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3rd March 2008

Funding Available For Local Projects

North East MSP Alex Johnstone is urging groups across Deeside and the Mearns to apply for a grant from 'O2 Its Your Community' which can be used for local projects that make a positive change to the local area.

Mr Johnstone explained "Grants of up to £1000 are available for projects that benefit the community by making a physical improvement or are likely to make real, tangible results that you can see.  Alternatively, it could be demonstrate fresh, bold thinking, and is innovative enough to inspire others."

"There are four categories that projects can fall into, Community Places for revitalising and reinvigorating our community spaces. Community People, to help create a community where people are valued and respected, where there's a real sense of unity and belonging, such as hosting lunch clubs for older people, theatre groups and sports clubs for the young. Community Pride for projects that help put the pride back into our community and the final one is Community Landscape for improving the natural environments where we live."

"Local organisations, especially those in rural areas can often be the backbone of a community and I would urge any group who feels that they have a project that could benefit from a grant of up to £1000 to apply as soon as possible.  For example, Stonehaven lifeboat station, run and operated by the Maritime Rescue Institute have responded to 429 rescue calls to date,  received a grant to provide new signage and information boards to tell people about their work."

Mr Johnstone concluded "There are any number of projects that could fall into the four categories and this funding is an ideal way to either kick start it, or continue it.  More information on the programme can be found at www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk"