FORTY-TWO projects across Dumfries and Galloway are celebrating a share of £524,891 from the latest round of the Community Led Local Development Fund. The Scottish Government programme supports projects that will make a real difference to people and places across the region. This round’s awards range from food larders and carers’ groups to heating upgrades,… Read more »
Author: alan
TSDG announce leader transition as organisation looks to new chapter
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) have confirmed details of a planned leadership transition, as the organisation moves forward with confidence into an exciting new phase of strategic development. CEO Alan Webb and Depute CEO Isabel McKnight have both stepped down from their current roles but will remain closely involved with TSDG on a freelance… Read more »
Focus on communities and place detailed in Programme for Government
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) have welcomed a stronger role for communities in plans to reform how public services are delivered across Scotland. Published this week, The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 commits to “empowering regions and communities” by putting more power in the hands of people and the places they… Read more »
Dumfries and Galloway communities fund to open new round
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults is opening soon for its sixth round in Dumfries and Galloway. This year, a total of £146,240 will be available through small grants up to £10,000. The fund will launch on Monday 14th September and close on Wednesday 21st October. Fund priorities are: social isolation and… Read more »
Recruiting members to Community Led Local Development Local Action Group
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, as the Accountable Body for Community led Local Development (CLLD) delivery, are looking for new members to join the independent Local Action Group (LAG). Further information is available in our frequently asked questions here. Do you have skills in expertise in any of these areas? As a LAG member, you… Read more »
Community events to showcase local support to boost health and wellbeing
Residents across Dumfries and Galloway are being given a chance to discover what’s on their doorstep to help improve their health and wellbeing. Nine community events (go to full info here) will bring local support, services and activities together under one roof this September. Doors will be open to everyone – carers, people managing long-term… Read more »
£1.6m investment in third sector family support
A new South of Scotland Whole Family Rural Collaborative between Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and Midlothian will benefit from an initial £1.6m of investment from the Scottish Government Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund. A £1.63 million investment in partnership will bring stronger, more joined-up support to children, young people and families in… Read more »
Two hours could transform the way you work with volunteers
A new, free volunteering development session is now available from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway for organisations looking to strengthen how they recruit, support, and retain volunteers. Delivered in small, friendly groups of two to four participants, the two-hour session combines practical service design activities with creative brainstorming. This will give organisations the space to… Read more »
Help shape future of poverty and inequality services in region
People and organisations across Dumfries and Galloway are being invited to share their experiences and views as part of a consultation to help shape the new Poverty and Inequalities Strategy for 2027–2032. The strategy will guide how public services and partners work together to tackle poverty, reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for people and communities… Read more »
Update on Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s search for new CEO
An update from our Board on the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive for Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG). “Following Alan Webb’s announcement earlier this year that he intended to step down from his CEO role with TSDG, the Board undertook a full recruitment process. A preferred candidate was chosen but due to… Read more »
Independence at home a key aim to help meet growing demand
MORE people could be supported to remain independent in their own homes under plans designed to help secure the future of health and social care services in Dumfries and Galloway. Reports presented to Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board highlighted work underway to reshape services through stronger collaboration with the voluntary sector, expanded reablement services… Read more »
Partnership helping shape new approach to commissioning services
CHARITIES, community groups, Carers and people with lived experience are helping shape a new approach to commissioning health and social care services in Dumfries and Galloway. A report to Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board today highlighted how a new Public Social Partnership is bringing organisations together earlier to identify challenges, develop solutions and influence… Read more »
New strategy supported to move towards Fair Funding commitment
Public sector partners across Dumfries and Galloway have made a commitment to move towards fully embedding Fair Funding principles for the region’s voluntary sector over the next three years. The move will ultimately give local charities, community groups and social enterprises greater funding security. The Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board backed a new partner strategy… Read more »
Just over a week left in window for £524,000 community fund
Communities across Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to seize a major funding opportunity before the latest round of the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund closes on Monday 1 June. A total of £524,891 is available through the Scottish Government programme, supporting projects that will make a real difference to people and places across… Read more »
Partnership to amplify community voices into Scottish Parliament
A new long-term partnership between Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) and the Scottish Parliament aims to bring the voices of communities across the region into the heart of parliamentary scrutiny. The partnership is designed to deepen community engagement with the Scottish Parliament across the region and will work to ensure that the lived experiences… Read more »
Fund’s next round to put over £500,000 into region’s communities
The next round of the Community Led Local Development Fund in Dumfries and Galloway will open next month. The grant programme will have £524,891 available and opens to applications on Monday 4th May. The fund outcomes in this round are: The Small Grant Programme will open for applications up to £10,000 with £200,000 of revenue… Read more »
Fund welcomed but risks undermining place-led support for families
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has welcomed the announcement of a £20 million fund to support families living in poverty, or at risk of, poverty across Scotland. The Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund reflects the essential role that third sector organisations play in tackling poverty and standing alongside families when they need… Read more »
Chief Executive of TSDG to step down later this year
The Chief Executive of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG), Alan Webb, will step down from his role later this summer after two years of leadership marked by significant organisational development, partnership building and collaboration across the region and at a national level. During his time with the organisation, TSDG has strengthened its role as… Read more »
£527,867 awarded to 37 community projects in Dumfries and Galloway
Thirty-seven projects across Dumfries and Galloway will share £527,867 over the next year to help enhance mental wellbeing, reduce inequalities and strengthen community resilience. The successful applicants to the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults focus on key priorities including tackling social isolation and loneliness, supporting suicide prevention, and addressing poverty and inequality…. Read more »
Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund announces first round of success
People with profound disabilities and complex needs will have greater freedom and independence with the development of five new Changing Places Toilets (CPT) across Dumfries and Galloway. Backed by a total Scottish Government investment of £10 million into The Changing Places Scotland Fund between 2025-27, £4.7 million has been allocated this year to help individuals, families and… Read more »
Regional advice service ‘devastated’ by new council funding cut
A regional advice service has responded to a funding cut in the latest local authority approved budget by predicting £2million less will go back into the public’s pockets in Dumfries and Galloway in the next year. Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service will be hit by a 20 per cent reduction in its budget from… Read more »
New digital platform to strengthen third sector collaboration across region
An innovative new digital platform designed to transform collaboration across the third sector in Dumfries and Galloway is set to be developed through a strategic partnership between South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG). The initiative forms part of DGCollective, the sector-owned approach to collaboration for better outcomes across the… Read more »
Food Train unveils ambitious expansion plan as concerns on malnutrition grow
Dumfries-founded charity Food Train has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan amid mounting concerns about malnutrition among older people. It hopes to grow the number of local authority areas across Scotland in which it has branches from nine to 18 – taking the total number of over-65s that it supports to tackle malnutrition and loneliness to… Read more »
Community Fund look for new members on management committee
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Regionwide Community Fund is looking for independent members to sit on the Fund’s management committee. The Fund is going into its seventh year and will be distributing over £120,000 annually to community benefit projects in the region. The committee is responsible for assessing applications to award funding as well as reviewing… Read more »
Cautious welcome given to new third sector partnership
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway has welcomed the announcement made this week by the Scottish Government on development of a new third sector partnership, whilst sounding caution that design of a new agreement should not stop progress on Fair Funding, sector investment and a more strategic role in delivering reform and impact for our communities…. Read more »
TSDG’s Chief Executive Officer responds to national spending plans
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s CEO, Alan Webb, has responded to the Scottish Government’s proposed spending and tax plans for 2026-27 published this week. He said: “We welcome much of today’s budget, including further action on tackling poverty, inequalities, and whole family support. It’s also welcome to see particular focus on the role of our… Read more »
Competition is not our friend. What might 2026 hold for working together?
By Alan Webb, CEO Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway As we enter a new year (Happy New Year), the pressure and the intensity of focus on money, people and services ramp up for many across our sector approaching the financial threshold of April. It has been this way for decades, but could we help each… Read more »
TSDG recruiting new members to fund’s Local Action Group
Are you passionate about community led local development? Are you interested in contributing to the future delivery of the Community Led Local Development Fund (CLLD)? Do you have skills in expertise in any of these areas? Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, as the Accountable Body for CLLD delivery are looking for new members to join… Read more »
Strategic Alliance plan to strengthen third sector commissioning
A STRONG commitment to long-term partnership with the third sector has been reaffirmed this week — as plans are set out to strengthen how advice, support and care services delivered in communities are commissioned. The Integration Joint Board (IJB) heard plans to bring third sector organisations together through a Strategic Alliance, creating a single, shared… Read more »
Funding Finder’s popularity opens up new way to search locally
Our weekly Funding Bulletin is coming to an end. Instead, you can now access funding opportunities whenever you need through our free-to-use Funding Finder tool, which allows you to search at a time and frequency to suit and for funds relevant to your organisation. You can access the Funding Finder here:https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/tsdgfundingfinder Updates on selected local… Read more »
Strengthening collaboration for employability across D&G
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) hosted Empowering Pathways, a regional forum aiming to strengthen employability through collaboration across the region. The event brought together third sector organisations, community groups, DG Works, local authority representatives and national partners to consider how to improve employability and community wellbeing in the area. A clear message was highlighted:… Read more »
UK Autumn Budget – Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s response
From CEO Alan Webb “Just last week, we gave evidence in the Scottish Parliament about tackling inequalities in rural Scotland, from the availability and costs of transport to limited digital connection, the cost of living in terms of food, fuel and household bills and services being hard to access for too many. “There was therefore… Read more »
Chair of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s board steps down
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway’s board chair John Dougan has stepped down from his role after serving his full term. John, who is also CEO of Relationship Scotland Dumfries and Galloway, led his final AGM before leaving the board. He said: “As I step down from my role as Chair of Third Sector Dumfries and… Read more »
Protecting what matters – our response to local budget proposals
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has today made its submission to the Dumfries and Galloway Council budget consultation process. A key aspect of the submission is the need for collective leadership and collaboration whilst ensuring there isn’t a withdrawal or extraction from communities to maintain systems and existing ways of working. Alan Webb, Chief… Read more »
Almost £500,000 awarded to organisations across region
THIRTY-FIVE community projects across Dumfries and Galloway are sharing almost £500,000 in the latest round of a Scottish Government funding programme. The organisations successfully applied to Round Four of the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund. A total investment of £414,409 in capital and £83,537 in revenue was provided by the fund. Newstart Recycle in… Read more »
Critical advice service under threat as council considers third sector cuts
Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) is facing the possibility of losing all of its funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council. It is one of a number of options being considered in a new local authority budget consultation that will impact on the third sector across the region. The budget consultation can be… Read more »
Scotland’s Health and Social Care secretary visits Dumfries lunch club
Scotland’s Health and Social Care Secretary joined a group of older people for lunch to see how a pop-up cafe is playing its part in tackling malnutrition and loneliness. Neil Gray visited Food Train’s community hub in Dumfries town centre on Wednesday, where a group aged 65 and over gather for a chat and a… Read more »
Lorraine leads vital team giving carers much-needed break
A NEW manager has been appointed at a busy locally-based charity providing vital support to carers and those they look after living at home. Lorraine Walker takes over the helm at Crossroads (Annandale and Eskdale) at a time demand for the service provided has never been greater. The married mother-of-three from Annan, who was previously… Read more »
We must be part of the change update
From Alan Webb, CEO of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway Further to my update in April 2025 on the pressures facing our public sector partners, we have continued to work closely with colleagues on the transformation that’s needed in public service delivery, and the importance of recognising the value and impact of our third sector… Read more »
Call out for new trustees for Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) is inviting nominations for new trustees to join our Board ahead of our Annual General Meeting in November. As the third sector interface for Dumfries and Galloway, TSDG works to promote, support and develop a strong third sector and to ensure that its voice is heard in community planning… Read more »
Consultation on its way to consider next year’s local authority budget
Dumfries and Galloway Council will launch its Budget Consultation 2026/27 in mid-October, inviting residents, staff and partners to share their views on how the council should respond nationwide financial challenges. Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is inviting the sector to highlight key themes or asks now to be shared in a sector response when the… Read more »
Dumfries and Galloway communities fund opens new round for applications
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults is now open for its fifth round of applications in Dumfries and Galloway. A total of £439,150 has been made available by the Scottish Government to support grassroots groups and organisations across the region in delivering initiatives that enhance mental wellbeing, reduce inequalities and strengthen community… Read more »
New social enterprise team in place to relaunch support for the sector
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has revealed a new social enterprise team to help enhance the contribution of the sector to the economic development of the region. The team will work to embed Community Wealth Building principles, strengthen the social enterprise ecosystem, and ensure the voice of local organisations is represented in decision-making processes…. Read more »
Dumfries and Galloway projects among key beneficiaries of £2.5 million boost
Communities across Dumfries and Galloway are set to benefit from significant new investment as part of the Scottish Government’s Strengthening Communities Programme, with over £245,000 allocated to seven local regeneration projects. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has confirmed that more than £2.5 million will be distributed in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin… Read more »
Organisations connect and collaborate at Meet TSDG event
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) welcomed organisations, community groups, and individuals this week to a special event — offering a unique opportunity to discover the wide range of free support and services available to the region’s third sector. The first of a series of events, Meet Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway began with a… Read more »
New online funding finder launched for third sector in Dumfries and Galloway
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has today launched an innovative new online platform aimed at helping third sector organisations across the region identify and access vital funding opportunities. The TSDG Funding Finder, available now at https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/tsdgfundingfinder, is a powerful, free-to-use tool tailored specifically to meet the needs of charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, and… Read more »
Coming soon – new funding portal for third sector
The funding finder tool has been launched and can be found here – https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/tsdgfundingfinder A major boost in the search for funding is on its way for the third sector in Dumfries and Galloway. Starting next month, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is launching an exciting new tool designed to supercharge your search for funding:… Read more »
Third sector and community organisations invited to apply for grants
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Charity are launching their annual grant programme with applications being invited from local third sector and community organisations that provide a service or support to our Health Board. Grant applications are invited up to and including £5,000. Your application should provide evidence as to why the funding is needed and also… Read more »
Support growing for new collaborative model for region’s third sector
Momentum is building behind DGCollective — a bold, sector-led concept being developed by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway to establish a collective and collaborative approach to third sector leadership across the region. The core ambition of DGCollective is to unite the sector in addressing shared challenges, seizing emerging opportunities, and harnessing its collective strength for… Read more »
Welcoming a new vision for Population Health – now it’s time for action
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway welcomes the publication of Scotland’s Population Health Framework 2025-2035 and, in particular, a recognition of the vital role played by the community and voluntary sector in creating the conditions for good health and wellbeing. This framework must mark a turning point, at a time when poverty and inequalities – including… Read more »