Groups and organisations that successfully applied for grants in this first round for 2015/16 include Treetops Hospice, Stanley Village pre-school, 16th Ilkeston Scouts, the Friends of Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadow; and the West Park Walkers in Long Eaton.

In addition, a number of older persons’ clubs and summer play schemes have also received funding support, while five local sports organisations also won grants.

The council stepped up its support for voluntary organisations last year when it doubled the amount of money available for small grant awards to £80,000 – and it has again made that amount available to help as many groups as possible.

Councillor Carol Hart, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Community Engagement, says:

“Our small grants offer big support for local groups who work tirelessly to help residents of our borough in all sorts of ways. The wealth of voluntary and charitable work that goes on in Erewash for people of all ages is wonderful and we know these small grants give vital support to these projects and services.

“We were keen to keep the £80,000 moneypot available and we will be encouraging more groups to apply for support when we open a second round of grants later in the year.”

The council is planning to launch the second round of the Small Grants Scheme at a Festival of Funding in September – an event that will give local groups that support Erewash residents the chance to find out how to apply for a grants as well as information on other sources of possible funding . Details of the event will be confirmed during the summer.

Anyone wanting more details about the scheme and how to apply for a grant can contact the council’s Community Engagement Officer Colin Handley on 0115 907 2244 ext 3575 or email colin.handley@erewash.gov.uk

Information about the grant application process can also be downloaded via the council’s website www.erewash.gov.uk