ACF Report 2023

Following length review process and a 1 year hiatus, we’re delighted to say that the fund reopened in 2023 and received 15 applications. The fund had accumulated to over £75,000 due historic underspend and the 2022 accrual. Applications were assessed in September for eligibility, presented to the panel in October with decisions made in November and funding paid out in December 2023.

The panel consisted of a total of 5 people – all 3 members of the community who applied and the ACF sub-committee from ADCA. The decision-making process was straightforward and unanimous and we propose to continue with this format (pending annual review) if agreed at the AGM.

All applicants received funding although not all projects were funded fully. Following discussion with applicants, those who received partial funding were happy with the decision-making process and outcome. Excitingly, as a result of these conversations, new opportunities for collaboration between community groups have been identified and we look forward to seeing the results of those discussions.

See table for funding awards. We look forward to seeing completed projects over the next few months with completion sign offs due in November 2024.

The coming funding allocation will be more interesting as the amount of money available is significantly less. The fund stands at an estimated £43,000 for 2024, we will be able to confirm this figure once the RPI for January 2024 is published. 2024 applications will open during gala week with a closing date of August 31st 2024.

The sub-committee intend to further revise the forms to make the fund more accessible to our community. In terms of advertising and improving communication with the community, we will promote the fund on theblae.org, the physical noticeboards around the village, via the Messenger and on our facebook page and Auchenblae Noticeboard.