Kenneth Gibson MSP is urging groups to apply for Community Assets funding via the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) by Friday 04 October.
Community Assets is National Lottery funding for community-owned building or capital projects, helping local communities to address specific inequalities or disadvantages through ownership of an asset.
Applicants will need to show clear evidence that they have consulted with their communities, considered various options to meet their needs and selected the best option to address these.
The projects must be people-led, strengths-based and connected. Further information about understanding these ‘three approaches’ is available via the link below, including case studies.
NLCF believes that talking with applicants early in the process can lead to stronger applications. Because of this, there is no application form. The first step is to contact NLCF to discuss your idea, so they can advise on whether or not this funding is right for what you want to do. If they think your idea may be worthwhile taking forward with Community Assets, they will arrange a visit.
Officers aim to complete all initial project visits by 01 November. All applicants will then know if they have been invited to submit a strategic plan and other documentation in support of their Community Assets application.
Groups must be ready to submit their final application documents and strategic plans by March 31, 2020 and funding decisions will all have been made by June 2020.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“I encourage any voluntary or community organisations in North Ayrshire who have consulted with their communities about taking over facilities, to get in touch with NLCF sooner rather than later to see if they can get Community Assets funding.
“The fund’s predecessor, Growing Community Assets, benefitted North Ayrshire communities greatly. For instance, West Kilbride Community Initiative successfully attracted a whopping £1,287,686 to help develop the Barony in West Kilbride, which has been truly transformative.
“Awards can vary from £10,000 to £1,000,000 so there is a lot to play for!”
Contact NLCF at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or on 0300 123 7110 to discuss your idea, or for any other questions about this funding.
ENDS
