DONATIONS FROM THE Moray-based charity set up by the late Gordon and Ena Baxter have topped the £200,000 mark this year.
The Foundation have revealed this week that a further 12 groups working for a wide range of different causes throughout the north east and the Highlands and Islands will receive funding.
Kay Jackson, the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation manager, told insideMoray: “There was a broad range of applications for consideration at our recent meeting and we are pleased to be able to support these particular organisations, all of whom are doing fantastic work in their local areas.”
Among the successful projects is the new Cullen Sea School, a project run by the Three Harbours Association which will make sea school facilities available for local watersports clubs and the wider community.
The organisation is currently refurbishing an old boat store at Cullen Harbour which will become an educational centre for small boat building and sailing, coastal rowing, kayaking, canoeing, diving and boat building skills and training courses. A grant from the Foundation of £3,000 will go towards the purchase of a St Ayles Skiff and necessary tools for boat building and maintenance.
Ms Jackson said: “Cullen Sea School is a great example of the types of organisations we at the Foundation are looking to hear from – an innovative community project run by a well-managed group and the potential to make a real difference to the community. We look forward to seeing the centre open for business in the near future.”
Malcolm Watt, Chair of Three Harbours Association, said: “We are particularly grateful for funding from such an important local charity as The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation. Enabling us to purchase the St. Ayles Skiff and necessary tools has given us an excellent start to the next phase of the development of the Cullen Sea School.
“This facility, when fully operational will present fantastic educational and water sports facilities for all ages in the three communities of Findochty, Portknockie and Cullen, as well as for visiting tourists so contributing to the local economy at a time of economic uncertainty.”
Other successful applicants for awards include the ARCHIE Foundation, Grampian Child Bereavement Network, Highland Wildlife Park, Lintmill Playpark Action Group, the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the University of Aberdeen Development Trust’s Alzheimer Research programme. The Foundation’s funding will help them deliver specific and innovative projects which aim to make a positive difference within their communities.
Ms Jackson encouraged other groups to come forward with their ideas before the next funding round: “At the Foundation we are always keen to hear from well-managed groups with creative ideas and exciting community projects.
“We are now open for enquiries to apply to our next funding round in March 2016.”
For further information on The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation visit their website at www.gordonandenabaxterfoundation.com/.