Now in its fourth and final year the communities and families fund has awarded £4.4 million to community groups
Another 37 community groups have been awarded grants from the multi-million pound communities and families fund.
Now in its fourth and final year, the programme funded jointly by the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund, awards grants of between £250 and £10,000 to projects that give Scottish children the best start in life.
The most recent groups to win awards are sharing £97,748 worth of funding and range from projects encouraging outdoor play and physical activity through to health and wellbeing schemes for children and their parents, taking the total awarded over the past three years to £4.4 million.
Community groups working with the families of children under eight are now being encouraged to apply for cash in the next round of funding.
"As we enter the fourth and final year of the programme, we are keen to hear from groups across the country who have an idea for funding,” Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair Maureen McGinn said.
The communities and families application form was simple to complete. I’d certainly encourage other groups to apply for the funding available.
“We know that the demand is likely to be high for the funding available and so we would encourage groups to come and speak to us as early as possible. Full details of our simple application process can be found on our website biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland and you can discuss your idea with us on 0300 123 7110.”
Fiona McLeod, acting minister for children and young people, added: “This joint venture with the Big Lottery Fund has been a resounding success by providing resources for groups working directly with children and families in communities.
“The fund is now in its last year so I would encourage community groups to take this opportunity to apply for funding.”
One group receiving funding in the latest round of grants is Hawkhill Community Association in Clackmannanshire. The group will use its £9,978 award to deliver a free afternoon homework club for local children under eight years of age.
May Richmond, community centre manager, said: “This funding will make a tremendous difference. Put simply we would not be able to run the club without it.
“The children asked for the homework club. They will receive a 30-minute homework session, 30 minutes to have something to eat and 30 minutes of physical exercise.
“The communities and families application form was simple to complete and the questions were specific which made it easy to fill in. I’d certainly encourage other groups to apply for the funding available.”
The fund is open to a range of groups including voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies or community councils.
Money is available for a number of activities such as parenting support, including pre and post natal support; community play projects, food preparation and nutrition projects and community based family support activities.
