Grants can help take pride in the community

Oct 7 2011 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

COMMUNITY groups, organisations and charities are being urged to apply for Stirling Council’s Community Pride Fund for grant help with local projects.

There are three funding rounds remaining during this financial year with deadlines on November 18, January 6 and February 17.

Councillor Steven Paterson, portfolio holder for Empowerment and Citizenship, said: “So far this year, grants amounting to £18,000 have been awarded to 17 different projects – money which will go towards making a difference in our local communities.

“If you’re involved in a community organisation and think the Council’s Community Pride Fund might be able to help, please get in touch.”

Groups to benefit this year include Gartmore Community Trust which was awarded £688 to investigate the viability of a small hydro scheme to generate income for the community longer term.

Broomridge and Riverside Community Councils have both been awarded £908 and £552 respectively for projects to improve their local environments through bulb planting - both groups plan to involve the local community in the planting.

Kippen Sports Development Ltd has spent the past few years raising substantial funding for the drainage and refurbishment of the village’s football field, creating a facility suitable for a variety of sports and community events.

KSDL was recently awarded a Community Pride grant of £1500 towards a storage shed for keeping various sports equipment.

Kilmadock Development Trust in Doune and Bridge of Allan Community Council are both benefiting from £1500 grants to have their local walks leaflets updated and reprinted promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging visitors to spend more time in the area and support the local economy.

And Dunblane Development Trust received a few Community Pride awards this year, their latest one being £864 towards the upgrade and repair of a cycle route between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.

The maximum grant available is £1500 and eligible groups can apply more than once in a financial year provided they are applying for different projects each time.

For further details and an application form please contact Jean Cowie, Funding Officer, on 01786 432050, email cowiej@stirling.gov.uk