ACRE Launches

National rural community development charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), and members of the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) have announced the launch of this year?s COMMA fund to support projects in communities affected by quarrying.Communities can apply through their local RCAN member for grants of between ?3,000 and ?20,000 to support community projects and amenities. ACRE and RCAN are delivering the grants on behalf of DEFRA, funded by the aggregates levy on quarries. The fund is open to parish councils, registered charities and community organisations with a formal constitution. Almost any community activity can be supported. Applications must be made via one of the 23 RCAN members in whose areas the fund is applicable. Completed applications must be received by the relevant Rural Community Council on or before 7 November 2008.