Coastal Communities Fund Open For Applications

28th March 2012

The �23.7 million Coastal Communities Fund is supporting the development of coastal areas, promoting sustainable economic growth and jobs, so that people are better able to respond to changing economic needs and opportunities.

The Fund is UK-wide, however, different levels of funding have been allocated to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the basis of revenue generated, as detailed below. In Scotland there are separate allocations for the Highlands and Islands and the rest of Scotland.

Highlands and Islands of Scotland: �1.85 million.
Remainder of Scotland: �2.05 million.
Individual bids will be invited from �50,000 upwards. There is no set upper limit on grants; however, the maximum amount awarded is unlikely to be greater than �2 million.

The funds can be used to support both capital and revenue projects and communities will be encouraged to match funds with independently sourced funds.

View information on how to apply and eligibility for the Coastal Communities Fund. Applications must be received by 27 April 2012.

Examples of activities that may be eligible for funding include:

supporting skills and training initiatives to improve job prospects
maintaining and developing specialised tourist infrastructure
managing and adapting to flood and coastal erosion risk
supporting social enterprises to bring new economic opportunities and jobs
offering apprenticeships to school leavers
creating new workspaces to support and grow local economies
boosting local approaches to promoting enterprise and economic regeneration
supporting sustainable transport improvements
Innovative bids will be welcomed from businesses, social enterprises, local enterprise partnerships, charities, voluntary groups and local authorities supporting economic development within the community.

Further information
If you would like further information on the Coastal Communities Fund please call 0300 456 4746 or email enquiries[AT]bigfund.org.uk