The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Extra cash for voluntary sector

15/10/2003

A new one-stop fund for national voluntary organisations groups working with children and their families was announced today.

The unified fund will allow voluntary groups to make a single application for funds instead of several applications under different schemes, as happened in the past. This will ensure cash is handed out in a more coherent way and is targeted more effectively at those in need.

Deputy Minister for Young People Euan Robson said:

"Voluntary organisations help support our communities by making an invaluable contribution to the lives of many children and their families. They make a real difference by caring for the most vulnerable, tackling disadvantage and increasing opportunities.

"In the past there have been several funding streams available to these organisations which has meant that we have not always made funding decisions in a co-ordinated way. This new fund will allow us to reduce bureaucracy and ensure decisions are taken in a joined up way.

"Existing funds will be pooled and topped up with an additional £1.5 million over the next two years. This will bring the total available annually to £7 million by next year.

"Applications are invited from any national voluntary organisations which in the main work with children, young people and their families, in particular those experiencing difficulties or disadvantage. The range of organisations that could benefit is significant, from those working with disabled children to those supporting parents to those offering family mediation and counselling services.

"Our aim is to deliver world class services for our children. That means a commitment not just to investment but to reform - to cut through red tape, simplify funding and ensure services are flexible and focused on the needs of children, young people and their families."

The Executive consulted on proposals for a unified Children, Young People and Families Voluntary Sector Fund earlier this year. The responses indicated overwhelming support.

The new fund will simplify administrative arrangements for national voluntary organisations. Instead of having to submit applications to a number of different grant schemes across Executive departments, organisations will be able to make a single application. In general, funding for successful applicants will be guaranteed for a three year period.

Existing Executive funding totalling around £5.5 million each year will be pooled. This will be topped up with an extra £1 million next year and a further £500,000 in the following year - from the Scottish Budget 2003-06 - bringing the total to £7 million a year.

The fund will be made available to national voluntary organisations whose primary activities relate to assisting children, young people and families, in particular those experiencing difficulties or disadvantage, and for family mediation and counselling organisations.

Organisations can obtain application packs by contacting the Scottish Executive on 0131 244 0271. The deadline for return of applications is 17 November 2003.