GRANTS up to £2,500 are now available for smaller charities, community groups, sports clubs and social enterprises in Somerset.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) manages The Somerset Fund and is encouraging groups that run on less than £100,000 a year to apply.

The money can be used for essential running costs such as rent, utilities, insurance or staff time or for delivering a project or service in or for the community.

Applications can be made via www.somersetcf.org.uk/somersetfund by 5pm on Friday, June 3.

The Somerset Fund has supported a range of charities since 2018 thanks to the generosity of local donors.

SCF development director Laura Blake said: "The Somerset Fund aims to help make our communities stronger by supporting the places, spaces and activities that bring people together.

"Examples of things the fund will support include village halls or community centres, community shops, cafés or foodbanks, sports clubs or playing fields, or community events, groups and activities.

“The Somerset Fund also offers a great way for local people to give to local good causes and change lives across Somerset.

"Thanks to the local businesses and individuals who have supported The Somerset Fund so far, it has already helped over 150 good causes in the county and awarded more than £200,000 in grants to local grassroots charities.”

Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust (BUCST) received £1,950 from The Somerset Fund towards the delivery of an innovative and accessible community sports programmes.

Oli Moore, community development Manager at BUCST, said: "We strive to support all members of the local community.

"Our sessions include Mini Robins (ages one to four), Youth Female Specific, Young Adults with Disabilities and Walking Football for the over 50s - amongst other football provisions.

"There is no key demographic. Our activities are for everyone.

"We offer free-to-attend sessions on the Hamp and Sydenham estates in Bridgwater.

"Thanks to the support we've received from The Somerset Fund, we’re now running 16 sessions a week and over 300 people engage in our activities - opportunities that didn’t previously exist in our area."

If you would like to find out more about giving through The Somerset Fund visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/tsf or you can e-mail: Laura.Blake@somersetcf.org.uk or call Laura on 01749 344949.