West Lothian Pride in Place Small Grant Fund Now Open for Applications
West Lothian's MPs are encouraging community organisations across Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn to apply for grants of up to £2,000 as the first funding opportunity under the ten-year Pride in Place programme launches.
Gregor Poynton MP and Kirsteen Sullivan MP are encouraging community groups, charities and eligible organisations across Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn to apply for the newly launched Pride in Place Community First Small Grant Fund.
The fund will provide grants of up to £2,000 to support local projects, activities and improvements that bring people together, strengthen communities and increase pride in the places people live.
The launch marks the first funding opportunity being delivered by the Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, with the aim of getting investment flowing into local communities as quickly as possible.
The small grants programme is designed to give local organisations the opportunity to turn practical ideas into reality, whether that means starting a new activity, expanding an existing project, purchasing equipment or making improvements that benefit the wider community.
Gregor Poynton MP said:
"We want to see the benefits of Pride in Place reaching our communities as quickly as possible. This is a ten-year opportunity to make a transformational difference to Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn, and local people and organisations must be at the heart of that.
"We know that some of the best ideas for improving our communities come from the people and organisations already doing fantastic work on the ground. Sometimes a relatively small amount of money can make a real difference, helping to get a new project off the ground, bring people together or improve a local space.
"That's why we've been keen to get this first funding opportunity launched while work continues at pace on the wider strategic plan. We want projects supported through this initial grants programme to begin receiving funding before the end of the year, while we develop the longer-term priorities for the much larger investment available over the next decade.
"This is just the beginning. I'd encourage every eligible community organisation to look at the fund and consider putting forward an application. If you have an idea or would like to discuss a potential project, please get in touch. I'm keen to hear from local groups and take their ideas and questions back to the Neighbourhood Board."
Kirsteen Sullivan MP said:
"Pride In Place is about giving local communities a greater voice in shaping the future of the places they call home.
“ These grants are an opportunity for local organisations to deliver projects that reflect the needs and ambitions of residents, whether that's creating new opportunities for people to come together, supporting community wellbeing or improving local spaces.
“ I know there are fantastic groups across Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn already making a real difference every day. I'd encourage them to consider applying to make their existing work go that bit further, or to start a new project that will benefit the local area"
What can the grants support?
The Pride in Place Community First Small Grant Fund offers awards of up to £2,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.
Funding can support a range of practical community projects, including:
• New or expanded community activities and initiatives.
• Purchasing equipment to support local groups.
• Community events and activities that bring people together.
• Environmental improvements and enhancements to local spaces.
• Projects addressing identified needs within the community.
Community groups, charities and public sector organisations are eligible to apply.
Projects should primarily benefit residents of Blackburn, Fauldhouse or Whitburn. Projects located outside these communities may also be considered where they demonstrate a direct benefit to residents within the Pride in Place area.
How to apply
Organisations interested in applying should complete the Pride in Place Small Grants Fund application form and return it by email to:
Applicants will need to provide details of their organisation, proposed project, location, anticipated beneficiaries and project costs.
The MPs are encouraging eligible organisations to come forward with their ideas and take advantage of this first opportunity to secure funding through the programme.