Community groups in East Ayrshire are being encouraged to apply for new grant funding opportunities from the Asda Foundation.
Up to £500,000 of funding is being made available by Asda in the first of a series of grants in 2025 to help transform and improve community spaces across the UK.
The Asda Foundation is an independent charitable foundation funded by Asda that supports the small, grassroots groups at the heart of communities.
They aim to empower local groups and work closely with in-store Asda community champions to understand the needs of the people living and working in the communities surrounding Asda stores.
Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available and are aimed at helping grassroots groups improve or transform their local outdoor community spaces.
Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Neill Watts is backing the campaign and is urging groups across East Ayrshire to bid for funding.
Funding can be used to transform an outdoor area, create or enhance community growing projects, and enable community clean ups.
Information for groups on how to apply is available at: https://www.asdafoundation.org/our-grants/outdoor-community-spaces-fund/
Karl Doyle, chair of the Asda Foundation, said: “Over the last year, our research has consistently told us that local communities are seeking better access to safe and accessible public spaces.
“We know that being outdoors has a positive impact on health and wellbeing and that bringing people together to be part of a group and community makes a significant difference to people’s lives.
“This grant provides funding support for groups to do just this, and we hope it will also help build community connections and help grow pride in communities across the UK.’’
Cllr Watts added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups in Cumnock, New Cumnock, Ochiltree and the surrounding area to be able to apply for these new ASDA grants which can help them deliver their group’s visions for our area here in East Ayrshire and really benefit our communities.”
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