Part of the collaborative “You Decide” campaign between the Council and communities which gives local people a leading voice in how public money is spent on what matters to them most, the group came together last month and is now seeking ideas and applications for community led projects designed to empower and benefit Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Auchtertool and Puddledub.

Comprising residents from across the area, the group will also agree the criteria on which any funding is allocated, and is currently organising a series of workshops for local people to discuss ideas and select  which projects will then go to a public vote to decide which are taken forward. 

Applications for funding are welcome from projects covering the priorities around People and Place in Fife Council’s current Plan 4 Kirkcaldy Area, including those designed to help with the cost-of-living crisis; support early intervention & crisis prevention in communities and initiatives aimed at bolstering local economies and skills.

Projects ideas are also sought around further enhancing Kirkcaldy Town Centre and Waterfront; those helping build a Sense of Pride, Identity and Safer Communities and ideas to improve the area’s Outdoor Places and Spaces. Applications across broader themes including Health & Wellbeing; Building Community Spirit and Green Initiatives combating climate change will also be considered.

Under the scheme, local projects will be able to apply for funding ranging from £500 to £15,000.

Commenting on the new community led campaign, Councillor Ian Cameron, Kirkcaldy Area Committee convenor, said: “You Decide” provides a great opportunity for local people to get involved, and make their voices heard by deciding how public money is spent on projects they choose which are aimed at making a positive difference to the communities where they live and work.

“It is a wonderful example of local democracy in action; the Council working in collaboration with our communities, for mutual benefit. I look forward to seeing what eventual projects come out of this and then, of course, the positive impact they will invariably have for the Kirkcaldy area’s future.”

Chair of the community led steering group, Paul McGhie, added: “It is great to be involved in this initiative from the Council that gives local people and groups a chance to support and enhance their communities. Everyone on the steering group is excited and hopeful that some brilliant ideas will come forward and be developed into successful projects.”

Deadline for funding applications for “You Decide” is December, 2024. An agreed short- list of potential projects will then be announced the following January before going to the public vote in early March, with results then announced later that month.

All successful projects will then be expected to spend any allocated funding within 12 months of receiving their grant award.