Clackmannanshire community projects receive nearly 10K boost

The cash boost comes courtesy of the Grassroots Make It Happen Fund (MIHF), led by local residents.

The fund forms part of a broader £30,000 allocation designed to empower groups in Alloa and Lornshill catchment areas, enabling them to initiate positive changes.

The Hive Youth Cafe Celebration Panel Member Nicola Green and Leah Hiddleston pupil Alloa Acadmey (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

The Make It Happen Fund plays a pivotal role in the What Matters to You (WM2U) approach, backed by The Hunter Foundation, BBC Children in Need, The Robertson Trust, and The William Grant Foundation.

It focuses on community-based decision-making and systems change, making sure that services align with the needs of local families.

A celebration event was held at The Bowmar Centre in Alloa on Saturday, November 29, to acknowledge the successes of these community front-runners.

Clackmannan Parent Council and Head Teacher - Up lifting Our Community PC Morgan Miller, Laura Johnstone, School Gayle Pennan and Beverley Johnstone (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: "This initiative reflects our commitment to listening to communities and working together to deliver meaningful change.

"By empowering local people to make decisions about funding priorities, we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the projects that will shape the future of Clackmannanshire.

Community Groups, Panel members and attendees (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

"These grassroots efforts are vital in building stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels heard and supported."

MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, commented: "It’s fantastic to see local people taking the lead in shaping projects that will make a real difference in their communities.

"Initiatives like the Make It Happen Fund show the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to what matters most to residents."

Attendees of the event (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

According to Jane Carter, WM2U coordinator for Clackmannanshire: "This fund is about giving communities the power to decide what matters most to them.

"The creativity and commitment shown by local groups is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to support their ideas."

Carol Hunter, Clackmannanshire Council foster carer, shared their experience, stating: "It was great to be part of the celebration and to see so many good causes benefiting from the fund.

Alloa Hub Family Activities Val and Iain Whyte (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

"The grant that Clacks Carer's group received will go towards taking all our young people out on a well-deserved trip.

"They have never been out together before."

Some of the 20 projects benefiting from the fund include Messy Play Sauchie, Friends of St Serf Primary School, Alloa Hub, Abercromby Primary School Garden, and several primary schools such as Deerpark Primary School, Clackmannan Primary School, St Bernadette’s RC Primary, and Park ELC.

Grasstoots MIHF Community Panel (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

Other recipients were Lornshill Academy, Craigbank Parent Council, Crochet Comforts, Puddle Ducks, Clacks Carers, Bumps and All, 1st Tullibody Rainbows and Brownies, Clackmannan Brownies, Clackmannan After School Club, The Hive, Sauchie Active 8.

Heather Stobbie, a grassroots Make It Happen panel member, said: "Saturday’s celebration showed all the good things that are going on in our communities and the MIHF can support local folk to make this happen."

Jennifer Roy, another panel member, said: "What a buzz of excitement filled The Bowmar, with lots of laughter."

WM2U is seeking new panel members for the next round of funding in early 2026.

Those interested in helping shape local funding decisions are encouraged to contact jane@whatmatters2u.org.uk.