Case Study: Supporting Grangemouth Community Sports Trust

At Club Development Solutions, we are proud to support community sports organisations across Scotland to strengthen their governance, finances, and long-term sustainability. One of our most significant recent projects has been working alongside Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) as they prepare to take forward the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the iconic Grangemouth Stadium.

Creating a CAT-Ready Structure

Our first step was to help GCST establish the right legal and governance framework. We supported the creation of a two-tier Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), ensuring the Trust has the powers and credibility required to take on such a major asset. Alongside this, we developed a full suite of governance documents – including a Conflict of Interest Policy, Trustee Register, and Risk Register – to embed good practice from the outset.

Maximising Financial Opportunities

To strengthen GCST’s fundraising capacity, we secured registration with HMRC for Gift Aid, unlocking additional income from donations. We also worked with the Trust to backdate Gift Aid claims to the date of incorporation, ensuring early donations generated the maximum possible benefit. In parallel, we established a JustGiving account to provide a trusted, accessible donation platform for supporters.

Building a Digital Infrastructure for Growth

Digital systems are vital for modern charities. We supported GCST’s registration with Google for Nonprofits, enabling them to:

1. Use Google Workspace, with a central Google Drive hub for governance documents and policies.

2. Create official Trustee email addresses, strengthening professionalism and security.

3. Access Google Ad Grants, worth up to £7,500 per month in free advertising.

   
   

We also designed and launched a new GCST website, integrating Google Ads to boost awareness, donations, and engagement with the Trust’s work.

Unlocking Future Funding

A core element of our support has been to research and identify grant opportunities that align with GCST’s ambitions. We’ve already developed and submitted targeted applications, ensuring the Trust can access vital external funding to support operations, business development, and long-term sustainability.

Building for the Future

Our work with GCST has laid the foundations for the Trust to take on one of Scotland’s most significant community sports facilities. By combining governance expertise, fundraising infrastructure, and digital transformation, Club Development Solutions has positioned GCST to thrive — ensuring Grangemouth Stadium can remain a community-led, inclusive, and sustainable hub for years to come.

Could We Help Your Club Too?

This case study is just one example of how we work in partnership with clubs and community organisations to strengthen their governance, unlock funding, and build sustainable futures. If your club or organisation would like to explore how Club Development Solutions can support you, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Contact us today at andrew@clubdevelopmentsolutions.com.