The government is inviting charities and other organisations to bid for funding from a new multi-million pound fund designed to benefit coastal communities.
The Coastal Communities Fund, to be delivered by the Big Lottery Fund’s Big Fund, will disperse 50 per cent revenues raised by the Crown Estate’s marine activities.
As a result, in April 2012 there will be £23.7m available, as the total revenue received in 2010/11 was £47.4m.
The new fund is designed to support the economic development of coastal communities and will target projects that support charities, the environment, education and health.
Examples given by the Treasury include support for developing renewable energy, improving skills or environmental safeguarding or improvement.
The funding available to each area of the UK is proportionate to the amount of revenue raised in that area. As a result the following amounts are available:
- England: £18.2m
- Scottish Highlands and Islands: £1.85m
- Rest of Scotland: £2.05m
- Wales: £1.15m
- N. Ireland: £0.45m
Speaking from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the chief secretary Danny Alexander said: “Coastal Communities share a strong sense of place and it is only fair that we share the Crown Estate’s revenues equally.
“We welcome innovative bids from charities, businesses, social enterprises and local organisations, which support the economic development of the community.”
