Grant really got us going

The Neighbourhood Partnership community grants fund is a small grants scheme that awards up to £5,000 for projects aimed at improving and encouraging local community activity.

Croft-An-Righ Social Club was awarded a grant of £4,074 last year to provide outings for the residents and helping those with mobility problems to take part too. John Fanning, the former chairman of the group, talked about the process.

How did you find out about the community grants fund?

At a meeting of other Viewpoint Housing tenants’ representatives, someone advised us that we should apply for a grant to get funding for more activities.

Claire Ironside and Alan Dean have been very helpful throughout the application process. I can’t praise them enough.

Did you find the application process straightforward?

The application is pretty straightforward but they like it if you give as much information as possible. You need to give a detailed break down of costings to come up with the exact amount that is needed.

We worked out every cost, from the hire of the bus, entrance fees and extra help needed for those with mobility problems.

You will also need to submit a statement and receipts to prove that you have spent the funds as you said you would.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about applying in future?

Before you can apply for grants you need to set up a proper constitution and you need to be able to show a financial statement from an AGM.

We didn’t know anything about applying for grants, but the Neighbourhood Partnership was a massive help.

Your local partnership development officer (PDO): Alan Dean

How long have you been a PDO and what is your background?

I’ve worked for the City of Edinburgh Council for more than seven years and have been a partnership development officer for nearly two years.

My background is very varied – I originally left school at 16 and I’m a qualified heavy goods vehicle mechanic. I also have an Honours Degree in Politics, a Masters degree in Political and Social Theory and a post-graduate diploma in Housing Studies.

What does your role involve?

My role involves working with city centre resident and business groups, Lothian and Borders Police, NHS Lothian and other Council departments, to help make the City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership function smoothly and to deliver what it is supposed to.

I am also heavily involved in community engagement to ensure we are listening to as wide a cross section of people as possible.

What are the challenges and the best things about your job?

The city centre is a unique and challenging area to work in. A balance has to be achieved in order to satisfy the differing needs and demands of visitors, heritage and business.

One of the best things about the job can be the small things – like when a community grant gets approved by the partnership and this then helps a worthwhile community project to go ahead.

How can the community become involved with the Neighbourhood Partnership?

We have regular meetings throughout the year that people are welcome to attend and we also have a website where people can provides us with their views.

During the year I am also happy to meet up with groups or individuals who have an interest in improving the city centre.

Read more about how Alan helped the Croft-An-Righ Social Club. Log on to www.edinburghnp.org.uk