APPLICATIONS are now open to receive cash from a pot of funding worth more than £700,000.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation is inviting community groups and voluntary organisations across the county to apply for funds from the grant programme, which is designed to help small charities and not-for-profit groups which provide services and activities for their local communities.

Toni Shaw, chief executive officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer funding opportunities for a wide range of community initiatives, helping make Hampshire a better place to live.

“This has all been made possible by the generosity of local philanthropists and their commitment to supporting local giving for local needs.”

Grants range from £500 to £10,000, and applications must be submitted online via hantscf.org.uk by January 23.

Last year, the foundation distributed grants of more than £800,000 to community groups.

For more information visit hantscf.org.uk ‘apply for a grant’ or call 01256 776116.