Chance to bid for People's Millions
Community groups and organisations are being encouraged to apply for a share of the People's Millions.
The Big Lottery Fund venture funds projects that transform the local environment or provide opportunities or facilities to allow people to take part and enjoy their local area, and sporting projects within Derbyshire have previously benefited from People's Millions cash.
Working with ITV, People's Millions broke new ground by giving people a say in how Lottery money is spent in local communities throughout the UK, and has funded 229 projects to date.
It hopes to fund 90 new projects in 2008, with grants of up to £50,000+VAT available.
Organisations have until May 15 to enter the contest, and the finalists will be screened on ITV regional evening news programmes later in the year when the public in each region will be able to cast their vote for the projects they want to win the Lottery good cause cash.
Applications for community-based projects are welcome from voluntary and community groups, local authorities, schools, statutory health bodies and social enterprises. Only one application from each local authority will be accepted, but in LEAs each school can submit a separate entry to the competition.
Application packs are available by calling 08450 10 11 12 or by visiting www.peoplesmillions.org.uk
Sir Clive Booth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "People across the UK are being given a new opportunity to have their say directly on where Lottery good cause funding goes in their region through the People's Millions contest.
"The contest has captured the imagination of communities and viewers alike with thousands voting to secure money for community schemes in their area. The competition's popularity and the diverse nature of the projects is testament to its value and shows how dedicated the nation is to improving its wonderful communities."
Last year Derbyshire's People's Millions winners included the Kirk Ireton School Field Eco PLOT project, which scooped £94,000 of Lottery money to create a safe community sport and play area, and the Holmewood's Hyenaz project, which won cash to build a new Multi-Use Games Area.
Earlier in the year Normanton Girls Club in Derby also received a People's Millions grant for their idea of a climbing boulder situated in Derby Arboretum park.
Club organiser, Sham Ahmed said: "Families in this area often can't afford holidays or expensive activities. So the Girl's Club tries to identify the gaps and run activities for the girls such as drumming workshops, break dancing and kickboxing.
"We wanted to cater for everyone in the local community. The boulder caters for different climbing abilities as there is an easier side and a harder side. It is suitable for everyone, from little kids to professional climbers."