Community groups and organisations have been reminded to apply for Winter Connections cash as temperatures prepare to plummet in the coming weeks and months.

The warm spaces initiative – a network of places where people can connect with others – is in its third year and has been backed by £75,000 in Renfrewshire Council funding.

The fund opened last month and applicants can bid for up to £2,000 to cover costs relating to energy, provision of food, staffing or cleaning.

Councillor Graeme Clark, vice chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, has encouraged groups and organisations to consider putting their name forward.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We’ve had really good applications from groups in the past and it’s been a very effective way of helping people in the community.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about it to submit an application, whether they have before or they are new, and particularly if they are in areas we’ve not been in before – although we’ve got quite a wide coverage from the analysis.

“The programme deals with two issues. It deals with the heating issue, which is one people face in the winter, but it also deals with isolation and loneliness, which have shown to be a major concern across Renfrewshire.”

Projects applying to the fund should be open, free and easy to access; inclusive, welcoming, respectful and safe; able to offer warm drinks, snacks or food along with activities where possible; and able or willing to provide connections to other services and supports.

Applicants must also have a written constitution, bank account and demonstrate an understanding of what their community needs.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of the council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said last month: “The Winter Connections programme has brought people together in a positive way over the last two years and I’m pleased to see this important community-led programme return.

“Community groups and voluntary organisations are the heart of our communities and essential for local people.

“The cost of living continues to remain high and enabling people to join free activities in their local area really helps people to feel connected to their communities during the cold winter months.

“People have told us they enjoy the programme and how much it has helped to reduce isolation, make connections, learn new skills, and get advice and support if they needed it.

“This year’s programme will build on the wonderful work that’s gone before. I would encourage community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for funding now.”

Awards are due to be made from the middle of this month, with the pot staying open until all available funding has been used.

Any grant received from the fund must be spent by the end of March.