COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations throughout the district are being encouraged to bid for a share of a �70,000 pot of cash that has been earmarked for distribution by Fenland District Council and Roddons Housing Association.

They can put in for grants of up to �5,000 under the revised Community Grants scheme that was approved by FDC’s Cabinet last week.

To qualify for a grant groups must show that their project furthers the aims of at least one of the Fenland Strategic Partnership’s four priorities: improving health, economic prosperity or young people’s life chances or reducing crime and disorder.

FDC has allocated �45,000 to the scheme, with Roddons providing the other �25,000.

Decisions on where the money goes will be taken by a joint panel made up of FDC’s Cabinet and a representative from Roddons and is designed to be less bureaucratic. Previously those decisions had to go through the various Neighbourhood Forums.

Councillor Chris Seaton, portfolio holder responsible for the grants, said: “We recognise the amazing contribution that community and voluntary groups make all over the district and we’re looking to help as many as we possibly can. So get your applications in as soon as possible.”

Applications must be received by April 27 so that they can be fully assessed. Funding will be allocated in August and projects are to run until April 1, 2013.

• For more details and application forms, call Hetty Thornton, FDC’s senior community development officer, on 01354 654321 or e-mail hthornton@fenland.gov.uk