Community groups in Renfrewshire South are being urged to apply for a new £11.5m fund which aims to tackle disadvantage, poverty and inequality.
Local SNP MSP Tom Arthur is encouraging eligible groups to apply for the new Investing in Communities Fund recently announced by the Scottish Government.
It encourages community-led development, design and delivery of sustainable solutions addressing local issues, circumstances and aspirations.
This includes supporting out-of-school provision, providing activities and workshops, creating a community and improving job opportunities.
Grants of up to £250,000 are available over three years providing stability and recognising the need for longer term planning in some projects.
Commenting, Tom Arthur MSP said:
“Our communities play a key role in making Renfrewshire South such a great place to live and work.
“This funding would be allocated by listening to the views of residents who know best how to invest in their local area, ensuring that funding goes where it’s needed most.
“This announcement from the Scottish Government shows a real commitment to supporting and strengthening communities across Scotland and I would encourage applications from local groups and projects.”
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP added:
“We know that the best people to decide how to tackle local challenges are the people who live and work in the area.
“The introduction of this flexible, multi-year fund is the result of listening to the views of people in many different communities. It will enable community groups to make sustainable and impactful changes by providing them with the resources they need, when they need them.
“It will empower communities to have more control over of their own affairs and take forward more of the activities they have identified as being vital to their local area.”
Investing in Communities Fund applications are being accepted until June 14 and application information/forms can be found here.