Individuals, groups and organisations can soon apply for grants of up to £3,500 for causes and projects that will improve the quality of life for local people .

The Brentwood Borough Council’s Community Fund opens for applications on Monday 6.

With a total of £50,300 available, the fund, which is in its fourth year, has previously given grants to the Moses Basket Project who help struggling families with donations of baby equipment; Brentwood Scout Group to help with refurbishment of a scout hut and Sawyers Hall Church to enable them to provide day trips for older people.

Previous applicants may apply if they are proposing a new project, but priority will be given to those who have not received any previous funding from the Community Fund or the Localism Share Fund. Projects must benefit Brentwood communities, be delivered in the borough and they should demonstrate volunteer or community involvement.

They should also be able to show they are sustainable long term and firmly support the community-based priorities in the Council's Corporate Plan 2013-16 under the key themes of:

• Street Scene and Environment

• Localism

• A Prosperous Borough

• Housing, Health and Wellbeing

• A Safe Borough

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Karen Chilvers, said: “We are lucky to have lots of groups and organisations in the Borough that volunteer and raise money for projects that make a positive difference to the lives of people in our community of all ages. Our Community Fund is here to help and support these projects if they need some financial help to make them happen.”

For more information, including guidance and the application form, visit the Council's website at www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 6th September 2015.

For queries, please contact the Community Services Department on 01277 312500 or email localism@brentwood.gov.uk