New Community Grants from Development Trust

WAT IF? (Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation) is launching four new funds which could provide up to £19,000 directly to the local community each year.

The development trust, established in 2012 by residents to manage community benefit funds from nearby windfarm developments, has focused their new programme of grant schemes on addressing access to services and facilities such as transport and education.

For eligible residents who rely on private taxi transport to get to healthcare appointments, the Healthcare Access Fund can support them through subsidised taxi transportation, while the Driving Lesson Fund can provide up to £250 towards car driving lessons, enabling residents to become independent.

Aimed at raising aspirations and addressing access to education, the WAT Next? Bursary scheme will offer young people in the WAT IF? area aged between 16 and 24 financial support in pursuing their educational ambitions.

In addition, two new categories have been added to the WAT IF? Grant Scheme, providing up to £1,000 for projects which will invest directly into the community, and an Events Grant - specifically for community events.

Jemma Black, Development Officer said:

"Last year WAT IF? was delighted to be able to support groups and individuals with a total of £9,447 of funding across 16 grants, from landscape improvements at Woolfords and Tarbrax Village Halls to a large award to Auchengray Primary School for a Heritage Photography project. We continue to respond to the needs of local residents and look forward to continuing to support the community in 2017."

Further information on the grant schemes can be found on the WAT IF? website.