CHARITIES, community groups and other good causes in the Wee County last week had the chance to meet funding and support organisations face to face.

They turned out in numbers at Hawkhill Community Centre in Alloa, where the fourth Clacks Connect: Funders Fayre, organised by Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, was held for the first time.

The networking event allowed representatives from the local charitable sector, with more than 100 in attendance, to meet the big organisations that can turn their ideas into reality through funding or other means.

The Robertson Trust, Creative Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Crowdfund Scotland, Partnership for Procurement and many more were on hand with advice.

Those heading along could learn how they can apply for opportunities, criteria for assessments and other handy information that could be useful in the process.

National support organisations were also on hand to advise on community asset transfer, potentially help with business plans or help with other things that could be required to unlock funding opportunities.

The fayre on Wednesday, September 18, was “absolutely fantastic”, according to lead organiser Julie Haslam from Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface.

She said: “The atmosphere was amazing down at Hawkhill, that’s the first time we had it at Hawkhill, usually it’s Alloa Town Hall, but we had it in a community setting this year and it was buzzing.

“The feedback that we’ve had from everyone in attendance was that they found it really beneficial and that they got lots of information from it.

“Hopefully it will bring more funding to the Wee County.”

Julie was happy to see more than 100 people from various groups in attendance, showing the strength and number of local good causes.

She added: “We’ve got a great third sector in Clackmannanshire.

“The funders always love coming back because of the grassroot organisations that they get to see and speak to.”