​New third sector funds is seeking applications from organisations

Organisations with an income of £200,000 or less are being urged to apply to a new fund offering grants of £1,000 - £5,000.

The Community Capacity and Resilience Fund, run by the Scottish Government, aims to combat inequality, promote social inclusion, and to support work to mitigate the impact of welfare reform.

This funding will give local, grassroots third sector organisations, the opportunity to come up with innovative ideas

Supported by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the scheme is intended to be as easy a process as possible for resource-strapped organisations with simple forms and reports, as well as an option report on outcomes by video or audio clip.

Some £144,500 is available for the 2015/16 financial year. This will be awarded to community-based third sector organisations for projects running between August and January 2016.

Successful projects will have to meet one or more of the following criteria: develop capacity in order to meet demand relating to welfare reform; develop a pilot project focusing on tackling the impact of welfare reform; help bring organisations together in partnership to support people; develop people’s ability to prevent themselves from reaching crisis point.

Cabinet Secretary for social justice, communities and pensioners’ rights Alex Neil said: “This funding will give local, grassroots third sector organisations, the opportunity to come up with innovative ideas to tackle the impact of welfare changes and social inequalities in their communities.

“I would encourage any organisations applying for the funding to use it as an opportunity to think creatively and try new approaches.”

The deadline for applications is 29 May.