A Western Isles MSP has encouraged local charities and community groups to make their claim to secure a share of a £3million funding pot currently being distributed by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Alasdair Allan has made the plea to ensure the “fantastic work” of local groups continues across the Western Isles.
The fund, which provides charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises grants of between £500 and £20,000, has opened its application period which will last until August 14.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is seeking applications from projects that can display they are seeking to promote human rights, combat discrimination and are deploying methods to prevent poverty.
Arts and physical recreation projects will also be welcomed, as will those that focus on reducing isolation.
Earlier this year over 300 groups were awarded grants, with sports groups for military veterans, counselling support services for young carers and sensory gardens for people with dementia among some of the organisations that benefitted.
Mr Allan said: “This is the perfect opportunity for them to take advantage of the funding available and expand the reach of an existing service, get a new project off the ground, or allow it to help extend an already successful initiative.
“I strongly encourage as many groups as possible to apply.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “It’s not just players who win with People’s Postcode Lottery – over £3 million in grants will have a tremendous impact on grass-roots groups across Britain.
“Between the three trusts, a huge array of projects is able to benefit and I would urge all groups to look at the funding guides and apply.”