Schools cash could help community

Alan Nimmo wants schools and communities to benefit

Two funds are accessible with up to £2000 available through the Small Grant Scheme and up to £10,000 through the Community Challenge Grant.

The money comes from the Community Schools Charity, created because of the way Denny, Grangemouth, Falkirk and St Mungo’s High Schools were funded via a Non Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO).

The Small Grant Scheme is available throughout the year with awards made up to four times every 12 months.

The Community Challenge Grant is available to help larger scale projects, and is given only once a year.

To qualify, applications should show that projects will:

· Help to advance education within the catchment areas of the school and;

· Provide or assist with provision of recreational facilities;

· Have a positive impact on the local area and benefit a wide range of residents.

Previous awards include: Young Portonian Theatre Company, to renew lights and sound equipment and buy material to make costumes; Camelon Community Centre, to create a soft play area in the community café; and St Francis Xavier Primary School, to develop an outdoor play/learning area.

Councillor Alan Nimmo, spokesperson for education, said: “Schools are often seen as being at the heart of a local community and these grants ensure that they can support activities that benefit everyone.”

Applications can be made online at www.falkirk.gov.uk/communityschoolgrants or email [email protected].

The deadline for applications is December 19.