Grants open now as trustees prepare September decisions
Community organisations in Campbeltown are being encouraged to put forward bids to the town’s Common Good Fund, after more than £32,000 was distributed to local groups over the past year. The fund, overseen by the three councillors representing the town, makes awards across the year to support small, targeted projects that benefit residents.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and considered at quarterly meetings of the fund’s trustees. The next set of funding decisions is due in September, with groups invited to submit proposals now. According to Argyll and Bute Council, the fund is geared towards supporting one-off initiatives rather than ongoing running costs, and individual awards are currently capped at £1,500.
Example award: new instrument helps player with hearing loss
Among recent recipients is Campbeltown Brass Band, which received £1,500 in December 2025 to help pay for a high-quality baritone instrument for a band member with profound hearing loss. The musician, Gregor, said the instrument has transformed his experience of playing and boosted his confidence.
“Having the new baritone has made a huge difference to my playing and it’s made me a much more confident player.”
The band’s award is highlighted by the council as an illustration of how modest grants can remove barriers and enable inclusive participation in community life.
How the fund is run and who decides
The Campbeltown Common Good Fund is administered by a panel of three local councillors, acting as trustees for the town. Funding rounds take place four times a year. Council officers provide guidance to applicants, but decisions on awards rest solely with the elected members serving as trustees.
Trustees emphasise that the application form is deliberately straightforward to help smaller clubs, charities and voluntary groups access support quickly. Chair of the fund, Councillor John Armour, said the process is designed to be approachable and that staff can answer questions from prospective applicants.
“The fund currently has a limit of £1,500 for each application and is primarily aimed at groups to support ‘one-off’ projects. The application form is very simple to complete; many groups comment on how easy it is to make an application and how much the funding has helped their organisation. Council staff are always on hand to help you with any questions you may have. If your group or organisation is looking for funding, please find the link on the Council website for the Campbeltown Common Good Fund. We will be delighted to receive your application.”
What local groups need to know
- Award limit: Grants of up to £1,500 per application.
- Focus: Support for one-off projects and specific items rather than core running costs.
- Timing: Applications accepted all year; decisions taken four times annually.
- Next round: Funding decisions scheduled for September; submissions welcome now.
- Decision-makers: The three Campbeltown councillors act as trustees and make all grant decisions.
Groups considering an application are advised to outline clearly how their proposal will benefit people in Campbeltown and to match their request to the one-off focus of the fund. The council indicates that staff can provide guidance on completing the form and on eligibility.
Recent funding at a glance
| Year (most recent) | Total awarded | Per-application limit | Decision cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last year | £32,000+ | £1,500 | Quarterly |
While the individual awards are modest, the cumulative impact across local organisations can be significant, enabling items such as equipment purchases, small capital improvements or project materials that might otherwise be out of reach for volunteer-led groups. The brass band example demonstrates how a relatively small grant can open up participation and strengthen community activity.
Full details and the application form are available via the Argyll and Bute Council website by searching for "Campbeltown Common Good Fund". Applicants who need assistance can contact the council for support with form-filling or to discuss whether their plans fit the fund’s criteria ahead of the September decisions.
