CLLD scheme open to community groups in Orkney

Orkney Islands Council is seeking applications to its Community Led Local Development (CLLD) grant scheme. 

The fund is open for expressions of interest from community groups looking to make a difference in their local areas with small-scale community-led projects. 

The scheme is the successor to the previous LEADER Programme which saw a wealth of small-scale community-led projects benefit between 2014-2020. The fund is overseen by the Orkney Local Action Group, which is made up of representatives from Orkney’s public, private and voluntary sector. 

Get in touch via www.orkney.gov.uk/CLLD or contact a CLLD Officer at clld@orkney.gov.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 3 July and those projects suitable for funding will be invited to complete an application form. 

The scheme can support the following type of projects: 

• Grants of up to £10k for feasibility studies. 

• Grants of up to £20,000 for capacity building within community groups 

• Grants for board governance reviews to be carried out within community groups. 

• Grants for groups that received board governance reviews last year for policy review and management performance action plans. 

• Grants of up to £5,000 for community groups to carry out place plans or community action plans. 

• Grants of up to £10k (up to 100% funding) for events to help alleviate poverty. 

• Grants of up to £30,000 (up to 100% funding) for projects which support community wellbeing, the journey to net zero or sustainable public services. 

In this latest round of funding, £94,268.49 is currently available for capital projects and £80,000 for revenue projects. 

The Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust received a CLLD grant last year. 

A Trust spokesperson said: “The successful introduction of 12 e-bikes on the island of Rousay has been a transformative initiative, significantly enhancing the island's transportation landscape and promoting sustainable travel. 

“This project has enabled residents and visitors alike to navigate the island's scenic routes with ease and efficiency, reducing reliance on traditional vehicles. The e-bikes have not only provided an eco-friendly alternative but also fostered a sense of community and well-being among users. 

“The positive reception and increased usage demonstrate the project's alignment with environmental goals and community needs, underscoring the invaluable impact of the support in making Rousay a model for sustainable island living.”