The Reporter Series has teamed up with the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) and Voluntary Action Kirklees (VAK) to spread the word about Grassroots Giving.

The £20,000 scheme gives community and voluntary groups the chance to apply for grants of between £250 and £900 from the government's Grassroots Grants Kirklees fund.

The fund is there to give a helping hand to groups who benefit their community.

CFFC chief executive Steve Duncan said: "The economic downturn has placed the income of many Kirklees charities under pressure at a time when demand for their services has been growing. But there are encouraging signs that voluntary and community organisations are up to the challenge.

"These organisations have a talent for coping in adversity, operating with limited resources and coming up with innovative ideas and this partnership with the Reporter Series is a superb way of targeting small grassroots grants to where they are most needed."

The Grassroots Giving scheme is open to any voluntary or community group with a constitution, not just registered charities.

Groups must have been running for at least a year, be run mainly by volunteers, benefit people in Kirklees and have an average income of less than £30,000 per year.
The cash could help a parent and toddler group buy equipment, a sports club buy new kit or an older people's club fund trips.

Groups promoting religion are not eligible for funding but they could apply for a grant for a luncheon club or soup kitchen. Schools are also ineligible for the grants but some after school clubs may be considered.

VAK development worker Sam Lofts, who is available to offer advice on applications, said: "We want to encourage all the community and voluntary groups in Kirklees to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity offered by Grassroots Giving.

"A £900 boost will be of real benefit to many groups who may need a helping hand."

To make an aplication click here or call into the Reporter office to pick up a form.

Completed forms should be posted back to Grassroots Giving, Community Foundation House, 162A King Cross Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 3LN by February 27.

For full terms and conditions click here.