Applicants may request revenue funds in the region of £10,000-£30,000 to support a range of professional fees such as consultancy, architectural drawings or graphic design; or costs associated with undertaking specialist work such as surveys, feasibility studies, market research.
The fund aims to facilitate projects which create benefits across a number of our communities or islands. A strong collaborative approach is encouraged and the requested CLLD support should enable projects to unlock further funding and/or move an existing project forward significantly. Projects must further contribute to at least one of the LAG’s priorities for 2024-25, which are:
- Community Wealth Building;
- Supporting children and young people; and
- Dùthchas and Dualchas*, with a focus on identifying new approaches that can lead to economic benefits.
Slightly lower – but still very important – objectives are:
- Working towards Net Zero;
- Transport; and
- Fair work and Employability.
Applications will be accepted from constituted community groups, businesses and public sector organisations based in the Outer Hebrides, and applicants will have to demonstrate that their project will have an obvious, long-term positive impact on island communities.
Applications must be submitted by midday on Thursday 8th January 2025 and successful applicants must be able to spend and claim all funding awarded no later than 13th March 2025, although funded activity may continue until 30th March 2025. Due to the very tight funding timeline, applicants must demonstrate that their project is at a stage that will enable them to complete activity within the set timeline.
The application form as well as further details about the fund can be found on https://eileansiar-self.achieveservice.com/service/CLLD_Revenue_Fund, or you may contact the CLLD Coordinator on ohclld@cne-siar.gov.uk. The CLLD secretariat will not be staffed between Friday 20th December 2024 and Monday 6th January 2025 and prospective applicants are therefore urged to get in touch with any questions early.
*Dùthchas and Dualchas are Gaelic terms that are not easily translated into English but encompass a wide range of activities, sentiments and attitudes related to life in the Outer Hebrides. They could cover activity geared towards sustainability and environmental goals, traditional skills and cultural activity, or Gaelic language and heritage.