New Community Assets fund launches

The Big Lottery Fund has launched a new multi-million pound programme to support community-led projects to develop or build assets for community use.

Through the new Community Assets fund, groups can apply for grants from £10,000 to £1 million to buy, build or develop buildings and land. Between now and 2020, up to £45 million is available through the fund in Scotland.

Where needed groups will also receive professional technical support and advice from Community Asset mentors.

Speaking today at the Whiteinch Centre in Glasgow, Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said:

"This new funding will allow even more communities to follow in the footsteps of organisations like the Whiteinch Centre, which, this year, reaches its own key milestone – the tenth anniversary of community ownership.  The Big Lottery Fund has 15 years of experience in supporting local communities to take greater control of their futures through the acquisition, management and development of local assets. And we know the positive difference this can make.

"Community Assets is part of a wider funding offering here in Scotland aimed at supporting activity which is people centred, strengths based and has good local connections. It recognises that there is strong appetite in communities across Scotland to purchase and develop local assets which can bring huge, lasting benefits such as sustaining jobs and helping connect people to activities and services."

The Whiteinch Centre in Glasgow first received National Lottery funding of £291,074 in 2003 to help with the capital costs of the building, and has since received a further five grants worth £519,644  to develop the centre and turn it into the thriving community asset that it is today.

Ian Morrison of the Whiteinch Centre Board, said: “We are delighted to host Big Lottery Fund as they announce the launch of Community Assets.  Over the years support from the Big Lottery Fund and others funders has helped us build a centre at the heart of the community meeting local needs and making a difference in people’s lives day to day.”

Between now and 2020, the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland has £250 million to support people and communities dealing with challenging circumstances. Community Assets is the third and final stream of funding to open following the launch of Improving Lives and Community Led in November 2015.

Visit the Community Assets section of the Big Lottery Fund website for more information.