Mansfield and Ashfield groups urged not to miss out on £750,000 worth of community-boosting grants

Various grants remain open until midnight on Sunday, June 4.

These include two types of cost-of-living grants, both of up to £5,000 aimed at groups who are helping those who are struggling to buy nutritious food to help improve health and well-being and build resilience – this may include projects such as ‘cook and eat’ sessions where residents can better plan, cook and share nutritious, affordable meals.

Alternatively, they are for groups in need of a contribution towards their own rising energy bills to help keep their welcoming and warm centres and halls open across the county.

Eligible groups who applied for the first round of these grants are able to apply for both sets of grants again, including those who received funds last time.

As part of the wider LCF, groups can also apply for up to £20,000 in capital grants to help towards improvements to facilities that help improve health, wellbeing and the environment such as improvements to sports facilities, play areas or green spaces.

Revenue grants of up to £5,000 are also available to help projects with their day-to-day running costs such as paying wages and bills.

These include summer play schemes, projects which improve access to community-based services for those most in need or schemes which benefit the environment.

Coun John Cottee, council cabinet member for communities, said: “We are proud to offer this range of grants worth a total of £750,000 to suit the different needs of local groups.

"The work of community groups, voluntary organisations and parish councils help to make our communities an even better place to live, so it’s vital we support them as much as we can.“And to help simplify the application process, groups now have two opportunities a year to apply for capital and revenue grants.

"After the current round closes, the next chance to apply will be in early October.”

More than 80 groups received cost-of-living grants worth a total of £150,000 from the first round of these grants earlier this year.

For further details of eligibility criteria, as well as how to apply, click here.