Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today warmly welcomed the launch of the
new Coastal Communities Fund for the year 2012-2013.
The Fund, set up by the Government and administered by the Big Lottery Fund, will have around £23m available each year for projects.
Capital and revenue grants in excess of £50,000 will be given to support the economic development of coastal communities by promoting sustainable growth and jobs.
‘This is exactly what we need,’ says Richard Drax. ‘This is an opportunity to use the unique environment we live in to improve all our lives. My understanding is that plans which address our local needs and priorities, and create enduring benefits for the area, will find favour.’
‘Coastal communities suffer from seasonal slump and anything which encourages year-round activity, employment and prosperity is warmly to be welcomed.’
‘I urge all eligible organisations in South Dorset to apply – and as quickly as possible. This is an initiative which is long overdue and we should all make the most of it.’
The Coastal Communities Fund asks all applicants to meet one, overarching criterion. They must show that the changes that come about as a result of projects will use local assets to promote growth and jobs.
Applications from organisations and projects which benefit coastal communities are welcomed. Early round applications end on March 25, 2012 and the main funding round deadline is April 27, 2012.
For further details and eligibility criteria, organisers should look at the following website:
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_coastal_communities_fund?tab=1®ioncode=-uk&
Further queries can be addressed to the Big Lottery Fund Advice line on 0845 410 20 30.