Mendip councillors have been celebrating the launch of two, new funds designed to help the district recover and rebuild after the COVID crisis.

They are urging any voluntary, community or not-for-profit organisations to apply for the cash help – and any City, Town, and Parish Council too!

One fund is for community-focused ideas, the other is for climate and ecological emergency projects.

The Communities Fund is aimed at projects that improve and support communities. For example, you may want to improve community facilities or digital connections in your town or village. Maybe you want to expand volunteering schemes or training, or encourage accessibly to the arts, creativity, and our heritage.

The amount of money available for this particular fund is £350,000 in total. Groups can apply for up to £2,000 for smaller projects or up to £30,000 for larger schemes.

APPLY HERE: The Communities Fund www.mendip.gov.uk/cf

The Council has also put aside £50,000 for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Fund, where community organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to fund eco projects. Applications for this fund must demonstrate how projects impact on net-carbon emissions and/or the ecological benefits to the community.

APPLY HERE: Climate and Ecological Emergency Fund www.mendip.gov.uk/ccf

Applications are open NOW! They close at midnight on 31 August 2021, so there's plenty of time to develop your project plans.

Cllr Liz Leyshon, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Projects, said: "I would encourage anyone with a community project in mind to apply for this funding. It could bring a much-wanted idea to life and make a real difference where you live – and the people who live there."

Cllr Tom Ronan, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Policy and Climate Change, said: "If you have an eco idea you are keen to get off the ground, don't hesitate to apply. Mendip District Council wants to facilitate as many climate change initiatives as possible in the district."