Cash is up for grabs

Application deadline looms

Charities are being urged to apply for Postcode Lottery cash.

The People’s Postcode Lottery is making £6 million of funding available through three trusts which are designed to support different projects, with a maximum award of £20,000.

There are two chances to apply for funding, with tranches of £3 million being released in February and August.

The People’s Postcode Trust seeks applications for projects that focus on the prevention of poverty, promotion of human rights, equal rights and conflict resolution for some of society’s most vulnerable groups.

The charity also supports wildlife, grass-roots sports, arts, recreation and healthy living programmes.

The first round of applications is open now and runs until February 10.

Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney, is urging local charities to apply for funding from the brand new scheme, which will be administered by one of three trusts that have been set up – the People’s Postcode Trust, the Postcode Local Trust and the Postcode Community Trust.

He said: “This is an excellent opportunity for deserving, local charities to apply for funding to help them continue with their work, or start new projects that could benefit people across Perthshire.

“The People’s Postcode Lottery has generously funded projects in this area in the past and I am delighted that they are providing an opportunity for local groups to benefit from up to £20,000 in this latest round of funding.

“With funding available for a wide range of charities – from wildlife and volunteering initiatives to sports and arts groups – I hope that local groups will take this opportunity to submit an early application for funding that could help their projects.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser added: “There are a huge number of social enterprises and other charities operating throughout the area, all of which could benefit from funding like this.

“With the window for applications only open until February 10, it’s important that charities don’t think too long before submitting an application.”

The application process starts with organisations being encouraged to submit an ‘expression of interest’ form. Charities will then be shortlisted to complete a full application for funding.

In August, interested groups and organisations can apply or re-apply when a second pot of £3 million will become available. The maximum a project can receive is £20,000.

More information on how local charities can apply for the funding can be found via each Trust’s respective websites at www. postcodetrust.org.uk, www.postcodelocaltrust. org.uk, www. postcodecommunitytrust. org.uk.