Stephen Kerr, MP for Stirling, is urging voluntary and community organisations to explore opportunities for funding through the National Lotteries Community Assets Fund. The fund will close to new applications on Oct 4 this year. This will be the last date to make an initial enquiry and start the application process. The fund can make awards between £10,000 and £1million.
The National lottery are reviewing how funds are distributed across Scotland after 2020 and are making people aware now of this deadline that is specific to the Community Assets Fund. All other funding categories from the National Lottery remain open after this date.
The fund seeks to provide longer term funding that offers community-led organisations stability. You can apply for up to five years funding. You can apply for capital funding (such as building or refurbishment costs), revenue funding (such as salaries and running costs) and the cost of acquiring an asset. The fund can cover up to 100% of the project.
There is no application form. The first step is to talk to the National Lottery about your idea. Projects that have the potential to progress would then receive a visit. Contact the National Lottery at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or on 0300 123 7110 to discuss your idea, or for any other questions about this funding. There are more details on the Community Assets page on the National Lottery Community Find website.
Stephen Kerr said:-
I would urge all community organisations to contact the National Lottery to see what opportunities may exist to submit applications. With such large awards potentially available, and the capacity to cover all the costs, it could make a huge difference. With the deadline set for early October I hope every possible option is explored and as many applications as possible from our communities are submitted.