Mapping A Better Future For Scotland

13 September 2011

Postcode Trust releases further £300,000 for charities in Scotland

One young cyclist consulting the Edinburgh cycle map, one of last year's Dream Fund winning projects

A grant scheme aimed at filling a part of the funding gap left by government cuts has announced it will open for a second year.

The People's Postcode Trust is to release £300,000 more funding for charities and community groups in Scotland. The Dream Fund grant seeks to make collaborative 'dream' projects a reality for cash-strapped good causes across the country.

Last year's collaborations included the promotion and clean up of Edinburgh's cycle paths. A London Underground style cycle map of the city was created and distributed to well over 30,000 locals.

Mark Sydenham, who was part of the cycle project said:

“We were convinced that this project could be an innovative way of mapping Edinburgh's off-street cycle network and would help to make real difference to the way people view and think about cycling and travelling round the city.  With the support of the Dream Fund we have created something which exceeded all our expectations.

"The map is already very well-established, with an interactive online version providing a real community focus for the network. Conservation work along the paths with Edinburgh and Lothian’s Greenspace Trust is improving the paths and people's involvement with them, and gives a real sense of ownership.”

Other projects included a micro-hydro scheme in Kingussie that could feed back up to £15,000 to local community groups. There was also an initiative to protect the island of South Uist and its inhabitants against the effects of climate change.

People's Postcode Trust manager Clara Govier today called for charities and groups across Scotland to apply for one of the three awards available.  Each is worth up to £100,000.

She said “Last year’s Dream Fund was a huge success, and we hope this year will see even more applications than before. In such a challenging economic climate, the funding is a fantastic opportunity for many good causes to work together with other worthwhile organisations on innovative and exciting projects.”

To be eligible to apply for the Dream Fund, two or more organisations must collaborate on a project. One of these organisations must be a registered charity. Shortlisted proposals will be invited to pitch their ideas to the People's Postcode Trust's trustees.

Prospective applicants can find out more information and details of the funding criteria at www.postcodetrust.org.uk. The closing date for the first round of funding is Friday 02 December.