COMMUNITY groups in the Somerset West and Taunton council area can now apply for grants of up to £1,000.

The Somerset West and Taunton Voluntary and Community Sector Small Grants Fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation on behalf of the council, is accepting applications until Friday, September 6.

Local charities, community groups and social enterprises can apply for funding towards projects, capital purchases and ongoing running costs.

Last year, 23 local groups were awarded £20,355 from the fund, among them the Friendship Circle of Langford Budville, Wellington Community Counselling, Wellington Mills and Wellington Petanque Club.

Further funding is also available from the Big Energy Switch Fund. Grants of up to £500 for community-led activities that help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, such as fitting LED lighting or ‘smart’ controls in community buildings or minor measures in the homes of vulnerable people, are open for applications until Friday, September 6.

To apply for funding from the Somerset West and Taunton Voluntary and Community Sector Small Grants Fund visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/swt-smallgrants

For the Big Energy Switch Fund visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/bigenergyswitch

Anyone who runs a local community project and would like to find out about the range of grants and social investments on offer from Somerset Community Foundation can call 01749 344949 or visit www.somersetcf.org.uk