COMMUNITY groups across East Hampshire have until the end of the month to apply for a share of £1 million from East Hampshire District Council.

The council is committed to supporting charities, voluntary and community organisations within the district by providing grants and funding to support their work.

In 2019 the council set aside £1 million over a three-year period to support local charities and organisations with grants of up to £25,000.

Now in its second year, the application criteria has been changed to allow groups to fund projects that support the recovery from coronavirus.

Councillor Julie Butler, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Welfare and Community Integration, said: “During the lockdown the voluntary sector has had a major role to play.

“One of the reasons for its success is the support it receives through funding streams such as the Supporting Communities Grants Fund.”

The fund awards local community organisation’s grants of up to £25,000 for capital costs or up to £10,000 a year for revenue costs.

Cll Butler added: “Bouncing back from the coronavirus will be a long and difficult job and a strong voluntary sector is going to be vital.

“If your group has a project related to the recovery process or one that fits the grant’s original criteria then please get in touch with us before 31 May.”

Community groups can apply to the fund for a three-year funding agreement or for up to £25,000 for a one-off project to fit the following criteria.

• Supporting positive mental health in residents, in particular young people

• Reducing social isolation in residents, in particular older people

• Supporting the recovery from coronavirus.

For more information on the grants and how to apply visit the webpage www.easthants.gov.uk/our-organisation/community-grants