MORAY COMMUNITIES ARE being alerted to a new partnership between ScotRail and Foundation Scotland that will provide a £90,000 fund for local community groups.
The ScotRail Foundation will distribute grants over three separate areas – a community fund, cultural and arts fund and employee charitable giving fund.
Community groups will be invited to apply for grants from £250 to £5000 from the community fund, aimed at projects that support children and young people or to improve the environment or general health of communities.
Similar grants will be available for charities, individuals and local groups to promote creativity, the arts, community recreation, sports themes or other cultural activity.
The employee charity giving fund will provide ‘match funding’ to ScotRail staff members who raise funds on behalf of their own special causes with a limit of £250 for each application.
Elaine Bell, ScotRail’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “We believe we are much more than just a train operator, and that we have a responsibility to try and improve and connect local communities.
“Launching this fund will create many opportunities for groups and individuals across the country, and we want to see lots of eligible hopefuls apply.
“The ScotRail Foundation will enable us to provide financial support to local communities across Scotland for many years to come.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, added: “We know culture and the arts can tackle inequalities, empower people and transform lives. The Scottish Government is working hard to widen access to the arts, ensuring people of all ages can enjoy and participate in cultural activity and experience our heritage.
“The ScotRail Foundation demonstrates an ongoing commitment to ensuring that communities across Scotland are supported to create and participate, so that all the hard work and imagination that contribute to the cultural life of our communities is recognised and rewarded. I encourage charities, individuals and local groups to apply for funding.”
To apply, or to find out more about the above Funds, groups should visit the Foundation Scotland website.