Deadline approaches for Highland groups to apply for Community Covenant funding

16th January 2013

Community groups and organisations across the Highlands have until Friday 1 February to bid for funding from a �30 million grant scheme which is operated by the Ministry of Defence to finance local projects which strengthen the ties between members of the Armed Forces community and local communities.

Councillor Carolyn Caddick, The Highland Council�s Armed Forces and Veterans� Champion said: �I strongly encourage organisations and community groups who are looking for funding support for their projects to get their applications before the deadline. In the Highlands there is a strong tradition of supporting forces personnel and their families and I am excited that the signing of the Armed Forces Community Covenant last October has opened the door for funding support to create new projects in our communities.�

The first two successful applications from the Highlands to the Covenant have been awarded nearly �5,000 of funding. �678 has been awarded to the Highlands & Islands Fires & Rescue Service to provide training and development for 12-15 year olds, including service family children living in Inverness and The Highland Council�s Safer Highland Support Team received �4,234 for the Getting it Right for Forces Families: Building Bridges project.

Full details of the criteria, information on how to apply and the application forms are available from The Highland Council�s website.The deadline is Friday 1 February but in exceptional circumstances this can be extended until 15th Feb. Anyone wishing advice or further information on how to apply should contact The Highland Council�s Senior Ward Manager Dot Ferguson on 01397 707231.

For information about the fund go to -
http://www.highland.gov.uk/livinghere/communitiesandorganisations/armedforcescommunitycovenant/communitycovenantgrantscheme.htm