Local charity, voluntary or community organisations are now able to apply for grants from a £25,000 Bath & North East Somerset Council Community Contribution Fund – thanks to the generosity of residents.

The fund, which was set up as a pilot in 2021 to help reduce inequalities in the district, has so far received donations totalling £25,094.55 from residents. Organisations that support residents of B&NES can apply for grants of between £500 and £2,000.

All grant applications will be assessed by a panel of elected councillors who will be looking for local projects that improve people's lives, focusing on those who are most disadvantaged. Priority will be given to projects that cover the whole B&NES area.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said: "Many organisations across B&NES have provided vital support during the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a new or increased demand in services.

"At the same time their traditional means of fundraising have been severely curtailed. Receiving a grant from the Community Contribution Fund could help support those organisations to continue to deliver their vital projects and services and reduce inequalities."

Organisations can apply by completing the online application form The deadline for applications is 30 November 2021 and funding will be allocated by 31 March 2022.

All grant applications will need to:

:evidence the need and demonstrate how they will address inequalities in their area

:evidence that there is community support and/or community consultation has been carried out

:deliver benefits to the community within two years of being awarded the funding

:be a charity, voluntary or community organisation that operates for the benefit of the local community and is not for profit

:have a constitution and valid bank account or a lead organisation, with a constitution and valid bank account

:provide details of consents, such as planning or licencing with the application, if they are required.

The fund aims to invest in local projects that address inequalities and help people who are disadvantaged by financial circumstances, locality, education, health and well-being, or by protected characteristics such as age, disability etc.

The B&NES Community Contribution Fund is administered by Bath & North East Somerset Council, but will not be used to supplement council services. Every penny contributed will be used to fund local projects.

Councillor Samuel added: "We want to thank all those people who have made donations to the fund and remind residents they can still donate by visiting the Community Contribution Fund webpage."

After the one-year pilot, the council will consult with residents and organisations on whether the scheme should continue.