Place Based Investment Programme

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Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) 2025–2026

Empowering Communities Across East Ayrshire

The Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) is a Scottish Government capital fund delivered in partnership with East Ayrshire Council. It supports community led projects that are rooted in local Community Action Plans, Place Plans, and other forms of community engagement and regeneration. For details of all eligible criteria please see the Guidance for Application.

Funding 2025 to 2026 (Year five)

As PBIP enters it's fifth and final year, the programme continues to reflect the strength and creativity of East Ayrshire's communities. The allocated amount for 2025/26 is:

  • Tranche One Allocation: £620,136
  • Potential Tranche Two Allocation: £171,864 (to be confirmed)

The high demand for funding is a testament to the programme's success, with community groups taking the lead in shaping and delivering projects that matter most to them. Access to funding and expert support has empowered local people to bring their visions to life and you can read more within the Cabinet report: Place Based Investment Programme 2025 to 2026.

"Share the Love" Continues

With limited funds and demand for projects outstripping supply, a standout feature of PBIP has been the generosity and collaboration among community groups. Some have even returned underspent funds to allow other projects to thrive - a spirit we proudly continue under the theme "Share the Love" in year five.

Due to the reduction of funding and high demand, the PBIP maximum request is limited to £100,000 unless there are exceptional circumstances that must be fully justified with significant match-funding. The Community Investment and Funding confirms other external funds that could be available to your group.

Community Scoring Panel - Vacancy

Would you like to be part of the Community Scoring Panel? The Community Scoring Panel are the Community representatives that will be responsible for scoring the submitted PBIP Applications against specific criteria. If you are submitting a PBIP application, this does not stop you from becoming a community scoring panel representative.

Please note that successful Community Representatives may be required for 2 full days, the dates provisionally identified are between 1 - 12 September 2025 (excluding Saturday and Sunday).

If you are interested please complete this survey by midnight Sunday 3 August 2025 and you will be invited along to a webinar detailing what is involved.

Information events

Before applying, we recommend reviewing the following resources:

  • PBIP Guidance for Application - will assist you with completing the application form.
  • PBIP FAQs - frequently asked questions and useful information.
  • PBIP Brochure (PDF 17.39 MB) - featuring previous projects which would not have happened without the passion, skill and dedication of East Ayrshire citizens. If you see a project similar to your idea, reach out - they are happy to help!
  • Webinars - these will be running during the open application period. Pick your date here.
  • Eat, Shop, Love Local webpage - see photos and highlights from the 2024 Love Local Conference.



Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) 2025–2026

Empowering Communities Across East Ayrshire

The Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) is a Scottish Government capital fund delivered in partnership with East Ayrshire Council. It supports community led projects that are rooted in local Community Action Plans, Place Plans, and other forms of community engagement and regeneration. For details of all eligible criteria please see the Guidance for Application.

Funding 2025 to 2026 (Year five)

As PBIP enters it's fifth and final year, the programme continues to reflect the strength and creativity of East Ayrshire's communities. The allocated amount for 2025/26 is:

  • Tranche One Allocation: £620,136
  • Potential Tranche Two Allocation: £171,864 (to be confirmed)

The high demand for funding is a testament to the programme's success, with community groups taking the lead in shaping and delivering projects that matter most to them. Access to funding and expert support has empowered local people to bring their visions to life and you can read more within the Cabinet report: Place Based Investment Programme 2025 to 2026.

"Share the Love" Continues

With limited funds and demand for projects outstripping supply, a standout feature of PBIP has been the generosity and collaboration among community groups. Some have even returned underspent funds to allow other projects to thrive - a spirit we proudly continue under the theme "Share the Love" in year five.

Due to the reduction of funding and high demand, the PBIP maximum request is limited to £100,000 unless there are exceptional circumstances that must be fully justified with significant match-funding. The Community Investment and Funding confirms other external funds that could be available to your group.

Community Scoring Panel - Vacancy

Would you like to be part of the Community Scoring Panel? The Community Scoring Panel are the Community representatives that will be responsible for scoring the submitted PBIP Applications against specific criteria. If you are submitting a PBIP application, this does not stop you from becoming a community scoring panel representative.

Please note that successful Community Representatives may be required for 2 full days, the dates provisionally identified are between 1 - 12 September 2025 (excluding Saturday and Sunday).

If you are interested please complete this survey by midnight Sunday 3 August 2025 and you will be invited along to a webinar detailing what is involved.

Information events

Before applying, we recommend reviewing the following resources:

  • PBIP Guidance for Application - will assist you with completing the application form.
  • PBIP FAQs - frequently asked questions and useful information.
  • PBIP Brochure (PDF 17.39 MB) - featuring previous projects which would not have happened without the passion, skill and dedication of East Ayrshire citizens. If you see a project similar to your idea, reach out - they are happy to help!
  • Webinars - these will be running during the open application period. Pick your date here.
  • Eat, Shop, Love Local webpage - see photos and highlights from the 2024 Love Local Conference.



  • Please read the guidance before completing this form.

    • PBIP can only fund Projects located in East Ayrshire Communities.
    • A PBIP Application Form (review only) is available to the right hand side of the home page where you can see all questions being asked, this is not for input, review of questions only.
    • Once the application is submitted you will receive an email with a copy of your application also.
    • Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 24 August 2025.
    • If you have any queries or problems completing the application form or if you wish to discuss your submission before applying, please email towncentreregeneration@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
    • All applications must be submitted electronically using this survey


    General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

    Under the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation we will collect, use, and store your information in order to support the management of the Place Based Investment Programme Fund.  You have rights with respect to your personal data, including the right to access a copy of what we hold about you, have it changed or removed.   

    See Data Protection (east-ayrshire.gov.uk) for more information.


    Complete Form
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  • What is the Community Scoring Panel ? 

    The Community Scoring Panel is made up of local community representatives who will be responsible for reviewing and scoring the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) applications.   The Panel will consist of six representatives, each selected from the following areas: Cumnock, Doon Valley, Kilmarnock, Irvine Valley and Annick ensuring representation from each area.  Additionally, the panel will include one young person.

    The Community Scoring Panel is a voluntary position, any travel expenses incurred with be reimbursed and hospitality will be provided throughout the application review event.

    If you are submitting a PBIP application, this does not stop you from becoming a Community Scoring Panel representative.

    The applications will be assessed against a set of agreed criteria to help ensure a fair and transparent decision-making process.  

    Please note if selected to take part, you may be required to attend up to two full days of application review.  These dates are provisionally scheduled between 1 - 12 September 2025 (excluding Saturday and Sunday). 

    If you are interested in becoming a panel member, please complete the short survey below.  You will then be invited to attend a webinar which will provide more information about the role and what is involved. 

    Take Survey
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  • The PBIP Webinars will provide potential participants with an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into what we expect in their application responses.  These interaction sessions aim to clarify our requirements and ensure that all participants feel confident in their submissions.

    A Microsoft Teams link will be forwarded to the email address you supply, the day before the date you have confirmed in the question 5 below.



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  • If you'd like to join our mailing list to receive regular updates about our PBIP process and projects, via our StayConnected direct email system please give us your contact details. We won't pass your details on to anyone and you can unsubscribe at any time. 

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Page last updated: 09 Jul 2025, 11:24 AM