Calling all Angus groups and organisations…
…if you have a project that is ready to go but lack the vital funding to spark it into life, the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), funded by the Scottish Government, could be perfect for you.
The Angus Council Place-Based Investment Programme fund (PBIP) opens for applications on 13 May and closes on 10 June 2024.
But we want to hear from interested parties now and are inviting anyone who has a project in development or nearly ready to go to register an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The project must meet certain criteria (set out below) and, if you think your project does, you can request an EOI form by emailing CommEngagement@angus.gov.uk. Forms must be completed and returned by no later than Friday 26 April 2024.
Communities Convener, Cllr Mark McDonald said: “The place-based investment programme is a tremendous way of targeting funding exactly where our communities want to see money invested and where it can be of maximum benefit to them.
“Previous successful applications to the fund have revealed a wealth of ambitious, creative and much-wanted projects throughout Angus, and I look forward to seeing the diverse range of projects that will undoubtedly feature in the applications for the 2024-25 programme. It’s a marvellous initiative with prosperity of people and places at its heart.”
The PBIP fund supports transformational projects that are well-developed and nearly ready to start, or projects that can have contracts in place by 31 March 2025. Funding must be fully claimed by September 2025. There is not a large pot of funding, however council staff will support interested parties to leverage in other external funding.
To be eligible, projects must have been shaped by the needs and aspirations of local communities and match the four key criteria of the fund:
- Community-led regeneration; community involvement and ownership (including repurposing buildings, maintenance and repairs, reallocating external space and community-led land acquisition
- Town centre action
- Community Wealth Building
- Net Zero and well-being economy and inclusive economic development
The funding can also contribute to tackling inequality and disadvantage, including child poverty.
We want to hear from projects that:
- are transformational and ready to be delivered, and are either started, or will have contracts in place before 31 March 2025.
- have approval in place for planning/statutory consents or licences
- have other match funding secured.
- are community focused and have the required community engagement complete.
- match the criteria set out in the guidance document.
Our Vibrant Communities officers will be holding drop-in sessions during April to discuss and help to develop any project plans and to answer any questions. Venues and dates have still to be confirmed, but we’ll publish them on our website as soon as details are confirmed and share information on social media. In the meantime, please email CommEngagement@angus.gov.uk if you have any questions.