Lochelbank Covid Recovery Fund enables local groups to return to pre-pandemic activities

Lochelbank Covid Recovery Fund supports post-pandemic recovery of 16 groups in Earn and Glenfarg communities

In summer 2021, the RWE Lochelbank Panel reflected on the impact of the pandemic on local organisations, their regular activities, ability to serve the community and generate income. Since March 2020, many groups shifted activities from face-to-face to online, while others ceased service delivery altogether. Many of these groups still incurred ongoing expenses, despite reduced income, resulting in limited funding to restart activities. The relaxation of restrictions and the wish of local community groups to start delivering regular activities again led the Lochelbank Windfarm Fund Panel to launch the Lochelbank Covid Recovery Fund to support the post-Covid recovery of the community.

Instead of setting a fixed deadline, the Panel welcomed applications for grants of up to £500 on a rolling basis from September 2021 to March 2022. Decisions were taken within a month of the application submission, and often much sooner.

Over the six-month period £7,170 was distributed through the fund, supporting 16 community groups in Earn and Glenfarg Community Council areas. Social groups, cultural activities and village halls all benefitted from the fund, making it possible for residents to socialise, develop skills and celebrate together once again.

The fund not only supported previous Lochelbank grant recipients, but also enabled new groups to access funding, such as Bridge of Earn Art Club:

“That is wonderful news, that the Art Club’s first ever application has been approved. The grant will give all of us the chance of learning/refreshing skills and enjoying a new experience in an outdoor setting in the summer.”

The flexible and light-touch approach to accessing small grants has acted as a catalyst for many small groups to return to regular activity a sense of normality for the whole community.

“As Earn Community Council Panel member, the RWE Lochelbank panel are delighted to see the fund being utilised with good cause and effect in breathing life back into our communities across a variety of all age groups”.

Janice Sloan, Earn Community Council representative on the Lochelbank Community Fund Panel.

The Panel in partnership with Foundation Scotland continue to consider how the Fund can support local community groups during and after the pandemic. Regular grant application rounds continue with details posted on the Lochelbank Fund page.

Smaller grants up to £250 are available under micro-grant schemes operated by both Glenfarg and Earn Community Council. Contact the relevant Community Council for more information: secretaryearncc@gmail.com or secretary@glenfarg.org