Funding of up to £50k for community projects in Aberdeenshire
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GROUPS in Aberdeenshire could receive grants of up to £50,000 to support community projects.
The cash is being given out for activities and infrastructure to be delivered before March 2023 – and a range of organisations can apply.
Infrastructure services committee chairman Councillor John Crawley said: “This fund is broad-ranging and very much community-led, and builds on schemes that have helped local projects reach fruition in the past.
“We’d love to see applications from community groups and organisations that are in a position to be able to move their projects forward in the current financial year.”
The funds, being delivered by the Community Led Vision Fund could be awarded to public sector organisations, small to medium-sized enterprises, charities, community groups and co-operatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area).
Activities and infrastructure could be funded if they provide positive community, social or environmental impacts.
Applications will be assessed and approved by a combined North and South Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership comprising of representatives from Aberdeenshire’s public and private sector.
The fund is part of the council’s Local Development Funding Programme and grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure which can be delivered before March 2023 and support one or more of the following priorities:
- Capacity Building to ‘unlock’ projects (e.g. feasibility, pre-construction work, options appraisals)
- Quick win capital work for community spaces (e.g. improving interiors in newly re-opened community buildings, or energy efficiency measures)
- Green public spaces (e.g. planting or restoring green spaces, outdoor play/recreation)
- Opportunities for young people (creating or improving spaces, purchasing equipment, etc.)
While grants could deliver up to £50,000, sums as low as £5000 are also available with a minimum 10 per cent match funding contribution to projects by applicants desirable but not essential.
LAG Chair Gina Ford said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this exciting new programme, and build upon the legacy of LEADER funding and rural development in this area over recent decades.”
Committee vice-chairwoman Councillor Isobel Davidson said: “This fund has the capacity to support both smaller and larger projects and could be just what is needed to help communities bring local projects into reality.
“The important thing here is that the projects must be completed before the end of March next year, so groups should move quickly if they wish to take advantage of this funding, and our teams are happy to provide support with the application process.”
The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, September 11, and potential applicants can access the application form and guidance by clicking here.
Applicants are also encouraged to contact the funding team for more information and support by emailing: externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
