CHARITIES and voluntary groups across Bromsgrove are being invited to bid for grants of up to £750 to help fund small community projects.

The Equality Small Grants Scheme is being launched by Bromsgrove District Council and has an overall budget of £10,000.

The scheme will make make funding available for activities that address community issues and support wider community involvement and equality.

Potential projects will need to run between July 21 and March 31 next year and bidding closes at noon on Wednesday June 9.

The bidding process is now open, but groups are advised to only bid for the amount they actually need and will be required to justify their bid.

Council leader, cllr Karen May, said: "The voluntary and community sector provides valuable services to our residents and the district, and we are pleased to support small projects that can make a big difference.

"The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, so hopefully this funding will go towards some exciting and essential projects which will bring our communities together as we navigate our way to another new normal."

The approval process and shortlisting of applications will be completed during June with funds becoming available to organisations from July 1.

Larger voluntary, charitable or community organisations or projects that require more than £750 to be delivered, should consider applying for the Community Grants Scheme 2021/22 instead.

Historically, these projects have helped support older people, young people, men, women, people with a disability, members of the LGBT community and different race and religious groups.