Over £3.2m is available to voluntary and community organisations as part of Nottingham City Council’s three year grant aid programme.

Organisations have until 26 September 2008 to apply for funding (at least £5,000). Successful applicants will receive funding from April 2009 to March 2012.

Grants are available for a wide range of activities, including activities that bring older and young people together, supporting unemployed people get back into employment and providing advice and support to women affected by domestic violence.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Communities said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for groups who want funding to support longer term projects that will benefit local communities across Nottingham. We’ve recently reviewed the application process so that it’s easier to understand and we’d encourage all groups who qualify to for funding to apply."

A series of one to one funding workshops are taking place during the second week of September, where organisations can book a 30 minute slot to find out more about the application process, guidance and priorities and to ask questions specific to their project.

All applicants to the three-year grants programme will have to demonstrate how they contribute to one or more of the City Council's funding priorities. Further information and details on how to apply for funding is available at: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/grant-aid  or by phoning 0115 915 8800.

The City Council is also continuing to provide grants to community organisations for smaller projects. Organisations can apply for smaller grants of up to a maximum of £5,000 that must be spent within one year.