New UK renewal fund applications sought in Moray

MORAY Council is inviting bids from local organisations for a new fund to support improving skills, new businesses, rural connectivity and regeneration.

The UK government’s Community Renewal Fund supports people and communities most in need to pilot programmes that can be delivered by March 31, 2022 and have a planned expenditure of £200,000.

The local authority will submit an application for no more than £3 million to the UK government for the fund and distribute to successful ventures.

Head of Economic Growth and Development, Jim Grant, says the council is encouraging bids that build on local insight and knowledge, align with long-term strategic plans for local growth, and support innovation and new ideas.

“We know there are lots of innovative ideas in the community to build on growth sectors such as creative industries, STEM and digital skills, and become fully immersed in skills provision, regeneration and raising the aspiration of Moray.

"This fund is an ideal starting point for those organisations who just need a kick-start or support to expand their offering to benefit residents across the region.

“We’re here to support that vision for Moray and look forward to receiving applications that demonstrate an understanding of the needs of our communities.”

The four national investment priorities are: Skills – including work-based training, retraining and digital skills/inclusion; Local business – including supporting entrepreneurs, innovation and decarbonisation; Communities and place: including feasibility studies for net zero projects, opportunities for culture-led regeneration, green spaces and rural connectivity; Supporting people into employment: including addressing barriers to employment, raising aspirations, and basic skills.

Any legally constituted organisation delivering an appropriate service may submit a bid, including but not limited to College/UHI, third sector organisations, umbrella business groups and public bodies.

Private sector organisations and registered charities that provide a service to benefit other organisations or individuals, may submit a bid. However, they will not receive funding if the intention of the project is to further their own business/organisation eg through the purchase of equipment or offsetting additional staffing or other costs.

Applications must be submitted to Moray Council using the UK Community Renewal Fund application form by Friday, May 21, emailed to crfund@moray.gov.uk

Full details, including the timetable for the fund and application form, can be found on Moray Council’s website.