Community groups are being urged to apply for grants of up to £1000 being offered by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

The money can be spent on new or existing projects designed to improve the quality of life for residents.

Previous applicants have used the funding to provide summer activities for youth groups, online support sessions for parent carers and projects organised by the Air Cadets.

Councillor Julia Huffer, Chair of the Operational Services Committee, said: “This grant is a fantastic opportunity for community groups across our district.

“The COVID pandemic has seen many community groups step up to provide extra help for local residents.

“Others have struggled to operate because of COVID restrictions.

“This grant could be the boost they need to launch a new project or inject cash into an existing initiative.

“Applying for the grant is simple and I would encourage any organisations that operate within the East Cambridgeshire area to apply.”

During the last funding round, the council awarded £1000 to support Mepal Makers.

The community project provides tools and workshop facilities to residents of Mepal so they can make things, recycle, upcycle or repair things, or just borrow a tool they don't have.

Greg Matthews, chair of Mepal Makers, said: “It takes time, commitment and money to turn an idea into something real. Without this grant Mepal Makers would have remained just a thought; with this grant we were able to cover the essential expenditure for starting the workshop – insurance, premises, utilities, and that then provided a springboard for attracting other sponsors and developing the community. The grant benefited us in several ways – not just in financing but in helping us organise our thoughts into an actionable plan and once granted it provided us with the confidence and credibility to develop further.”

The East Cambridgeshire Community Fund will be open to applications between 17 January and 21 February 2022.

Applying for this grant is simple. Information about the grant including eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found on the Council’s website