Over £76,000 has been awarded from the Viking Community Fund through the Community Grant Scheme since it launched on the 1st of September 2024.
Eight projects have been supported by local community councils including £10,000 to the Walls Show towards a new steel framed shed and £500 to both the Cunningsburgh Under 5’s and Gulberwick Toddlers for new toys and equipment.
Five larger projects were directly approved by Shetland Community Benefit Fund. Dogs Against Drugs received the highest award of £30,000 over 3 years to support their Drugs Educational Programme.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Dogs Against Drugs are grateful to VCF CGS Tier 3 for their financial support towards our charity, especially at this time when our organisation is faced with long term funding issues. This money will make a difference to helping to keep young people in Shetland safe.”
Other projects receiving support include the Shetland Community Bike Project which will enjoy a new look shop following an award of £8,059 to replace its old flooring, and the Shetland Youth Orchestra with £6,270 towards their summer school and equipment purchases. Also awarded funding was the Shetland Netball Association with £15,000 over 5 years for its development programme in the islands and the ALICE Theatre Project, awarded £10,344.
On receiving the award, a spokesperson, Stephenie Georgia for the ALICE Theatre Project said, "Our board and young volunteers are absolutely delighted with the news that we have secured funding for our 'Saga Stanes' project which will enable our young volunteers to attend tailored theatre training with professional theatre practitioners in Liverpool and bring back their skills to the children who attend our theatre classes and projects. We look forward to using this project as a springboard to support our dedicated young volunteers to develop an ALICE youth production company in their own right. We are excited to support and nurture their skills so they can help to build a legacy of contemporary creative theatre practice in our young Shetland community"
