Let the music play to make a positive impact on people’s lives, says a charitable foundation, that is urging local people to apply for music-based grants.

The Dosoco Foundation has already donated more than £10,000 to good causes across Cambridgeshire ranging from supporting Care Network to set up choirs in March and Wisbech for people with dementia and has supported Centre 33 in Ely by buy CD decks and speakers.

It has bought a violin for an autistic boy, funded a project using sound to help people engage in sport and helped a man with dementia to have music therapy sessions.

Money is raised for the foundation thanks to concerts by maverick choir group, the Cambridge-based Dowsing Sound Collective, who take modern popular songs and give them a powerful twist.

Choir founder Andrea Cockerton said: “We are supporting local projects using music for social good and are open for applications for its fourth round of funding.

“Organisations, families and individual young people are all encouraged to take part and applications can be as creative as possible.

“Our Foundation can contribute up to 50 per cent towards project costs. The main rules are that the projects have to take place in Cambridgeshire, that they must be new ideas and that they absolutely must use music to make a positive impact on people’s lives where help is really needed.

“As a guideline, we’re really keen to hear from music projects in four areas - these are just examples and the musical world is your oyster!”

• Music education eg looking to launch a novel programme to teach music differently to students that struggle with conventional music teaching

• Music access eg setting up a music club for groups that might struggle to start something themselves.

• Music innovation eg bright ideas to help disabled people make music

• Music therapy eg using music to support positive mental health?

There are also specific funds available to support young musicians and the foundation is particularly keen to hear from talented young people who would benefit from financial support for their music making.

Grants are available for up to £1000 (for organisations) and up to £300 (for individuals).

The closing date for applications is Monday May 9 and awards will be announced by end of June.

For information visit thedosocofoundation.org/grants