Launch of Round 2 of University of St Andrews Community Fund

The University of St Andrews has today launched Round 2 of the Community Fund to support groups and activities in St Andrews and the surrounding area.

The inaugural round of the fund, launched in April 2020, saw a wide range of local causes benefiting from a financial boost.

Among the causes which benefited from support in Round 1 was Saje Scotland Ltd, which received £2000 towards the provision of online programmes and support for women and girls, particularly during lockdown, who have or are experiencing domestic abuse, and The Friends of Craigtoun Country Park who received £3000 to refurbish the park’s Lodge Garden.

Applications will be accepted from organisations and groups from across Fife providing their activities have an impact on St Andrews and the neighbouring communities.

The types of projects which are eligible for funding of between £250 and £3000 include those which:

• Benefit communities in the local area (St Andrews and neighbouring communities)
• Increase engagement between the University and the community
• Promote knowledge exchange and widening participation; promote environmental sustainability
• Promote diversity and inclusion; and celebrate St Andrews and the local area’s heritage, whether physical or cultural.

During Round 1 the University sought applications that considered opportunities and activities which offered solutions to community needs during the Covid-19 crisis. The University recognises that key to a community’s recovery and the very fabric of life in communities are the many small voluntary bodies that are responding to the needs of their residents with a will and bravery which must be commended.

As the we continue to combat the pandemic locally and nationally, the University is still keen to receive applications that consider opportunities and activities which offer solutions to community needs during the Covid-19 crisis.

All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The fund will prioritise small, grassroots charities and community organisations over larger organisations.

Local branches of national charities are eligible to apply if they are financially independent and locally managed, and national charities if they have a distinctive offering to the local community.

University Community Engagement and Social Responsibility Officer, Lesley Caldwell said:

“I am delighted that we can extend our support once again to so many small voluntary organisations and causes which maintain the fabric of life in our St Andrews community. The Panel and I enjoyed reading about the varied projects in Round 1 and are looking forward to seeing what Round 2 brings.”