GROUPS in Liverpool can bid for cash to fund projects that benefit their community.

Liverpool's Lib Dem City Council has made available £300,000 to support community initiatives which contribute to the well being of residents in each of the city's 30 wards. 

Lib Dem Councillor Flo Clucas, Liverpool's executive member for Economic Development and Europe said, "I am delighted that local ward Councillors will have an opportunity to award small grants which can make a big difference to the quality of life for people in their wards.

"We expect the scheme to be popular so we will give priority to those bids which are as inclusive as possible and have a long-lasting benefit to the community."
 
The council hopes the grants will help more local people engage with local councillors and neighbourhood committees when they see immediate tangible results.  Applications are particularly welcomed which enable communities to celebrate the launch of Capital of Culture between January and March 2008 in their localities. 
 
Grants can be between £300 and £5,000 and are available for grass roots groups based in and benefiting residents in their own ward. 

No grants will be given for religious purposes, political activities, to individuals or for children in need/ early years provision, social care or health care as these are covered by other schemes.

For information on The Empowering Neighbourhoods Scheme (TENS) ring the Community Resources Unit on 225-2316 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Application packs are downloadable at 
http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Community_and_living/Community_Grants/index.asp from 13 July. 

The scheme is being run in two rounds with a first round closing date of 13 August. If any money is left in any wards a second round will be run from 5 September with a closing date of 2 November 2007.