COMMUNITY groups are being urged to apply for £100,000 to help with voluntary, faith or community projects in Thurrock.

Thurrock Council for Voluntary Service working alongside Thurrock Council is making the cash available for causes in the community.

These could be aimed at building stronger communities, reducing obesity, fighting loneliness, improving the emotional health of young people, or help people take control of their own care?

Thurrock CVS Chief Executive, Kristina Jackson, said; “We know that relatively small sums of money can make a huge difference to local groups who are some great work supporting people across Thurrock.

"I am really pleased that this year, in partnership with Thurrock Council, we have over £100,000 to give to Thurrock based organisations and I urge local groups not to miss out on their chance to get some extra funding.

"Funding that could be used to reach more people or, maybe to hold a street party or organise a festival.

The application process is really straightforward and you will get a pretty quick response.”

The fund, which is known as the Voluntary Sector Development Fund, offers grants of between £250 to £5,000, for one year, toward the revenue cost of projects that can be Thurrock wide or based around a particular neighbourhood.

Ms Jackson revealed: “We know that this year some organisations are facing significant financial problems that could seriously impact their ability to continue.

"To try to help we have managed to identify some extra cash and are able to offer a small number of larger grants – up to £30,000 - for exceptional circumstances.”

There is also cash of up to £1,000 available for small capital purchases.

To apply for your grant contact Thurrock CVS on info@thurrockcvs.org / Grants@thurrockcvs.org or through the website www.thurrockcvs.org

The closing date for applications is midnight on the 19th of May.