THE Westfield Cardenden Community Fund has re-opened for applications and community groups that are based, or working, in the Cardenden Community Council area can apply for grants between £250 and £1,000.

Since it opened in 2015 the Cardenden Community Fund, supplied by the four wind turbines situated at the former opencast mining site, has distributed an impressive £55,000 in 66 grants to 32 different community organisations.

The fund is open to applications for a wide range of inspirational and creative community-led activity that helps deliver a lasting impact. It will do this by making grants to support the costs of relevant projects, services and facilities, to buy equipment, cover running costs, pay for trips or a range of other uses.

A spokesperson for the community fund said: "Many community groups will be struggling as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and as the community moves out of lockdown may be facing additional needs.

"The Cardenden Community Fund can support projects that meet the needs of vulnerable people and who are experiencing additional challenges as a result of the pandemic. It will also support community organisations that have been impacted and are at risk, due to loss of income".

The next closing date for applications is Wednesday September 2.

The Cardenden Community Fund is administered by grant-making charity Foundation Scotland. This year, decisions on awards will be made by the existing panel of people drawn from the Cardenden community; the usual Community Craic event has been postponed.

Projects supported to date by the Fund include Christmas lighting in the village, outings and activities for the Dundonald Women’s Group, improving facilities at the Dundonald Bluebell FC, contributing to the Cardenden Village Fair, providing equipment for the Cardenden Play Park, excursions for the Cardenden Men’s health Club, and many more.

The Fund is provided by Ventient Energy and is linked to the Westfield Wind Farm located between Ballingry and Kinglassie. Ventient Energy currently provides over £10,000 per annum to the Cardenden Community Fund. The Fund supports community projects benefitting those living in the areas served by Cardenden Community Council.

To find out how your group can benefit and an application form visit www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/westfield-cardenden/ or email communitybenefit@foundationscotland.org.uk.