Community Choices is the name of our participatory budgeting programme.

Through a public vote, participatory budgeting offers a democratic way for local residents to have a direct say in how public money can be used to address their priorities and invest in local, community led projects.

Two programmes were associated with participatory budgeting at Falkirk Council:

• Small Grants Programme – for bids up to £5,000
• Place-based Capital Grants Programme – for larger projects of £5,000 and above

Eligibility

Groups who can apply for a small grant include:

• Constituted groups or clubs
• Registered charities
• Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO's)
• Not for profit companies
• Community Interest companies (CIC's) with no private benefit.
• Community Councils
• Community Trusts

Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. While faith-based organisations may apply, we cannot fund the practice of religion, or any activities that actively promote religion or belief systems. We cannot fund activities that are exclusive to only those who practice that religion.

We believe that communities know what's best for themselves – and what they need to improve the quality of life for residents where they live. Community Choices wants to capture that local ambition and aspiration. Community Choices encourages local people to become involved in delivering activities and social infrastructure that are important to them.

Key dates

Applications

• Opening date: Monday 28 October 2024.
• Closing date: midnight on Monday 09 December 2024.

Voting

• Opening date: Monday 03 February 2025
• Closing date: midnight on Friday 28 February 2025

Results

The full public vote results will be available on this website on Friday 28 March 2025

The full public vote results will also be available on Participate+.