The grants were made possible by the generosity of contractors who joined their charitable framework, donating 2% of their invoiced costs to benefit good causes and allowing the organisation to award £15,000 worth of grant money to local groups working to improve their communities.

Beverley Graham, director of housing, commented: “We were delighted to be in a position to launch our Giving Something Back Grants this year as we know how much additional pressure the pandemic has put on community groups and charities. Supporting organisations with the fantastic work they do is part of our ongoing commitment to making a difference in our local communities and we cannot wait to see how these projects grow and develop over the coming months.”

The Group was thrilled to award grants to EATS Rosyth, Fife Gingerbread, LoveOliver, Pink Saltire, Pitreavie Primary Parent Council, The People’s Pantry Leven Centre and Viewfield Baptist Church.

Colleagues also visited the successful applicants to present them with their grants and hear more about the amazing work that they do. On one of these visits they were lucky enough to get a tour of the new community space, ‘The Hive’, that Pink Saltire, a charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, have created.

Pink Saltire founder, Stuart Duffy, said of the grant: “We’re thrilled to have the backing of Fife Housing Group for our ambitious plans for The Hive. It’s fantastic to see such an innovative funding scheme in the region, with trade partners and the housing association working together for the benefit of local good causes and we’re really grateful for their support.

“This funding will help us to deliver a space that feels welcoming and safe for our community, who continue to face discrimination and harassment in Fife. The Hive will be the largest community venue for LGBT+ people anywhere in Scotland and we hope the opportunities this new space brings will improve the provision of services for our community. Support from partners such as Fife Housing Group is critical to making that vision a reality.”

The next round of Giving Something Back Grants is expected to launch in Spring 2022, so if you are involved in a group that could do even more with a little extra investment then please apply next year. More information will be available on Fife Housing Group’s website and social media channels next year.