historical event, or a significant achievement. These plaques will also play a crucial role in preserving history and act as a bridge between the past and the present, providing a tangible link to our heritage. By commemorating individuals or events, they help us understand our local roots and the journey taken.

The garden will also serve as a space for personal reflection and for educating the public about the person or event being commemorated whilst being a general meeting place for community members.  Our community Partners Ardrossan Community Sports Hub will add a page to their website and we will direct people to it, the page will include a bio for every plaque on the wall. The design/planning and building of the garden will involve both the Local Communtiy Shed, AWR Extra Time Crew, AWR CIC, and Ardrossan Communtiy Sports Hub. We will also partner with The Three Town Growers who will provide asisstance with planting.

We will charge an additional amount to cost of plaque and that will be used to maintain and improve the garden. It will also improve joint working as the Community Shed and AWR/ACSH Extra Time Crew will maintian the garden/

Cost:

Wood for seating/plant beds/boundary  £900, lean to wood & roof sheeting £ 450, stone base £200, plants £150, solar lighting £100, total £1,800.00

We are applying for funding to enable the Friendship Group to participate in a series of 5 health and wellbeing sessions delivered by a local community partner Honeybee Cottage.   These sessions would be planned in partnership with our group members to meet the needs and interests of the group while providing a range of experiences that will benefit health and wellbeing.  These sessions would bring the group members together to enjoy new activities, develop skills, confidence and have fun.  

Our group plays a vital role in combatting loneliness and encourages members to come along weekly to connect with others and share enjoyable experiences.  The group means so much to its members and has a real impact on people's lives in a positive way.

5 workshops delivered by Honeybee Cottage- 5 X £200 = £1000

The weekly bingo sessions in Redburn Community Hub help to build community spirit and improve the health and wellbeing of local community members.  The sessions are inclusive and welcoming and are regularly attended by a large number of people from the local community. The bingo sessions provide a safe and friendly social space for people to have fun and meet new people.

We are seeking PB funding to enable us to purchase items that will enhance the experience of community members taking part in the weekly bingo sessions.  We want to buy a new bingo machine that is more efficient and has a large digital display to help make the bingo numbers called accessible to all participants.  We also want to buy bingo dabber pens and bingo books to enable up to 100 community members to take part in the weekly bingo sessions.  We also require an electrical extension for the bingo machine.  In addition, we are seeking funding to purchase vouchers to enable us to provide a wide variety of quality bingo prizes for the weekly sessions. 

Bingo Machine- £300

Extension- £30

Bingo Dabbers £70

Bingo Books- £100

Vouchers to buy bingo prizes- £500

Total £1000