Development support coupled with small investments is key to supporting grassroots organisations tackle issues in their communities.

CRT has always recognised that grants alone are not a solution for coalfield communities, and has always been more than just a funder in our target areas. We have emerged as a key player facilitating the development of community capacity, by encouraging small voluntary, charitable and other organisations to expand their scope, build new partnerships, and tackle more ambitious projects within their communities.

Finding the resources to fund projects and activities that are important in a community is challenging and complex. CRT will provide useful information, advice and training on funding and fundraising to new social enterprises and community and voluntary organizations across coalfield communities in Scotland.

Our approach involves mentoring, coaching and hands-on support, seeking at every point to transfer knowledge and skills to the coalfield organisation. This will be accompanied by access to relevant information, materials and learning resources.

The one-to-one support will be complemented by a series of training workshops and seminars that are open to all coalfield groups and organisations. These will address common issues and techniques (e.g. committee skills, fundraising techniques, the use of ICT, etc.) and provide the opportunity to learn, network, and to share ideas.

Our focus will also be on assisting the groups and organisations to explore opportunities for trading and to develop into social enterprises.

The type of activity for the CIP is determined by the CRT Scottish Committee which comprises of two CRT Trustees with support from frontline staff. A framework which mirrors the outcomes of the Scottish Government supports a range of activities that the CIP may fund to achieve the stated outcomes.

The following outcomes will be achieved as a result of the CIP awards made:

•   Local people are taking an active part in their communities making them better places to live.
•   People will gain new skills, make new friends and develop their social and practical skills.
•   There will be more opportunities for volunteering within the coalfield communities.
•   Local children will be able to take part in healthy lifestyle activities.
•   More people will be involved in making their communities a better place through taking part in environmental activities.

The ‘Invest to Save’ approach can be thought of as a model of the fiscal rate of return involving the down-the-line gains in terms of reduced call on Scottish Government, Local Authority, CRT and community resources. Publicly funded activities often have the capacity to generate wider ‘societal gains’, many of which can be assigned a monetary value and hence may be seen as an additional return on investment.