Forth Valley Food Links

 This article has information about grants, funding and awards that would be of interest to communities or community groups undertaking their own food growing projects. 

Age Unlimited in Scotland
A new scheme to encourage people in their 50s and 60s with ideas for a social or community enterprise to help the older generations has been launched in Scotland.  ‘Age Unlimited in Scotland’ is a scheme that will help older people lead healthier and happier lives through support from retired people, or those approaching retirement.  Funding and support is available for ideas.
For further information, Tel: 01382 229521 for a form, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit: http://www.nesta.org.uk/age-unlimited-scotland.

Green Community Hero Awards open for Nominations
The Green Community Hero Awards aim to celebrate and promote the achievements of community projects and groups. Awards are for five categories: Best Rural Community Project and Urban Community Project; Most Innovative Project; Most Sustained Activity by a Community Group and Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. Closing date is 25th September.
Visit: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/Get-inspired/Green-Community-Heroes. (Source FCFCG, eBulletin, 1 Sept 09).

Growing Communities in Scotland Site Visits Travel Bursaries
Up to £300 for travelling and associated expenses for up to 6 people is available to community groups for site visits to other community gardens, therapeutic gardens or city farms.  Contact: Vicki Ferguson, c/o Trellis on 01738 624348 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Please note: the scheme is not for allotments.  The Allotments Regeneration Initiative runs a bursary scheme for allotment groups to visit other sites.  Visit the websites at: http://www.farmgarden.org/ari, http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/scotland, or http://www.trellisscotland.org.uk for more information.  (Source: Trellis Scotland, 10 September 2009).

NHS Forth Valley Community Food and Health Promotion Activity - Grant Scheme 2009 - 2010
Up to £400 is available to support local communities to develop programmes of health promotion and community food initiatives across Forth Valley.  Download documents from http://www.nhsforthvalley.com/home/Services/healthpromotion/teams/nutrition/nut_community.html, or contact Janey Brown (Chief Community Dietitian) on 01786 431175 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Source: Janey Brown, NHS Forth Valley).

The Growing Communities Fund (Falkirk)
Not to be confused with the Growing Communities fund run by Trellis and the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to community groups and voluntary organisations to support activity in the regeneration areas within the Falkirk Council area.  The aim of the Growing Communities Fund is to help local groups and people to become more involved in their communities, to influence local services and to improve their communities. Full details and application forms are available from the Growing Communities Fund website: www.cvsfalkirk.org.uk/growingcommunities. (Source: CVS and Volunteer Centre E-Bulletin, 11 Sept 09)