Community Led funding available in Forth Valley and Lomond

Forth Valley and Lomond (FVL) Local Action Group (LAG) have announced the next deadline for applications for Community Led Local Development (CLLD) grants is the 30 August 2024.

Projects can run from October 2024 to March 2025

'CLLD' gives local communities the power to tackle their own, local challenges. It is fund by Scottish Government as part of its Scottish Rural Delivery Programme (SRDP), with the funding allocated to 21 LAGs across rural and island Scotland to deliver projects that meet local needs and objectives.

By building knowledge and skills, supporting new ideas and encouraging cooperation, CLLD helps to create viable and resilient communities. You can find a a wide range of case studies of projects support by CLLD at our case study section here.

This year CLLD funding is being allocated in tranches to LAGs. In Tranche One, FVL have been allocated just over £340,000 in CLLD funding, split across £189,000 for revenue and £151,000 for capital spend (figures rounded up/down).

FVL recognise the amount of work that goes into applying for funding and planning a project and so have an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in the application process, which can be accessed here.

The EOI stage helps FVL to provide useful early stage feedback and saves applicants time working on a full application.

FVL have set a maximum grant of £30,000 for revenue projects. They will also accept collaboration project applications (partnership project with another CLLD area) but stress that it’s important to speak to FVL LAG coordinators first.

You can find further information, including details of how to apply at  Forth Valley Leader :: Home (fvl.org.uk)

Youth Local Action Group

Also announced by FVL is next phase of activity of the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) and the opening of the very first Youth Impact Fund for the FVL area, run by young people for young people.

Grants of up to £500 for individuals, or £2,000 for groups, are available for projects which can take place and will deliver one or more of the following priorities before end of February 2025:

• Inclusivity, building connections and collaborations  
• Connection to nature and climate action 
• Healthy living (mental, physical, social and financial) 
• Skills development and youth entrepreneurship 
• Supporting cultural activity (arts, heritage, sports) 

Closing date for applications is 29th September 2024. For more information, please head to the FVL YLAG page  

Click here for copies of the FVL Application Form and FVL Application Guidance.

If prospective applicants have any questions, please email youthimpactfund@fvl.org.uk, factoring in enough time to submit applications in time for the closing date.