REAP was established in October 1997 as a Community Service Volunteers (CSV) project.  The idea behind REAP was to promote sustainability concepts through volunteering and community development in a rural context.  REAP took the Green Diary (an existing CSV project) under its wings and proceeded to link in with the ongoing LA21 process. 

The high points of the first ten years are too numerous but special mention must go to REAP's involvement in forming Moray Against Poverty, in progressing the work of the Moray Sustainability Forum and in assisting the mainstreaming of social enterprises.  European and lottery funding allowed the work of REAP to be provided at a subsidised or free cost to users and groups.

In 2007 REAP, in consultation with our stakeholders, decided the most secure route for our future was to go independent of CSV and set up as a locally accountable charity.  This process was supported and assisted by CSV throughout and led to REAP becoming a charity registered in its own right and a company limited by guarantee.  As large scale funding for the voluntary sector has reduced REAP carries out more consultation work to cover our costs and allow us to continue our work. 

In the past ten years the pioneering work of REAP has become more mainstream.  This is not because we have changed our position but because the voluntary and public sectors have taken on board many of the techniques we have been using like participatory appraisal etc.

After ten years working in the voluntary sector in the North East of Scotland, REAP has an extensive network of contacts and experience of working with groups and agencies in a wide range of projects.  We have experience of working with community groups and voluntary organisations in taking forward projects and offering training and capacity building.  We work to promote sustainable development through supporting social enterprise and environmental activities.  REAP can also offer a comprehensive consultancy service to carry out research which is in line with our overall aims.  

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