Small Grants for Midlothian Community Groups

Midlothian Council is inviting funding applications from local organisations with innovative voluntary projects working to promote social inclusion, local regeneration and community safety.

Community groups working for the benefit of Midlothian residents are eligible to apply for grants of up to £1500 from the Small Projects Regeneration Fund and the Community Safety Small Grants Scheme. The deadline for the latest funding round is noon on Friday 16th November.

The Small Projects Regeneration Fund can support short-term or pilot projects, start-up costs and feasibility studies. Projects should address issues of poverty, social exclusion, or the improvement of local community facilities. For example, in the last round of grants Penicuik Film Society received funding to start up a pilot season of films, bringing a new facility into the area.

The Community Safety Small Grants Scheme will support projects which aim to reduce or prevent vandalism. The Woodburn Neighbourhood Watch received funding in the last round to research anti vandalism deterrent measures and youth diversionary schemes.

Cabinet member for best value and community planning Councillor Alex Bennett said, “Funding is the keystone of all voluntary projects, and small grants like these are especially important to new or small organisations, who may well go on to do big things in their communities. Some examples of projects funded in the past are community newsletters, pilots for new services and purchase of new equipment, while organisations such as neighbourhood watch schemes have also received funding.”

Contact Dorothy Wright at Midlothian Council to discuss project ideas or to order an application pack. Telephone 0131 271 3199 or email dorothy.wright@midlothian.gov.uk