Community Choices is the council’s participatory budgeting programme, which puts decision-making directly into the hands of local people.

Through a public vote, residents help determine which projects receive funding to improve their area. 
Small Grants of up to £5,000 can be used for projects that benefit local communities, which can be used for:  

• purchasing equipment 
• organising community events 
• funding essential items that support local activities.

The application deadline for Small Grants is Monday 1 December 2025. 

Recent rounds have seen Community Choices funding support a variety of projects which have made a difference across the area, including:

• Go Youth Trust: installed a new kitchen at its Bank Street Youth Centre, giving young people the chance to build cooking skills, confidence, and qualifications 
• Polmont Community Hub: refurbished a room to accommodate the Braveheart Top Toes foot clinic, enabling the group to provide accessible foot care for local people
• Westfield Park Community Centre: created a new mural, underwent carpark fencing and roof repairs to brighten and strengthen the local hub. 

Drop-in sessions to find out more about the Community Choices Small Grants will be available at the following dates and locations: 

• 4 November 10:00-12:00 Falkirk Library
• 4 November 14:00-16:00 Denny Library
• 6 November 10:00-12:00 Meadowbank Library
• 6 November 14:00-16:00 Bo’ness Library. 

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “Community Choices is a powerful way for residents to shape the future of their communities. It supports grassroots ideas that meet real needs and helps people make lasting improvements where they live.  

“We’ve seen fantastic projects grow from this funding from improved facilities to new opportunities, and ensuring support goes where it makes the biggest difference.”
Once the application phase is complete, residents will have the opportunity to vote for the projects they want to see happen in their ward.  

Voting will take place in early 2026 and will be open to everyone of high school age and above, giving communities a direct say in how public money is used to improve the neighbourhoods where they live.