Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has announced £1.62m of funding from Crown Estate Revenues (CERF) to support community projects across the Western Isles.
Comhairle Leader, Cllr Paul Steele said:
“The Comhairle agreed to set aside £75,000 of Crown Estate Year 5 funds for each Ward area in the Western Isles as part of our community engagement and empowerment strategy ensuring communities are able to shape local priorities and develop projects that are important to them. The awards seek balance between strategic investment and local priorities in Ward areas. Previous years have seen many worthwhile projects supported.”
The CERF is distributed to community groups seeking to improve infrastructure and economic development in their area. Engagement throughout the process will be required by Ward area forums to identify local needs and aspirations. Ultimately, local people decide on their own priorities.
In addition, this year, there is an opportunity for a competitive application bid to enable multi-Ward applications to be made for those groups seeking benefit across island areas. These pan-island applications will be scored against the criteria and wider benefit.
Applications forms, guidance and eligibility criteria are available on the Crown Estate Revenues Fund webpage. Each Ward area has the opportunity for community groups to bid for up to £75,000 in total.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Noon on Friday 7th June 2024.