Community groups in parts of Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to apply for funding from Argyll and Bute Council’s Third Sector Grants programme.

The local authority’s Third Sector Grants programme is in its second round of funding awards for 2015/16 and still has funding available to give out in parts of Argyll and Bute. The programme is aimed at supporting communities and vulnerable people and helping to kick-start new projects and events.

In April, 78 organisations across Argyll and Bute benefited from the programme.

In Oban, Lorn and the Isles, 19 groups have been awarded a total of £28,840 – but there’s still £6,160 available for allocation.

Fifteen groups in Helensburgh and Lomond shared £29,323 - with £9,683 still available.

£29,000 was awarded to 15 groups in Bute and Cowal - leaving £6,000 available for new applications.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Community and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie, hopes that local groups will take advantage of the opportunity and make an application for grants. He said: “This is one of the ways that the council can support community organisations to bring their ideas and projects to life and make them happen. As well as the grant funding currently on offer, our Community Development and Social Enterprise teams can also provide help and advice.

“We are particularly keen to encourage new groups with fresh ideas to come forward, so if your organisation could benefit from Third Sector Grant programme funding, please send in your application before Monday 15th June.”

Members of the relevant area committee will then consider the applications received when they meet in August.

Application forms are available from local area community learning offices or can be accessed using the following link:  http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants

For further information or guidance please call 01631 567944 (Oban, Lorn and the Isles); 01700 501357 (Bute and Cowal); 01436 658735 or email communitydevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk