After a two-year forced hiatus, Open venue Carnoustie is once again welcoming applications for its 2022 Community Benefits Programme.
The programme aims to provide donations to individuals and organisations within the Carnoustie area, and has been a permanent fixture since 2014. However, due to the pandemic, the scheme had been halted for two years.
Now, the programme has returned, with the aim of helping those less fortunate in the area surrounding the world-famous links.
Michael Wells, Chief Executive of Carnoustie Golf Links said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome back our Community Benefits Programme and are looking forward to receiving applications for this round of awards. We know that this programme has helped a huge number of local individuals and charities since its inception in 2014. We are extremely proud to have donated over £270,000 to local good causes during that time.”
In 2019, when the programme was last active, nearly £60,000 was raised for a wide array of local individuals and organisations. These included the 1st Carnoustie Boys Brigade, South Angus Parents of Adults with Learning Difficulties and Carnoustie and District Pipe Band.
“I am delighted that after a two-year break due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we are ready to relaunch the fund with the aim of supporting applications from local community groups seeking financial support,” said David Cheape, CGLMC Ltd Community Benefits Convenor.
“We are dedicated to making a difference in the local area and therefore our Community Benefits Programme is something that means a great deal to everyone at Carnoustie Golf Links.”
Not only does the 2018 Open Championship venue run this programme, but they give back in other ways too. The links provide free coaching to over 300 junior golfers every week, including their advanced and high-performance programmes, helping those who show budding skills to reach their full potential in the game. They also run the Girls Empowerment Academy in conjunction with Jill Duke, designed to empower and equip girls with skills for life and work through the sport of golf. Furthermore, Carnoustie’s greenkeeping team provide time, equipment and expertise to local community projects and Schools throughout the year and the Links have proudly donated to a number of town projects in the past, including contributing to the festive celebrations by providing the town Christmas Tree.
The Carnoustie Golf Links Community Benefits Committee seek applications from local groups and organisations who are looking for assisted funding towards community projects. Applications should be submitted by Monday 15, August 2022.