Ian Findlay Path Fund announced

Paths For All have recently launched the Ian Findlay Path Fund which supports the improvement of local paths within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose active travel and public transport for everyday journeys.

The new grant fund is supported by Transport Scotland to improve paths, to make active travel easier and more attractive. This will encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys which will in turn benefit air quality, reduce CO2 emissions and improve our physical health and mental wellbeing.

The fund supports projects that will improve usability and accessibility of paths for more people. This will reduce inequalities and improve access to greenspace and its benefits to mental health.

The fund is named in memory of their late Chief Officer, Ian Findlay CBE who died very suddenly in March 2021. Ian made a huge impact during his time at Paths for All and this fund recognises and continues his legacy.

What type of projects will be funded?

The fund supports path management projects that:

• Demonstrate that they will make it easer for people to choose active travel and public transport to reduce dependency on car usage
• Improve accessibility and resilience of existing paths between homes, community facilities, active travel routes and public transport facilities
• Remove barriers to make existing paths more accessible to more people
• Link paths to community destinations such as homes and public transport connections
• Improve and create routes to aid the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods

Who can apply?

The fund is open to a wide range of community and third sector organisations. 

Grant value

Funding of a sum between £10,000 - £100,000 is available, with 30% match funding required (15% can be in kind).

If you are at an early stage of your project, they can assist with a greater proportion of initial feasibility study and design costs and we are happy to discuss this with you.

Application

If you want to make an application to the Ian Findlay Path Fund, please read their Guidance Note first. It is recommended that you get in touch with their dedicated team at IFPF@pathsforall.org.uk to discuss initial proposals.

Once you have spoken to a member of their team and established that your project meets the terms of the fund, you should complete an Expression of Interest on the grants portal.

If you are already registered, log in to their Grants portal.