Halkirk District Benefit Fund - Individual

About this fund

Halkirk District Benefit Fund advances community development by supporting residents in the area of benefit to identify and explore their own needs, and take practical action to address those needs. Grants of up to £1,500 are made available to people aged 18 and under to enable individuals to book recreational activities or personal development experiences which meet their needs. Grants of up to £500 are made available to people aged 19+ to book recreational activities or personal development experiences which meet their needs.

The area of benefit is Halkirk District Community Council boundary, this includes Altnabreac, Banniskirk, Calder, Georgemas, Harpsdale, Spittal, Mybster and Westerdale.

Halkirk District Benefit Fund receives an annual payment from the 21 turbine Causeymire Wind Farm, which is owned and managed by Ventient Energy. The wind farm is situated near several sites of special scientific interest and is part of the wider Flow Country area.  

Purpose of this fund

The purpose of the Halkirk District Benefit Fund is to provide an award to enable residents in the area of benefit to select and book recreational activities that they might take an interest in. This might include participation in: sports; arts; heritage, cultural or science activities, an educational class, something competitive or something else which benefits mental or physical health or makes people feel more socially interactive and included.  

The fund is open to all ages, however parents should make applications on behalf of children aged under 18. Only one application will be considered within a 12 month period.

Additional criteria

Awards are made for costs that are directly related to participating in the activity, including:

• Tutor fees or class fees for local activities
• Entry fees
• Travel and accommodation costs to attend competitions  
• Repeat activity, i.e. an activity which has been funded in a previous year can be supported again in most circumstances.  
• A person who requires a carer to enable participation will be able to include the carer’s costs, provided other funding schemes have been considered such as the plus one scheme.  

Grantees will be asked to provide feedback and at least one photo to celebrate their activities and achievements over the year. Receipts may be requested, and should be retained for a period of one year.

Who can apply?

Members of the fund can apply. You can apply for membership if you live in the Halkirk District Community Council area.

What can’t be funded?

Foundation Scotland has some standard criteria for ineligible costs which can be viewed here [link to FS page]  

Additionally, the grant cannot be used to purchase equipment or kit, except in a situation where not buying the equipment or kit would prevent participation.  Please provide detail on this in the application form. This will be assessed on a case by case basis.

How are decisions made?

Applications will be considered by the Board of Directors. These applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and must demonstrate a clear benefit.

Halkirk District Benefit Fund Membership

Halkirk District Board of Directors partners with Foundation Scotland to ensure professional, efficient, and transparent management of the fund, ultimately enhancing the positive impact on the community. The Halkirk District Benefit Fund is looking for members and, potentially Directors.  This will enable you to receive updates, to vote at an AGM and to help direct and steer the local community benefit fund.

You can apply using the form here

For further information please contact Eilidh Coll at Foundation Scotland on 07801 530218 or email eilidh@foundationscotland.org.uk