A NEW community chest fund has been launched by Gloucestershire County Council and is now inviting applications for grants.

The fund is part of the council’s work to encourage active communities, with grants available from £500 up to a maximum of £5,000 for projects that improve the long term viability of local organisations that support people who are vulnerable in our county.

The council is particularly interested in local projects that help people to become more involved in their community, and that will improve the viability of places where communities can come together. They are also interested in projects that help people to get online and use the internet safely.

There are already a number of successful projects in Gloucestershire which have received small grants funding from the county council including one successful Active Together Grant application which was awarded £5,000 for the purchase of sports equipment and the development of a green area into a ‘Fresh Air Fitness area’ for the over 50s.

Another grant for £3000 was used to refurbish the kitchen in a community hall as part of a project that has led to a rota of volunteers providing monthly lunches for the lonely and elderly of the community.

The initiative was put forward by Cllr Lesley Williams, Leader of the Labour Group at Gloucestershire County Council, she said, “I would encourage those with bright ideas, and a desire to help their community, to come forward and apply for this funding. The Labour group started this initiative so that local community groups can get help to develop services in their community.”

Interested groups have until February 15 to make an application. Funding must be spend by August 31.