Bringing Funders and Communities Together: Reflections from the Lesmahagow Funding Fair

On 12 January, representatives from Soul of the Junction SCIO had the pleasure of attending a Funding Fair in Lesmahagow, organised by Màiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale. Hosted at the welcoming and well-established Fountain Hall, the event brought together a wide range of funders, community organisations, charities, and social enterprises from across the region.

From the outset, the Funding Fair was clearly designed with accessibility, openness, and practical support in mind. Rather than formal presentations or competitive pitching, the event created a space for meaningful conversations, allowing grassroots organisations to engage directly with funders, ask honest questions, and explore opportunities aligned with their stage of development.

A Thoughtfully Curated and Inclusive Event

What stood out most was the quality of organisation and clarity of purpose behind the day. The structure allowed attendees to move freely between funders, ensuring time for both introductory discussions and more in-depth conversations. This format recognised a crucial reality for small and rural organisations: access to funders is often limited, and opportunities for face-to-face dialogue are invaluable.

The atmosphere throughout the hall was welcoming and collaborative rather than transactional. Funders were approachable, well-briefed, and genuinely interested in understanding the context in which local organisations operate — particularly the pressures faced by rural communities, volunteer-led charities, and groups managing or developing community assets.

Practical Support for Community-Led Organisations

For Soul of the Junction SCIO, the Funding Fair provided an important opportunity to share our journey — from taking on responsibility for a much-loved community hall, to delivering climate-focused programmes, inclusive events, and creative engagement for residents of Carstairs Junction and surrounding areas.

Conversations on the day went beyond application forms and eligibility criteria. Funders took the time to discuss:

• organisational readiness and capacity,

• the realities of managing buildings and capital projects,

• the importance of long-term sustainability rather than short-term delivery,

• and how community-led organisations can evidence impact while remaining rooted in local need.

This approach was particularly valuable for organisations like ours that are actively transitioning from early-stage delivery into more complex, long-term development work.

The Importance of Political Support for the Third Sector

Events such as this Funding Fair highlight the vital role that elected representatives can play in supporting the third sector — not by directing outcomes, but by creating the conditions for connection, learning, and access.

By convening funders and community organisations in one space,

Màiri McAllan demonstrated a strong understanding of the challenges faced by local groups and a clear commitment to strengthening the social infrastructure of Clydesdale. This kind of leadership helps ensure that smaller organisations are not left navigating complex funding landscapes alone.

A Strong Venue Rooted in Community

The choice of venue also deserves recognition.

Lesmahagow Development Trust and the team at Fountain Hall provided an excellent setting — one that itself reflects the power of community ownership, local stewardship, and sustained investment in shared spaces.

Hosting the Funding Fair in a community-run venue reinforced the message that local places matter, and that community assets can act as catalysts for wider social, economic, and environmental benefit.

Looking Ahead

Attending the Lesmahagow Funding Fair was both encouraging and motivating. It reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, transparency, and relationship-building in the funding process, and highlighted the growing recognition of the role that small, place-based organisations play in addressing complex challenges — from climate resilience and wellbeing to inclusion and local regeneration.

Soul of the Junction SCIO would like to extend our sincere thanks to Màiri McAllan, the funders who gave their time so generously, and Lesmahagow Development Trust for hosting such a well-run and purposeful event.

We look forward to building on the conversations started in Lesmahagow and continuing our work to create resilient, inclusive, and creative community spaces in South Lanarkshire.