Community groups are being invited to apply for one-off funding from the Forest of Dean District Council.

The 2016/17 community grants pot is now open for applications with a share of £19,800 available, with a maximum limit of £2,000 per project. Not for profit voluntary and community groups - both constituted and non-constituted - are welcome to apply.

Last year’s community grants helped 27 different local organisations, supporting a wide variety of local community initiatives ranging from environmental projects, community building repairs, providing support and advice to vulnerable groups, the provision of much needed equipment and materials for voluntary activity groups and specialised training for volunteers.

Cllr Terry Hale, Cabinet Member for the Community said: “This is a real chance for local money to go to the community for projects which residents want to see happen. The aim of the grants is to build capacity within the community, rather than directly delivering services.”

“We are particularly keen to receive applications from small informal groups who carry out lots of important work for the benefit of the local community.”

Application packs are available from the Council’s website www.fdean.gov.uk visit the ‘Community and Living’ section on the site and then select ‘Community Grants’. Alternatively contact the Community Engagement Team on 01594 812617.

The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday, July 8th.