Sturgeon announces £29m funding pot for projects aimed at tackling poverty
Projects which develop new ways to help people overcome disadvantage can now apply for a share of £29 million funding.
The Scottish Government will direct £18.9 million into the Aspiring Communities Fund to help community organisations find new, long-lasting solutions to poverty.
In addition, the £9.7 million Growing the Social Economy Programme will enable third sector organisations to try new ideas and approaches by collaborating with research organisations or supporting people to improve their skills.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the funding on Monday as she visited Plantation Productions, an arts charity in Govan, Glasgow.
She said: “We are doing everything possible to create a more equal Scotland, and our Fairer Scotland Action Plan features 50 concrete actions to tackle poverty and inequality.
“This funding of £29 million will support communities and the third sector in developing new ways to help people overcome disadvantage.
“Over the next two years, the investment in these two funds will deliver positive and innovative approaches to improve people’s lives through boosting skills or delivering new services to meet community needs – and, crucially, giving people the power to take charge and make changes in their own communities.
“Almost half of this funding comes from the European Social Fund which promotes inclusive growth and supports those who are disadvantaged – and the best way to continue that support beyond 2020 is by maintaining Scotland’s relationship with Europe.”
The Scottish Government said the £29 million funding over the next two years supports the Fairer Scotland Action Plan it published last October.
A total of £12 million of the funding comes from the European Social Fund, with the rest coming from the Scottish Government.
Moya Crowley, Plantation Productions project manager, said: ” It is extremely encouraging to see the commitment of the Scottish Government in strengthening the third sector and local communities through this funding.
“For organisations like Plantation Productions, the Aspiring Communities Fund and Growing the Social Economy Programme promise a very optimistic view for the future.
“With strained resources, this funding offers an opportunity to maintain, develop and grow community-led initiatives, respond to local aspirations and needs, and support the most deprived communities in Scotland.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved. Picture – Nicola Sturgeon visits Plantation Productions in Govan, (c) Scottish Government.
