Port of Cromarty Firth extends Community Sponsorship Programme eligibility duration to enable more groups providing Covid-19 coronavirus support to access funding during lockdown
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A ROSS-SHIRE port has extended a funding programmed aimed at help local groups who are providing support during Covid-19 lockdown.
The Port of Cromarty Firth's Community Sponsorship Programme traditionally awards funds to an array of community projects and clubs based around the firth.
Last year it handed over £36,000 to projects, geared at supporting groups which focused on encouraging community collaboration, enhancing skills development or provided environmental protection.
But with the challenges posed by the coronavirus, the eligibility criteria has been amended to support to include groups providing Covid-19 support.
Funding of £1000 has already been awarded to CCAST Highland, to assist their foodbank and meal provision service which they offer to vulnerable individual and families, including those in the Nigg and Shandwick area.
Bob Buskie, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “In these unprecedented times, the community spirit surrounding the Firth has been a source of real inspiration. The hard work and selfless support of businesses and individuals have been a crucial lifeline to many.
“The Community Sponsorship Programme is of great importance to the Port, and we view it as our way of giving something back to the surrounding communities. Every year, we are inundated with worthy submissions highlighting the fantastic work going on in the area.
“However, we feel it is only right to also recognise the significant work organisations and support groups are carrying out during the pandemic. We would therefore like to extend our invitation for these groups to apply for the programme.”
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop the Cromarty Firth and its surrounding communities, for the benefit of all stakeholders. One per cent of the Port’s surplus is channelled into the programme.
A number of local projects have previously benefited from the Community Sponsorship Programme.
Non-profit organisation Heartstone was awarded £2,500 last December, to go towards an environmental and historical photodocumentary and exhibition based on Clan Munro land surrounding the Cromarty Firth.
A donation of £750 was also given to Invergordon’s primary schools – Park, Milton, Newmore and South Lodge, to be put towards transport costs of their P7 trips. Other recipients in 2019 included Cromarty Community Care Project - ‘Cycling Without Age’, Community Spirit Invergordon’s Christmas Fayre, Nigg Community Hall, and Saltburn & Westwood Community Council.
Ross Sutherland Rugby Club continued to receive £10,000 in funding as part of a three-year deal. The cash helped secure the employment of two coaches and a full-time rugby development officer as RSRC continued to expand its youth development activities.
Community projects, schools or local organisations based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.
Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis and the deadline for submissions are the last day of March, June, September and December. Application forms are available from port@pocf.co.uk.
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