MORAY COMMUNITY GROUPS outside the five main towns who are wishing to start up projects are being urged to consider a new pilot grant project being launched this month.
‘Money for Moray’ is the name given to a new initiative that allows the community to decide for itself which projects should receive funding for small, community-led projects that would help boost the local economy.
Administered by a volunteer working group and supported by the Moray Council Community Support Unit (CSU), the project has £60,000 of Scottish Government funding available which will be match-funded by Moray Council.
Community, voluntary or non-profit organisations can apply for funding from £200 to a maximum of £5000 for projects that could be such as starting a childcare club in a local hall or placing story-telling boards along a public footpath.
Announcing the scheme in January, local government minister Marco Biagi said: “In these times of unprecedented political engagement in Scotland, there are many people who want to participate, but don’t get involved in traditional consultations.
“Participatory budgeting gives them a sense of ownership and removes barriers that can often come between them and being involved in local decision making.”
The main criteria is that projects must help improve the area for which it is planned, and these projects cannot be based in Elgin, Lossiemouth, Forres, Buckie or Keith, for whom funding is already available through the Four Town Partnership and Elgin BID.
However, if a group is based in one of these towns and is planning a project that would operate outside the town boundary it may still be eligible.
The pilot project for Money for Moray will see a public event being held on May 28 in the Grant Hall, Rothes – those attending will be invited to vote on which applicants would receive a share of the funding, with a second event following on later this year.
More information and an application form, with a closing date of April 22 for bids, can be found on the Moray Council website.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Anita (01343 842289), Hugh (01340 871600), Alastair (01343 547352), Christine (01542 831280), Ann (01542 834085), Les (01309 676716) or Linda (01542 850383) or email csu@moray.gov.uk.