Now in their fourth year, the grants were established to recognise and support some of the incredible organisations making a difference across Fife. These are made possible by the generosity of contractors who join their charitable framework, donating 2% of their invoiced costs to benefit good causes.

Successful Giving Something Back Grant applicants were invited along to the event, aptly named ‘Pitches, Prizes and Pizza’, to ‘pitch’ their project to local residents and a panel of judges who would then determine the amount of funding they would receive.

Amongst the guests were David Torrance MSP, Councillor Julie MacDougall, Penny Anderson from Fife Housing Group’s Resident VOICES and partners from Linton Lane Centre.

Judges for the event were Sandra Stock, former chair of the Fife Housing Group Board, Beverley Graham, director of housing and John Bell, tenant and chair of Resident VOICES.

Following the pitches, Fife Housing Group was delighted to be able to award ten community organisations with funding. The well-deserved recipients were Amazing Grace – Friends of Fetal Medicine, Central Park Community Trust, New4U Children’s Clothing Bank, Autism Rocks, Rosyth Men’s Shed, Kirkcaldy YMCA, Leven Environment Group, Gallatown Community Initiative, East Fife Male Choir and Cowdenbeath After School Club.

Judging panel member John Bell said: “It was a fantastic event and a real honour for me as a tenant and volunteer to be asked to be one of the judges. I really enjoyed hearing the pitches. It was so impressive and sometimes very moving to hear about the types of projects making a real difference in Fife. A real joy to be a part of the evening.”

Former chair of Fife Housing Group’s board, Sandra Stock, who was also one of the judges, added: “This was a fantastic event and the pitches were a brilliant way to hear from these groups in person, providing a fun and informative opportunity for them to showcase the inspiring work that they do in our communities.

“One project actually made me quite emotional. This format really complimented the ethos of our Giving Something Back Grants and I’m sure the team are looking forward to building on their success again next year.”

Other highlights of the evening included delicious pizzas and bagpipe music provided by Piping Hot Pizza, outdoor activities for the kids and a game of bingo. The event was held at the Hayfield Community Centre in Kirkcaldy.

The next round of Giving Something Back Grants is expected to open for applications in Spring 2025, so if you are involved in a group that could do even more with a little extra investment, please look out for their launch. More information will be available on Fife Housing Group’s website and social media channels closer to the time.