Large grant fund information and guidance
About the large grant fund
The Tour de France Grand Départ presents a unique opportunity for communities across the Scottish Borders to come together, celebrate, welcome visitors and showcase local pride.
The fund has been created to support local groups, businesses, organisations and communities to deliver larger-scale activities that help create a vibrant atmosphere in the lead-up to and during the event, as well as having a longer-term impact.
The fund aims to encourage community participation, increase local pride, support active lifestyles and help create a lasting legacy from this internationally significant event.
Grant value
Key information:
- Grants of £1001-£5000 and £5001-£10,000 are available
- Applications over £5000 must detail anticipated legacy benefits and complete additional reporting
- Applicants may apply for up to 100% of eligible project costs
Who can apply
Applications are welcome from:
- community councils
- community and voluntary groups
- registered charities
- development trusts
- sports clubs
- constituted community organisations
- residents' associations
- private businesses including sole traders
Applications from partnerships between organisations are encouraged.
What can be funded
The fund will support activities that celebrate and promote the Tour de France Grand Départ and encourage community participation.
Examples include:
- community celebrations and festivals
- family, youth and cycling activities
- arts, culture, heritage and exhibitions
- live music and entertainment
- town and village dressing and decoration
- community volunteering initiatives
This list is not exhaustive and innovative ideas are welcome.
What cannot be funded
The fund will not support:
- activities that have already taken place
- political or religious activities
- projects that primarily benefit one individual
- core costs for existing activities
- gifts and prizes
- alcohol purchases
- fundraising activities for private personal gain
- private camping
- costs not directly related to the event
- activities that conflict with the values of the Tour de France Grand Départ programme
Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Community participation
- How much will local people have opportunities to take part?
- Celebration and promotion
- Does the activity help create excitement and celebration around the Tour de France Grand Départ?
- Community benefit
- Will the project bring people together and create positive experiences?
- Deliverability
- Is the project likely to be delivered successfully within the proposed budget and timescale?
- Value for money
- Are the costs reasonable and proportionate?
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- Does the project demonstrate how inclusivity has been considered and increased?
Priority may be given to activities that encourage participation from children and young people, volunteers, and under-represented groups, as well as events that support the aims and objectives of the Grand Départ JOY programme.
How to apply
The online application process has been designed to be simple and accessible.
A full list of the application questions is available.
Applications should be submitted by 31 January 2026. Please note that the fund may close earlier should all funding become allocated.
Payment of grant
Grant payment details are as follows:
- Up to £5000 - 100% of the approved grant value paid in advance.
- £5001-£10,000: 70% paid in advance and 30% upon submission of the final report.
Funding must be used solely for the approved activity.
Monitoring and reporting
Successful applicants will be sent an evaluation form and will be required to return this within four weeks of the activity taking place.
Grants over £5000 will require additional reporting and a post event outcome form will be issued to successful applicants.
The evaluation form will ask for:
- number of people who attended
- number of volunteers involved
- photographs of the activity
- a short description of what took place
- examples of the benefits created for the community
Grant conditions
Successful applicants must:
- deliver the activity as described in the application
- acknowledge support and funding from us in publicity and promotional material
- acknowledge support from the Grand Départ Community Activation Fund in publicity and promotional material
- comply with all relevant health and safety requirements
- supply an events plan, risk assessments and public liability insurance at least one month before the event
- obtain any licences, permissions or insurance required
- submit required evaluation information within four weeks of the event
Failure to comply with these conditions may affect eligibility for future funding opportunities and/or require return of funding.