Community and voluntary groups can now apply for a grant from Rugby Borough Council, which has a funding pot of nearly £85,000 available for 2018/2019.  Grants that are on offer to community, voluntary and charitable organisations need to be based in Rugby borough.

Organisations can apply for:

• a voluntary and community grant of up to £2,500 to support projects which benefit the local community
• a sports grant of up to £1,000 to support local sports clubs in delivering events or activities
• a youth and play grant of up to £1,000 to support events or projects which develop and sustain youth and play provision
• an arts grant of up to £1,000 to support Rugby's creative industries and community engagement
• a Rural Development Fund grant of up to £10,000 to support projects in Rugby's rural areas
• a Health and Wellbeing Community Fund grant of up to £5,000, delivered in partnership with Public Health Warwickshire, to support projects which increase physical activity, positive mental wellbeing and awareness of healthy eating

Cllr Emma Crane, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities and homes, and chair of the Rugby LSP, said: "The regeneration strategy has put a framework in place to support new projects and services which benefit residents. By supporting the goals of the regeneration strategy and the objectives of the council's corporate strategy, the community grants aim to encourage voluntary and community organisations to work in partnership with us to make a real difference in our communities. We recognise the vital role the voluntary sector plays in the borough and understand the challenges of securing funding,"

Cllr Emma Crane added. "So I'd urge community and voluntary organisations to find out more about our funding criteria and make an application before the deadline."

Applications for community grants must be made by 12 noon on Monday 9 April. To apply, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/grants