Community groups and organisations are being encouraged to apply now for Argyll and Bute Council’s 2012 third sector grants. 

The closing date for completed applications is Friday February 24. 

Almost 120 community groups and organisations across Argyll and Bute benefited from the council’s £219,000 third sector grants programme in 2011.  

Those grants supported a broad range of groups and events, helping people with health issues, young people, elderly people, victims of crime and people with debt and transportation problems.

The third sector grants programme is split into central and local grants, and is aimed at supporting communities and vulnerable people and helping to kick start new projects and events.

Councillor Rory Colville, Argyll and Bute’s third sector spokesperson, said: “The council has been awarding grants to local groups, charities, events and festivals for many years and we all benefit from the tremendous work these groups, organisations and volunteers do in our communities.

“Small voluntary and community groups are a vital part of the fabric of our local communities.  They play a key role in helping to uncover, understand and address local need and, crucially, to connect local people.

“These are challenging times for third sector organisations and they should explore as many fundraising and income generating opportunities as they can, as council and other grant funding is being squeezed.

“This year we are particularly keen to encourage new groups with fresh ideas to apply for the grants and I would urge anyone who has an idea to talk it through with, and seek assistance from, the council’s community development and social enterprise teams.”

Subject to funding being available in 2012, local applications are considered twice a year at local area committees in April and August.  Central applications will be considered by the Executive in June. 

The closing date for the return of completed application forms for a decision at the April committee meeting is Friday February 24 2012.

The 2012 application forms are available at local area community learning offices or can be accessed at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants. 

For further information or guidance please phone 01546 604189 or email Communitydevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk.