Efforts are being stepped up to promote a funding programme for small-scale community projects in parts of Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey.

The Community Economic Development Programme, a fund administered by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE), has around £300,000 of European money available to support community projects in targeted areas over a two-year period. 

There are three targeted areas in Moray, in the towns of Forres, Dufftown and Tomintoul, and two in Badenoch and Strathspey, covering Grantown-on-Spey and the Badenoch area.  Together these areas have already been awarded £50,000 from the fund.

The programme, which is managed by a steering group of local agencies and community representatives, can provide up to £5,000 to support the planning and development of community projects, small scale community training initiatives and local environmental and heritage projects.  Funding of up to £25,000 is available for larger projects, developing local services and enhancing community infrastructure.

The CED money is match funded, potentially doubling the available funding on offer, by local agencies, such as MBSE, Moray Council and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Roy Anderson of MBSE, who chairs the fund steering group, said:  "This could be a very valuable resource for some of our local communities, which can provide funding for projects that might not otherwise go ahead.  I would urge groups who have projects to discuss, to come forward and speak to us now as the funding for this programme must be committed to projects by the end of 2003.  It would be a pity if these projects missed out on this valuable support."

Advice and support in developing projects and applying for funding is also available through Jill Reid, the CED project development manager, who can be contacted at MBSE on 01309 696000.