The council says it’s looking for projects that improve parks and green spaces, streets and community buildings and grounds. Projects must make a lasting difference in the local area, making it a better and safer place to live. The projects must be for the whole community with support from the whole community (not just members of individual community groups) and must be accessible to the public for a minimum of 183 days (6 months) per year.

Most grants are expected to be under £5,000, although in some cases they could be higher. Grants are awarded on the basis that they are ‘ match funding’ of up to a maximum of 25% of the total project costs; groups must raise the other 75% of the funding, perhaps through other grants, donations or support in kind – for example donated materials or services, or volunteer labour.

The deadline for the first round of grants is December 16, 2011

There will be more rounds next year.

For more information and to download the application pack from the council’s site, click here.