COWDENBEATH Community Council is urging people to take advantage of a new style of grant support they have available.

Mossmorran Wind Farm Ltd Community Fund has allocated £1591 to the Community Council to administer a Micro Grant Scheme. This Scheme is to award grants to individuals or groups whose work benefit residents living in the Cowdenbeath Community Council area.

The Community Council will be able to award small grants of up to £250 to individuals and groups (both constituted and unconstituted) who are involved in activities that can benefit Cowdenbeath residents by:

* Enhancing the quality of life for local residents;

* Contributing to deliver vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities;

* Promoting community spirit and encouraging community activity.

Said Community Council secretary Christine Gourlay: "Individuals and groups can apply for an award to assist with running costs (insurance or hiring facilities), equipment costs, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities etc.

"If you believe you would qualify for an award, then get in touch with us or simply download the application form from our website (cowdenbeathcc.org.uk) , complete it and send it off to us at cowdenbeathcc@gmail.com or by post to Chairman, Cowdenbeath Community Council, 16 Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath."

Applications should reach the community council by Tuesday February 28.

Awards will be made on merit and at the discretion of Cowdenbeath Community Council.

Groups that applied to the Main Fund in 2016 can apply but not for the same project. Nevertheless priority will be given to applicants who did not receive funding from the Main Fund in 2016.

The meeting to discuss all applications will be held on Thursday March 16. The following are not eligible for a Micro Grant.

Groups affiliated to the organisation running the Micro Grant Scheme or operating under its structure.

Individuals benefitting from projects supported by the Main Grant (for example, supporting costs for an individual to attend a dance event where the organising group is already receiving a grant towards that event from the Fund). Projects which received funding from the Main Grant in 2016

The advancement of religion or politics (including requests to support the core activities of religious or political groups). Costs already incurred or activities which will take place before we have made a decision on an application (retrospective funding). Payments towards areas clearly understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities.