The fund provides support and assistance with the development of community-based projects for voluntary and community groups that are active in their local area.

Groups who wish to take forward projects that will be of benefit to the local community can apply for grants up to the value of £5k.

The impact of the project needs to be measurable in terms of both the number of community members benefiting and the scale of that benefit, but funding can be used for a variety of purposes such as the purchase of equipment, small capital works, hire and running costs, maintenance costs and capacity building projects.

Some examples of previous projects that have been awarded funding include the new playpark at Reston and Auchencrow, support with running costs for the Cockburnspath Community Shop, conservation work funding for the Berwickshire Marine Reserve, a mobile kitchen unit and outdoor learning space for Abundant Borders, help with the delivery of learner programmes for community-led riding school Eat Sleep Ride and new noticeboards for the Allanton, Edrom and Whitsome, and Swinton and Ladykirk communities.

Berwickshire Community Fund is allocating grants in three rounds with £19,086 available in each round. The closing date for applications to the first round is Monday 26 July. For more information about the eligibility criteria and a copy of the application form, visit the website.

All applications will be evaluated by an assessment panel who will then make their recommendations to the Berwickshire Area Partnership. They will then be considered as part of the agenda for meetings to be held on 2 September, 2 December and 3 March.

Councillor Robin Tatler, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community development and localities, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Berwickshire Community Fund is now open. This is a tremendous opportunity for residents and groups to get together and think about what could be of real and unique benefit in their local area.

“A good starting point is some of the great ideas that have been successful in the past but I am also sure that people will be thinking about other new and innovative projects that will be worthy of consideration. What is important that you get your application in ahead of the closing date so you don’t miss out.”

The Community Fund scheme is divided up between each of the five Area Partnerships - Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, Teviot and Liddesdale and Tweeddale.