Introduction
This Option is to provide funding for projects that add to or improve community facilities in a rural area.
What will this achieve?
This Option will allow local communities to address the gaps in their facilities that are not currently being addressed by public or other providers. Its objective is to encourage communities to enhance development in the area in line with local strategic objectives and national outcomes.
What you can do
You can use this grant Option for improvements to the infrastructure, facilities or services in your area that benefit local people, rather than e.g. tourists, and are not detrimental to the environment.
Who can apply?
Only rural community groups are eligible to apply for projects in their local area. A rural community group is defined as a community group which has a written constitution and which holds a bank account for the benefit of that group and whose membership is drawn from a rural settlement, including rural areas. A rural settlement means a settlement which has a population of less than 3,000 according to the Scottish Executive Urban Rural Classification 2003-2004. The membership may include those who represent other local organisations, eg: community councillors, school PTA or church representatives, but these should be in the minority.
Independent rural community groups, as described above, which are also members of a national federation, are eligible to apply in their own right.
Who cannot apply?
National, regional or local authority-wide organisations are not eligible to apply because they are not rural community groups as defined above. National organisations include Scottish Outdoor Education Centres and the Scottish Youth Hostel Association as well as national federations, of which independent local bodies are members, e.g. Riding for the Disabled Association.
The following also cannot apply:
- local authorities and other public sector organisations and
- groups largely composed of members which are public sector organisations, e.g. local authority, enterprise company, health board, other agencies, etc..
Additional Eligibility Criteria
There should be a clear demonstration of community need and demand for the service or facility. Projects should make a contribution to the strategic outcomes for the area and enhance community development. The application should show that the project has taken account of environmental sensitivities.
What costs could be supported
Examples include:
- Capital costs - Building renovation/new build, Internet café facilities, Sports equipment/facilities, Catering accommodation/upgrade.
- Non capital costs - Feasibility studies, Project management.
To ensure value for money we require you to provide 2 competitive quotes for any capital items applied for which are based on actual cost. If, however, you are seeking grant support towards something so specialised it is only available through 1 source then we would accept 1 quote. Please see the guidance on quotes and estimates for more information.
Rate of support
Up to 50% of approved project costs.
Inspections/verification
Capital projects in excess of £5,000 will be subject to a physical inspection. For other projects we will need evidence of expenditure/outcome (invoices, receipts, photos of outcome). In the application you will be asked to explain how the project benefits the community.
List of links to relevant technical guidance
Guidance for community groups:
Rural Direct is a service designed to help rural community organisations to access funding from a range of sources including the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Rural Direct is a national service delivered locally by SCVO. www.ruraldirect.org.uk
Community Right to Buy - www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1112/0005125.pdf