COMMUNITY groups are being urged to apply for grants to bring their projects to life before the latest round of council funding closes next month.

The Capital Leverage Fund, now in its sixth round, offers grants of £1,000 to £25,000 to not-for-profit organisations looking to improve or create community facilities.

Eligible projects include renovating village halls, upgrading sports pitches, building playgrounds or enhancing theatres and cultural spaces.

Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement Cllr Ryan Hope said the grants provide a “financial boost to improve and expand facilities that are important to local people”.

He added: “We hope to see many applications, as these projects make a real difference to community life and support healthy, active communities.”

Last year, six local groups shared £88,500, funding projects ranging from community hall renovations to new sports facilities.

This year, the council is particularly encouraging applications that support arts, culture, heritage, climate initiatives and sports development.

Applications must be submitted online by midnight on January 15, with awards considered on January 27.

Projects must meet at least one Dorset Council priority, and cultural initiatives must align with at least one Cultural Strategy priority.

For more information email communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk