The Lived Experience Fund is to support organisations in capturing the lived experience of local residents to help inform community planning partnership service delivery and policy development. Engaging with local people in this way can help to ensure that:

• There is equality and dignity for all
• Services and activities are relevant to local needs
• Communities can voice their opinions and identify what works and what doesn't
• Everyone feels valued and included
• Sense of community is improved
• Sense of control and influence strengthened in local communities
• Collective action is promoted
• People are empowered to deliver effective interventions in their own lives and in that of their communities

This money can only be used to capture the views and experiences of people who live in South Lanarkshire and who experience poverty, inequalities and/or deprivation.

The money can be used for example,

• Cost of living support for community groups
• Activities for youth
• Food growing
• Support for the elderly

Some previous examples of Lived Experience Fund

• Carluke Men’s Shed
• Machan Trust lunch club in Larkhall
• Transport/travel costs and supply of workbooks and manuals for The Freedom Programme (The Manda Centre)
• Veteran’s Garden

Available funding and how it is distributed:

• Up to £500 per application.
• Organisations can only apply once in any financial year i.e. April to March.
• All applications will be assessed using standard criteria and will be approved by the South Lanarkshire Community Planning Team.
• The South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership Team will use a standard set of criteria to decide which organisations will receive funding.

Organisations that can apply:

Local Community Organisations that are based in the South Lanarkshire area and who are able to contribute to improving service design and delivery in relation to the South Lanarkshire Community Plan’s overarching objective of Tackling Deprivation, Poverty and Inequality.

(Please note that organisations who have not reported back on previous funding cannot apply for this years’ funding award). 

How to apply?

To apply, please use the link below and complete the online form which includes the Conditions of Grant Form which must be signed by an office bearer.   (Please note that the closing date for applications is 11th April 2025).

What happens when we receive your form?

Your application will be acknowledged.

Applications will be considered by the South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership Team and you will be notified on the success of your application within 2 weeks. 

Additional information

If you need any additional information/advice prior to submitting your application; or if you need this information in another language or format, please contact the Community Planning Team to discuss how we can best meet your needs.  Phone: 0303 123 1017 or Email: communities@southlanarkshirecommunityplanning.org