There is still time to influence Cairngorms' new community fund
There are just a few days left for the public to apply to help design an exciting new community fund worth £1 million.
The new Cairngorms 2030 Communities Fund is an investment – with a twist. Communities will design the whole process to hand out £1 million from start to finish.
A paid panel of 18 is being recruited who will decide how it should work. They will make all the important choices, from eligibility criteria to maximum award amounts and how funds are distributed. The deadline for expressions of interest is Sunday (February 22).
Independent charity the Involve Foundation will support the group with a view to the fund being launched this summer.
It will build on the core themes of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to empower communities to share the future of their local area; transform the way land is managed and used to benefit nature; make getting around the Cairngorms easier, safer and greener and foster healthier, happier communities.
Eilidh Todd, communities and rural development manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We want the panel to represent a diverse range of communities. So if you're someone who cares deeply about the National Park, we'd love to hear from you."
Anyone who lives or works in the National Park and wants to get involved can apply via the dedicated page on the CNPA website.