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Community Support NetworkCouncil FundingComhairle nan Eilean Siar – Information on Grant Funding The Comhairle has a number of funding streams that are available to assist community groups in carrying forward projects that are of economic, social or environmental benefit to their local area. This report summarises the main characteristics of each of the main funding streams and how they can be used and identifies the lead officer responsible for administrating grant assistance
Community Initiated Projects (CIP) Community Initiated Projects is a capital grant scheme that aims to support projects which will assist fragile communities enhance their future through the generation of sustainable social and economic opportunities. The scheme is open to properly constituted community groups CIP will normally be part of an overall funding package sourced by the applicant. The value of CIP grant to each individual project will normally be up to a maximum of 50% of total eligible project costs and subject to a maximum of £20K. CIP can be matched with other sources of Comhairle funding subject to the circumstances of each individual project. The applicants will commit themselves to the maintenance of any facility or infrastructure provided by grant assistance from CIP. Lead Officer:
Community Renewables Support Fund (CRSF) The Community Renewables Support Fund is a capital grants scheme that aims to support projects which will assist communities introduce renewable energy technologies in order to assist the generation of sustainable social and economic opportunities. The scheme is open to properly constituted community groups. CRSF will normally be part of an overall funding package sourced by the applicant. The value of CRSF grant to each individual project will normally be up to a maximum of 40% of total project costs and subject to a maximum of £25K. CRSF can be matched with other sources of Comhairle funding subject to the circumstances of each individual project. The applicants will commit themselves to the maintenance of any facility or infrastructure provided by grant assistance from CRSF. Lead Officer:
Community Marine Access Scheme (CoMAS) The Community Marine Access Scheme is a capital grant scheme that aims to assist the provision and improvement of community owned and managed marine access facilities in the Western Isles. The scheme is open to properly constituted community groups. CoMAS grant will normally form part of a funding package procured by the applicant. The value of the grant to an individual project will normally be up to 25% of eligible project costs subject to a maximum of £50K. CoMAS can be matched with other sources of Comhairle funding subject to the circumstances of each individual project. Eligible projects must be community owned marine infrastructure suitable for small craft – including slips, jetties, pontoons etc. Facilities must be publicly accessible and principally aimed at benefiting community, leisure or recreation users. Capital costs, related fees such as land acquisition and professional fees and non-recoverable VAT will be payable under the scheme. The applicants will commit themselves to the maintenance of any facility or infrastructure provided by grant assistance from CoMAS. Lead Officer:
Ports of Entry Enhancement This is a capital grant fund that provides funding for projects that enhance the environmental amenity of ‘ports of entry’ to the islands. The fund can assist works that enhance the visual impact of areas that are the first to be seen by visitors on their arrival in the islands (ferry ports, air ports, bridge areas etc…) The value of each grant available to each port if entry area shall be up to a maximum of £10K. The maximum number of Grants available in each financial year will be limited by the funds available. This funding can be match funded with other sources from the Comhairle. All projects must have the approval of the local Community Council and the local member and the applicants are required commit themselves to the maintenance of any land or facility provided by grant assistance, as a condition of the grant approval. Lead Officer:
Arts Capital Grant The Comhairle’s Arts Capital Grant aims to support organisations and individuals in the development of Culture in the Western Isles. Arts Capital Grants can be used for a range of arts equipment, the development and improvement of buildings for the benefit if the arts and for works of art in public places. Lead Officer:
Arts Development Grant The Comhairle’s Arts Development Grant aims to support organisations and individuals in the development of culture in the Western Isles. All applicants must be fully constituted. This is a revenue grant to support the delivery of the arts throughout the Western Isles and the following type of applications are considered: Arts Development Funding can be matched with other sources of Comhairle funding. Lead Officer:
Business Advantage Business Advantage is the Comhairle’s business support service which aims to: Encourage and enable new businesses and community development in the Western Isles and; Assist existing businesses and income generating community enterprises to develop projects which enhance their opportunities for long-term sustainability and / or stimulate the local economy. Assistance is available to business and community projects located in the Western Isles which can demonstrate: commercial viability, employment creation and / or generate additional demand for products and services. Applications can be made by sole-traders, partnerships, limited companies, co-operative groups, community enterprises or other legitimate trading entities "A broad range of advice, support, and financial assistance, including: business-planning; access to funding; marketing; and the practicalities of starting & developing your business." This ‘Interest-Free’ loan of up to £2,000 aims to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses which can contribute to new jobs in the local economy. This loan of up to £8,000, at a 4% interest rate, is to encourage business start-up and enable business and community developments by assisting with long-term sustainability in the Outer Hebrides. In partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, HIE Innse Gall and the Western Isles Fishermen's Association this funding is available for the purchase of fishing vessels - with priority given to vessels over 12 metres in length. Vessels less than 10 years old with multi-purpose fishing capability and first time skipper/owners are also a priority. Inter-Island Business Development Scheme Assists businesses that trade or propose to trade across the sounds of Harris or Barra. The main aim of the scheme is to support economic and business development by stimulating and increasing business between the three main island groupings. Funding available to relocate fish farm sites, resulting in benefits to the environment and to protect wild fisheries. The Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) Aimed at the 18-30 age-group, with special concern for the disadvantaged. Pre-start training & business-planning advice. Discretionary loan & grant assistance. A two-year Aftercare programme. A range of advice and support, enabling those aged 16-30 to turn their business ideas into reality. For more information, please visit the Business Advantage website or visit call your local Business Advantage office at: 9 James Street, Stornoway – 01851 707 317 Council Office, Balivanich (John Huson) – 01870 602 425 Gleus House, Daliburgh, (Lynne MacMillan) – 01878 700 863
Community Education Performance Grants There are three levels of grant based on the rateable value of the building and the number of times per week that the venue is used: Youth Work Funding is also available towards the cost of youth exchanges: domestic exchanges (within the UK & Eire) - £25 per participant to an upper limit of £500, international exchanges - £50 per participant to an upper limit of £1,000. Amenity Grant Events Grants Community Associations – Minor Works and Equipment Per Capita – Grants and Subscriptions Per-capita grants rate 2 - £2.50 per capita: Lead Contacts:
Local Sports Councils There are two local sports councils operating in the Western Isles – Lewis & Harris Sports Council and the Uist & Barra Sports Council. The executive committee of these councils disburses grant aid on behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles Enterprise with the aim of providing support to local sports clubs and organisations, individual members of affiliated clubs to encourage participation, improve performance and promote the importance of support. Applications from any clubs or organisations affiliated to the local sports council will be considered. To apply for a grant the club or organisation must be affiliated to the Local Sports Council for a period of three months prior to applications, except when applying for start-up grants. Levels of assistance available may vary but the following activities can be supported: Lead contacts: 01851 709 194 01870 602 043
Member’s ward priority funding Every year each Comhairle member is allocated £10K to be used for either revenue or capital projects considered appropriate in light of community needs. This funding is intended to assist communities with the early stages of project works, feasibility work, statutory consents and approvals or other one-off expenditure required to assist the community in delivering the objectives of their project. Before members Ward Priority Funding can be released the relevant community council must submit approval of the intended use of the funds in writing. Lead Officer:
Community Councils The general role of Community Councils is to provide a community-wide view to the Comhairle and other public bodies in order to help with the planning and delivery of services. The Corporate Services Department administrates three main funding sources to Community Councils: Administration Social Grant (Corporate Services) CHALLENGE FUND Lead Officer:
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