The £200,000 Scottish Veterans Fund is now open for bids from projects that improve the lives of former service personnel and their families.
The 2020/21 fund, supported by the SNP Government and Standard Life Aberdeen, will also consider projects that recognise the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Since the SNP Government created the fund in 2008, more than 170 projects have been supported with more than £1.6 million.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“As always, this fund will help provide unique and innovative approaches to aiding our veterans in communities across North Ayrshire and Scotland.
“In addition - and in recognition of the significant impact of coronavirus - there will be a focus on supporting projects that are rising to the challenge of safely providing support for veterans and their families despite lockdown restrictions.”
Sandy MacDonald, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Standard Life Aberdeen, said:
“We are delighted to once again partner the SNP Government and Veterans Scotland to support the Scottish Veterans Fund and help veterans and their families to thrive after their military service, benefiting both our communities and civilian workforce.”
Executive Chairman of Veterans Scotland Chris Hughes said:
“Continuation of this support to those leaving the Service, veterans and their families is particularly welcome and important in the current difficult circumstances and additional challenges faced by all in that community and more widely.”
“The Scottish Veterans Fund is particularly aimed at helping veterans overcome disadvantage experienced as a result of service, as well as supporting projects that help veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life.”
The funding available for this year totals £200,000 with £120,000 from the SNP Government and £80,000 from Standard Life Aberdeen. Scottish Government funding will be maintained at its current level until at least 2022/23.
Bids received for the Scottish Veterans Fund are assessed by an independent panel selected and chaired by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.
Applications forms and guidance will be available shortly on the Veterans Scotland website and applications close on 30 November.
Contact details and information on support for bids can be found on the Veterans Scotland website .
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