Chance to net project cash with partnership
Representatives who oversee the running of the Strathearn and Strathallan Action Partnership are keen to highlight the funding available to community groups through the partnership.
Last year 22 groups benefited from the Strathearn and Strathallan Action Partnership, which over the past three years has allocated over £150,000 to local worthy causes, including the area’s community councils – which have been given funds to grant to projects in their area.
The 2019 Action Partnership budget currently stands at £33,575.
A further £ 50,000 is being made available through Perth and Kinross Council’s community investment fund for the 12 local authority ward areas in Perth and Kinross, with applications for the latest tranche closing in January 2020.
A spokesperson for the Strathearn and Strathallan Action Partnership said: “You might have come across the partnership if you have been to or voted in one of the participatory budgeting events in Auchterarder or Crieff in previous years [Strathearn and Strathallan Decides].
“The type of issues the partnership is trying to seek out relate to identified inequalities such as poverty, rural isolation, lack of activities for youth, lack of transport, health and social care.
“As long as a case can be made to redress ‘ inequalities’, the action partnership can offer help, assist with matching up projects, or money can be used to lend support and improve matters.”
The spokesperson continued: “The partnership is trying to spend its budget where it is needed most.
“For this reason, our elected councillors, community councils and community representatives make decisions how best to use the money available and respond to applications for assistance.
“Perth and Kinross Council and NHS personnel provide administrative support and guidance.
“The partnership is made up of representatives from the community as well as serving local councillors.
Currently community volunteers represent a number of different groups, including community councils, social inclusion charities and youth.”
The Strathearn and Strathallan community representatives are chairperson Lucile Black (Muthill), community council representative Maureen Beaumont (East Stratherarn), Sharon Rice Jones (Comrie), Caroline Murphy ( Crieff ), Gillian Charleson ( Crieff ), Neil Johnston ( Dunning), Ann Gaunt (Blackford), Adrian Pryor ( Braco) and David Homewood (Auchterarder).
For more information email: communityplanningpartnership@ pkc.gov.uk