VOLUNTARY and community groups in East Cornwall are being invited to apply for small grant funding under Cornwall Council's Community Chest scheme for 2015/16.

Under the scheme, the 123 Cornwall Councillors each have a total fund of £2,000 to assist projects run by not-for-profit groups in their local areas.

The grants aim to benefit a wide range of people and activities, from community facilities and local environmental projects, through to schemes promoting healthy living, music and sport.

Groups can apply for one-off grants of between £100 and £1,000. The grants are intended to support specific projects, rather than ongoing running costs.

Any 'not-for-profit' organisation which serves Cornwall is eligible to apply for funding; this includes town and parish councils, village or community hall associations, parent teacher associations, scout and guide groups and many more.

Interested groups are asked to read the guidance on the council's website to ensure their project is eligible for funding.

The council's communities and devolution team will be happy to answer any questions. Groups should then contact their local Cornwall councillor to see if they are willing to support the application and have sufficient funds to do so.

If the answer is yes, the group will be asked to complete a simple application form and send this to the council for approval.

Applications and enquiries can be made at any time until the closing date of February 12, 2016.

Jeremy Rowe, deputy leader and portfolio holder for localism and devolution, said: 'I am delighted to open the Community Chest for another year. V

'Voluntary and community groups work tirelessly for Cornwall and this is a great scheme giving our councillors the opportunity to support them in their local areas.

'The grants can be used to fund some projects outright, or help pull in grants from other funders to support bigger projects.'

Further information on the Community Chest scheme is available on the

council website http://www.cornwall.gov.uk">www.cornwall.gov.uk or by calling 0300 1234 100.