COMMUNITY and voluntary groups in Cornwall are being invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 as part of Cornwall Council’s Community Chest grant scheme for 2016/17.

Each of Cornwall Council’s 123 councillors has a total fund of £2,000 to support projects run by not for profit groups in their local area. The grants can be used to help a wide range of people and activities.

Jeremy Rowe, Cornwall Council’s localism portfolio holder, said: ‘Community groups across Cornwall do amazing things and the Community Chest grants scheme means Cornwall councillors can support a wide range of worthwhile projects in their local areas.

‘Last year Cornwall councillors awarded nearly 800 grants that benefited everything from community facilities and environmental projects to schemes promoting healthy living, music and sport. Many groups used the grants to attract match funding, leading to over £2.2-million more pouring in to local projects and organisations.

‘We welcome applications fro

m any not for profit organisations that serve Cornwall. Town and parish councils, village or community hall associations, parent teacher associations, scout and guide groups and many more are eligible for funding. Talk to your local Cornwall councillor to find out whether they can support your application.’

Not for profit groups can apply for Community Chest grants of between £100 and £1,000. The grants are available for specific projects rather then ongoing running costs and full guidance on eligibility is available on www.cornwall.gove.uk/communitychest

Applications can be made any time up until the closing date of February 17, 2017.

Last year Cornwall councillors supported community projects, including a community picnic in the park, lifesaving equipment, a heater for a village hall, play equipment for children’s groups, a new cornet for a brass band, a debt support project, nipper boards for surf lifesaving clubs, helping a foodbank move to new premises, a tent for a scout group and many other projects.