MORE than half a million pounds is being made available in grants to small community and voluntary groups in Worcestershire.

The Grassroots programme aims to build the capacity of such groups to deliver valuable services for the most disadvantaged communities and people in the county.

Grassroots grants start at £250 and range up to £5,000, and are funded by the Office of the Third Sector but delivered by Community First.

A spokesperson said: “We aim to support groups who are helping to sustain activities in their local community. Worcestershire’s a great place to live, so let’s make it even better and help people and groups who could really benefit.”

Funding can be given for a wide range of activities including purchasing equipment, putting on a local event or workshop, covering staff costs, contributing to rent costs and paying for training volunteers.

Groups wishing to apply must be locally managed and based in Worcestershire, have a set of rules and a management committee, be predominately volunteer-led with an average annual turnover of less than £20,000 and have a bank account.

Details on how to apply for funding are available at comfirst.org.uk, or by calling Pauline Dumville at Community First on 01684 312730.