Money up for grabs for groups

The group and Falkirk Council have teamed up for the Funder Fayre to give groups from the third sector a chance to meet local and national organisations which can provide financial support.

More than 20 funders will be there including The Big Lottery Fund, Robertson Trust, LEADER, Tesco Greenspace, In Kind Direct, the Forestry Commission and a host of others.

Third sector groups – including charities, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups – are encouraged to attend and learn more about funding available in the area.

“In the current climate, fundraising is not only vital to the survival of any charitable organisation, but also one of the hardest tasks we can undertake,” said Lynne Frail, fundraiser co-ordinator at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, which aims to help those with sensory impairments live as independently as possible.

“The Funders Fayre has lots of different opportunities available, and there will be something to suit everyone.”

Attendees will be able to ask funders questions about the application process and learn more about their funding criteria, something Anne McDonald of Meadowbank Cars4U found invaluable.

She said: “Last year we attended as a fledgling charity, looking for funding to get our charity off the ground.

“As a result of being able to speak to funders at the event and having the opportunity to explain what we planned to do, we obtained £5000 from The Robertson Trust and £10,000 from the Big Lottery Awards4All.

“We would highly recommend the event to all new and existing charities.”

Meadowbank Cars4U now transports patients at the Meadowbank Health Centre to their cancer treatments across Central Scotland.

The fayre is being held tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10am–3.30pm in Bowhouse Community Centre in Grangemouth.

To book place visit www.cvsfalkirk.org.uk.