£2 million fund to help environmental community projects
Environmental community projects in Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a share of a new £2 million fund.
Charities and local groups with a green focus are being offered the chance of financial support ranging from £500 to £20,000.
The initiative is being launched on Wednesday across Britain by Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
It opens for applications from local community based, grassroots projects from January 5. Environment minister Aileen McLeod said: Being able to access high-quality greenspace can improve the health, wellbeing and confidence of people and communities.
I welcome this funding and would encourage eligible projects across Scotland to apply for a grant, which will continue the transformation of our environment and create better places to live, work and visit.''
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: This is fantastic news for the thousands of local, community-based environmental projects happening up and down the country.
I believe that engaging our communities at grassroots level plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our environment for generations to come.''
People's Postcode Lottery is a charity lottery in which players enter with their postcodes to win cash prizes, with 55p from every £2 ticket going towards good causes.
Rebecca Whitley, trust manager of Postcode Local Trust, said: We know there are many exciting grassroots initiatives out there looking for support and our straightforward application process will be welcome news for fundraisers.''