Groups urged to apply for a share of grants

A SCHEME which will give small grants to Valley community, voluntary and faith groups has launched.

The initiative, called the Local Member Grants Scheme, will see each county councillor being given an annual budget so they can provide funds to groups in their area.

Each councillor will have a budget of £500 initially to cover grants handed out from January to March 2022. In April 2022, an annual budget of £2,000 will be introduced. Grants will range from £100 upwards and go towards specific projects that benefit the community. They cannot be used to cover running costs.

Applications will be considered by each county councillor and must fit in with the council’s priorities, particularly ‘caring for the vulnerable’ and ‘protecting the environment.’

Although larger charities and organisations are welcome to apply, this scheme is mainly aimed at groups with fewer resources who may find applying for grants daunting or difficult.

To apply for a grant, visit www.lancashire.gov. uk and search for ‘local grants member scheme.’