Rural Community Engagement Fund

Description

Grants are available for local groups and organisations in rural communities in Scotland to improve mental wellbeing and support recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.Current StatusOpen for ApplicationsMaximum value:£ 2,500

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support local groups and organisations across rural communities in Scotland to promote mental health recovery following the pandemic through community engagement and support approaches.

Funding is aimed at people who face additional inequalities whilst recovering from the pandemic:

• People who are marginalised and experience health inequalities due to poverty and social deprivation.
• People who face multiple layers of inequality within specific marginalised group, such as:
  • Refugees and asylum seekers.
  • Young carers.
  • LGBTQ+ communities.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £2,500 are available.

It is expected that between 8 and 10 projects will receive funding per round.

All funding must be spent by 31 March 2023.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants should include any match funding that has been secured or applied for, including what it will be used for and how it will add additional value.

Who Can Apply

All sizes of groups and organisations can apply. However, priority will be given to smaller community groups with less access to funding.

Organisations must have:

• A set of rules.
• An organisational bank account.

New groups without these in place can seek support from a host organisation to receive funds on their behalf.

Unsuccessful applicants are eligible to reapply in the next round of funding.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Long-term work meeting chronic support needs.
• Individuals.
• Core costs that are not directly related to any proposed activities.
• Items of equipment not directly related to any proposed activities.

Eligible Expenditure

Proposed activities must achieve at least one of the following outcomes:

• Raise awareness of the need to look after mental health and seek help and support.
• Avert people from slipping into crisis and being at risk.
• Provide immediate practical support and help, such as housing or benefits respite.
• Provide resilience or confidence intervention.
• Address specific barriers to accessing mainstream support services, such as language or cultural barriers.

Funding can be used for a number of different things, including but not limited to:

• One-off events that meet the criteria in rural Scotland.
• Community activities that bring communities together.
• Providing short-term immediate crisis support.  
• Activities that allow individuals and communities to address loneliness and isolation.
• Awareness-raising activities.

Grants can be used for existing projects where funding is difficult to find. However, priority will be given to new activities, exploring new approaches, and reaching new communities and individuals who currently do not have access to support.

How To Apply

There are three funding rounds in 2022.

Applications will be accepted during the following application windows:

• Round one – 11 January to 31 March 2022.
• Round two – 1 April to 15 July 2022.
• Round three – 1 August to 21 October 2022.

Guidance and an application form are available from the Support in Mind Scotland website.

Applications should be submitted by email.

rnovak@supportinmindscotland.org.uk