IDEAS AND BIDS are being sought from Moray community groups who wish to see their dreams come to fruition through participatory budgeting.

Moray was ahead of the game last year by holding the first rounds of this new form of community involvement in who gets a slice of available funding.

The team behind Money for Moray have revealed that they have secured another £55,000 from Moray Council – and are ready to hear from groups who could use a portion of the available economic development cash.

Participatory Budgeting is an initiative which lets the wider community decide which community group projects will help boost the local economy of Moray. This enterprise is being delivered by the Money for Moray Group – a group of volunteer community representatives from across Moray and follows on from three other successful PB events.

Any local new or existing community or voluntary group/organisation can apply for funding from £200 to £4000 by completing a short application form. Groups with projects based in the towns of Elgin, Keith, Lossiemouth, Forres or Buckie are ineligible to apply, as these communities are covered by existing arrangements.

However, if a group is based in one of these towns and the project is outside the town area they may apply for this funding.

Projects must deliver economic benefit to the local community, support the local economy and help to make Moray a better place for everyone.

A successful applicant from a previous round of PB funding, Kay Griffin from the Lampie Hoose in Portgordon, said: “When you are a hard-working community group with a very small income, it is a real privilege to see your application for much needed funding judged on the day by real people.

“Participatory Budgeting is such a good system. The money released to The Lampie Hoose through Money for Moray has made a huge difference to what we have been able to achieve.”

Application forms will be available from October 21 via Money for Moray with a closing date of November 3.

Hard copies can be obtained by telephoning 01343 843025 (leave a message). If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Anita (01343 842289), Alastair (01343 547352), or Linda (01542 850383).

A public event where those in attendance will vote on which applicants should receive a share of the £55,000 will be held in early December.