Voluntary and community groups can apply to the latest round of community funds provided by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Communities Fund.

Voluntary and community groups are able to apply for four types of community grants from today.

Eligible groups can apply to the different grants to help meet their specific needs in line with the criteria thanks to Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Communities Fund.

The groups eligible can apply for the two types of cost-of-living grants up to £5,000, one aimed at groups helping those struggling to buy nutritious food to help improve health and well-being and build resilience.

And the second is for groups in need of a contribution towards their own rising energy bills to help keep their welcoming and warm centres and halls open across the county, particularly during the winter months.

Groups can also apply for up to £20,000 in capital grants to help towards improvements to facilities that help improve health, wellbeing, and the environment such as improvements to sports facilities, play areas or green spaces.

Revenue grants are also available to help projects with their day-to-day running costs such as paying wages and bills.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000, to help access community-based services for those most in need or for schemes which benefit the environment.

The Gedling Play Forum, at the Wollaton Avenue Community Centre, was awarded £4,860 as part of the last round of cost of living grants to help with rising energy bills.

It also receives £12,208 a year to help with staff costs thanks to revenue funding.

Anne Crosbie, resource centre coordinator at Gedling Play Forum, said that the funding has benefitted the charity, which offers play and creative craft activities for local children that not only help them to be more healthy and active, but encourages youngsters to be more environmentally aware as recycled materials are often used in craft sessions.

She said: “Receiving the cost of living grant earlier this year has meant we are now able to open an extra day and can offer a warm hub for the local community, which is vital as we approach the winter months.

“The support we get to help with staff costs via the revenue grant is invaluable as it means we have been able to retain our member of staff and take on a part time administrator. This has allowed us to increase our work with community partners across the borough.”

She advised those interested in applying to have a look at the questions first and then prepare the figures as this will save time and ensure that one has all the information to hand when completing the application.

Eligible groups who run holiday play schemes or are thinking of running them are invited to attend an online advice session on Thursday, October 5.

To sign up for the session go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/join-our-advice-session-on-ways-to-fund-your-school-holiday-play-schemes-tickets-700128241417?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Councillor Matt Barney, the county council’s cabinet member for Adults and Public Health said: “As we approach the winter months, we are more aware than ever of the tireless work of these groups.

“Their work helps improve the health and well-being of our residents who need it the most.”

For further details of eligibility criteria as well as how to apply go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/LCF

The deadline for applications is 24 November.