Grants Arise to help make a difference

COMMUNITY-based projects in West Lothian are set to receive a boost to the tune of £10,000.

The Arise (Alliance to Reward Initiatives and Social Enterprise) project will provide money to people and groups in the county.

The initiative is designed to assist activities that benefit the local community, with organisations and individuals from West Lothian eligible to apply for awards of up to 1,000.

A fund of 10,000 will be available in the first year.

All requests for funding will be considered by an independent awards selection committee, chaired by Duncan Walker – president of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Walker said: "There is an increasing desire among large companies to become involved in socially responsible activities, and Arise provides the perfect opportunity to make a difference."