Apply now for the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund!

Community organisations and groups which aim to help people mitigate the effects of welfare reform by providing them with the support and skills they need can now apply for the third phase of the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF). On 22 February 2017 Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, Angela Constance announced £1.9 million of new funding to ensure local third sector groups can deliver direct support to communities, building upon work developed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Development Trusts Associations Scotland and the Scottish Community Alliance. The Community Capacity and Resilience Fund gives local community based organisations the opportunity to test out new, creative approaches, develop their workforce and add capacity, all with the aim to combat social inequalities, promote social inclusion and support partnership working. The fund is now in its third phase with grants of between £1,000 and £ £10,000 available to eligible third sector organisations to deliver new projects/services, to expand delivery of existing services or to develop their workforce. Over £100,000 has already been granted to 12 of the organisations and groups from Phase Two to progress their projects, and now funding has been made available for new applications. Irene Connelly, Programme Development Manager at SCVO said: “We’re pleased to announce that the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund is once again open for applications. There has been some amazing work over the past eight months and while we were delighted to extend our funding offer to some of our existing projects, we’re very excited to open up the process to give more third sector organisations across Scotland the chance to apply. The Fund is a great opportunity for grassroots organisations to help people and communities mitigate the effects of welfare reform by providing them with the support and skills they need.” Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, said: “This support for community organisations is making a real difference, tackling poverty and inequality and providing critical support for those facing the brunt of UK Government welfare cuts. The fund is improving families access to everyday essentials like food, toiletries and basics, as well as giving welfare and work advice and support direct to where people are, including cafes, schools and playgroups. “We remain committed to doing what we can to protect people from the harshest elements of unfair changes to welfare and I would encourage any groups working to protect the most vulnerable in our communities to consider applying to the fund to create new projects or continue existing work proving invaluable to those most in need.” Click here for more information and guidance - or - Apply Now!