Ian Findlay Path Fund
*Information source, the Paths For All website after discussion with the team to support the promotion of the Fund.
The Ian Findlay Path Fund from Paths for All is a £1.5 million fund for the improvement of path networks to increase walking, wheeling and cycling, for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.
This grant fund is supported by Transport Scotland to improve paths, to make active travel easier and more attractive. This will encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys which will in turn benefit air quality, reduce CO2 emissions and improve our physical health and mental wellbeing.
The fund supports projects that will improve usability and accessibility of paths for more people. This will reduce inequalities and improve access to greenspace and its benefits to mental health.
The fund is named in memory of Paths for All late Chief Officer, Ian Findlay CBE who died very suddenly in March 2021. Ian made a huge impact during his time at Paths for All and this fund recognises and continues his legacy.
What type of projects will be funded?
Well designed and maintained path help everyone to be active, every day.
Paths for All offer technical advice and support to community organisations, community groups, community councils, development trusts and access professionals to help them to create, promote and maintain safe, welcoming community paths and active routes for everyone. They can also provide onsite technical advice to help you develop your project.
Their team can provide technical advice and support on:
Support to plan and develop community path projects
Surveying and designing paths
Preparing contract documentation for tenders
Technical advice on path construction incl. surface selection, bridges, access barriers, signage, etc.
Working with volunteers and/or contractors on path projects
This list is far from an exhaustive so, if you would like to find out more, please contact their Technical Officer: technical@pathsforall.org.uk or Tel: 01786 641851
The fund supports path management projects that:
Demonstrate that they will make it easer for people to choose active travel and public transport to reduce dependency on car usage
Improve accessibility and resilience of existing paths between homes, community facilities, active travel routes and public transport facilities
Remove barriers to make existing paths more accessible to more people
Link paths to community destinations such as homes and public transport connections
Improve and create routes to aid the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods
Who can apply?
The fund is open to a wide range of community and third sector organisations.
Grant value
Funding of a sum between £10,000 - £100,000 is available, with 30% match funding required (15% can be in kind).
If you are at an early stage of your project, Paths for All can assist with a greater proportion of initial feasibility study andTechnical Advice - technical experts are on hand to make your path project a success.
Application
If you want to make an application to the Ian Findlay Path Fund, please read the Guidance Note first. It is recommended that you get in touch with the dedicated team at IFPF@pathsforall.org.uk to discuss initial proposals.
Once you have spoken to a member of the team and establish that your project meets the terms of the fund, you should complete an Expression of Interest via the grants portal.