Kirkcaldy locals take charge of funding for community projects.

A new community-led steering group has been established to oversee the allocation of £300,000 from Fife Council’s Community Recovery Fund (CRF) for the benefit of the Kirkcaldy area. This collaborative initiative, known as the “You Decide” campaign, aims to empower local residents by allowing them to have a leading voice in how public funds are spent on projects that matter most to them.

The steering group, made up of residents from across the area, will be responsible for determining the criteria for allocating funding and is currently seeking ideas and applications for community-led projects that will benefit Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Auchtertool, and Puddledub. Workshops are being organised to engage with the community, discuss ideas, and select projects that will be put to a public vote to decide which will be taken forward.

Projects focusing on key priorities outlined in Fife Council’s current Plan 4 Kirkcaldy Area, such as addressing the cost-of-living crisis, promoting early intervention and crisis prevention, and supporting initiatives to strengthen local economies and skills, are encouraged to apply for funding. Additionally, projects aimed at enhancing Kirkcaldy Town Centre and Waterfront, promoting a Sense of Pride, Identity, and Safer Communities, and improving the area’s outdoor spaces will also be considered. Themes like Health & Wellbeing, Building Community Spirit, and Green Initiatives to combat climate change are welcome as well.

Local projects will have the opportunity to apply for funding ranging from £500 to £15,000. Councillor Ian Cameron, Kirkcaldy Area Committee convenor, highlighted the significance of the “You Decide” campaign in giving local residents a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to projects that will have a positive impact on their communities.

Chair of the steering group, Paul McGhie, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting the opportunity for local individuals and groups to support and enhance their communities through innovative projects. The deadline for funding applications under the “You Decide” campaign is December 2024, with a shortlist of potential projects to be announced in January the following year. The public vote will take place in early March, with successful projects expected to utilise allocated funding within 12 months of receiving the grant award.