Deadline looms for community projects grants
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PEOPLE involved in community projects in areas of the city including Scorguie, Kinmylies and Ballifeary have hours left to apply for a share of £11,000.
The fund is for projects in Highland Council’s Inverness West ward and the local authority’s message is that it’s: "Your ward, your cash – what’s best for West?"
The deadline for applications to the ward’s participatory budget is 5pm tomorrow (Friday).
Inverness West ward members have agreed to distribute £10,000 of their ward discretionary budget via the fund and Charleston Community Foundation has also agreed to donate £1000.
Groups can apply for grants from £100 to £1000.
Project applications can be large or small, add value to existing projects or be something completely new.
Whether you want to organise a healthy living project, start a new fitness group, put on a lunch club for older residents – all applications are welcome as long as the project supports people in the ward.
Representatives from the projects that meet the eligibility criteria will be asked to present their ideas to the public who will then cast votes during a special event held on October 28.
Councillor Bill Boyd said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the people who actually live here to decide directly how ward funding is spent locally."
Last year, 11 groups received funding through the process.
Councillor Alex Graham said: "The process is designed by a local organising group who are keen to explore the potential of the process to engage a range of people in decision-making while bringing the community together."
Councillor Graham Ross (above) described last year’s event as a superb showcase, adding: "Having an event like this is more than just a new way of allocating funding. The real benefits are engaging local people, reaching new groups, funding new and different projects and creating an opportunity for the community to come together."
For application forms visit: www.highland.gov.uk
